Senior Accountant (Trust & Estates)

We're looking for a Senior Tax Accountant with real trust and estate tax experience to join our established, independent public accounting firm in the western Chicago suburbs. Trust and estate work isn't a side skill here — it's one of our core specializations. Whether you're already deep in this work or ready to grow into becoming our go-to trust & estate resource, you'll have direct client contact from day one.

Responsibilities

Prepare and/or review trust, estate, and gift tax returns; Support closely held business clients with S-corporation and partnership tax work; Work directly with clients as a trusted point of contact; Build toward a deeper specialization in trust and estate taxation over time, with the potential to become the firm's primary authority in this area; Stay current on federal and Illinois tax law affecting closely held businesses, individuals, trusts, and estates

Requirements

At least 4 years of public accounting experience preparing/reviewing income tax returns, with recent (2023 or later) public accounting experience; Strong, hands-on experience with trust and estate tax returns; Working knowledge of federal and Illinois tax law for closely held businesses (primarily S corporations and partnerships) and individuals; Must already reside in the Chicagoland area — relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available; Able to work onsite full-time; hybrid scheduling is not available until 8+ years of individual experience; Comfortable with a seasonal workload of 55+ hours/week during busy periods (January–April 15 and August–October 15), including some Saturdays

Nice to have

CPA license or EA credential preferred, not required

Benefits

Overtime bonus structure based on annual billable hours; Lifetime 15% commission on new business brought into the firm; 9% discretionary profit-sharing contribution to 401(k), delivered consistently for 20+ years; Full health, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; Paid vacation and paid overtime/comp time; Long-term stability at a firm with 100+ years of history and no intention of selling or merging, plus a genuine partnership track and room to specialize