Zenbooks offers a fresh new take on accounting. Specializing in cloud-based software and virtual bookkeeping, we help small-medium businesses better manage their finances in a collaborative and paperless way. We help our business owners by solving their problems and giving them honest advice. Existing entirely online, our team of remote experts utilizes innovative technologies to empower business owners with the tools they need to grow their businesses efficiently and effectively. With a strong belief in company culture, we continuously challenge ourselves to provide exemplary service to clients and employees alike.
It's not just a job, be part of the change in the industry!
All in an accessible, independent, self-managed setting AKA the comfort of your home! Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, we serve clients from coast to coast all while remaining 100% paperless. We rely on cloud-based solutions such as Zoom to communicate and manage clients. If youre looking to join an innovative new company disrupting an old industry, wed love to have you.
Position Overview
The Tax Manager will oversee a team of three (two seniors and one junior), while working directly with small business clients across Canada. The role will primarily focus on reviewing files prepared by the tax team, but will also require hands-on preparation for more complex engagements (such as advanced tax planning, restructuring, and compliance) and during tax season.
This position is ideal for a highly skilled Canadian tax professional who thrives in a remote environment, enjoys working closely with entrepreneurs, and is committed to building both strong client relationships and high-performing teams in a technologically evolving firm.
Key Responsibilities
- Review corporation, partnership, personal, and trust tax returns prepared by team members for accuracy, compliance, and optimization opportunities.
- Collaborate with the clients lawyers and investment advisors for tax planning or strategy efforts.
- Identify tax credits, deductions, and planning opportunities to minimize client tax liabilities in both the short and long term.
- Conduct and/or review research on complex tax issues and prepare clear, concise technical memoranda.
- Advise on corporate reorganizations, succession planning, mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border issues.
- Address CRA inquiries, reviews, and audit requests, communicating with both clients and the CRA to resolve matters efficiently.
- Supervise and mentor a team of three, providing guidance, review notes, and technical support to foster professional growth.
- Participate in hiring and onboarding of tax staff when needed.
- Lead or participate in internal training sessions to keep the team up to date on the latest changes in tax legislation and best practices.
- Maintain and refine tax templates, processes, and standard operating procedures for efficiency.
- Monitor the quality and consistency of deliverables and ensure that deadlines are met.
- Collaborate with the Director of Tax to ensure service profitability and identify opportunities for scope expansion or new services.
- Take on complex file preparation for advanced planning or compliance engagements.
- Provide preparatory assistance during tax season to ensure timely delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Canadian CPA designation.
- Completion of CPA Canadas In-Depth Tax Program or a Master of Taxation degree.
- Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 57 years of experience as a tax accountant in a Canadian public accounting firm.
- In-depth knowledge of Canadian tax legislation (Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act).
- Strong knowledge of Canadian tax incentives and credits.
- Moderate to advanced experience in tax advisory and planning (e.g. corporate restructuring, mergers & acquisitions, succession planning).
- Fundamental understanding of cross-border tax issues and compliance.
- Proficiency with Canadian tax software (e.g., TaxCycle, TaxPrep).
- 12 years of supervisory experience.
- Strong client relationship management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and French.
- Experience with U.S. tax compliance and regulations.
- Proficiency with cloud-based accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks Online).
Key Attributes for Success
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Strong decision-making and advanced analytical abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
Benefits & Perks
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $100,000 - $130,000 Annually
- 5 Personal Days + 15 Vacation days + 1 week off during the winter holidays
- 100% Employer-paid Health benefits (medical, dental, disability, life insurance, and vision) (including EAP) and flexible health spending account
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- 100% Employer-paid Laptop, monitor, keyboard and mouse
- 100% Employer-paid Ergonomic assessment of your home office (Virtual)
- Flexible work schedule
How to Apply:
- Submit your Resume and Cover Letter through the platform where you found this posting or directly on our website.
Our Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: Selected candidates will be invited to a phone interview with our People Operations Generalist so we can learn more about you.
- Case Activity: Candidates moving forward will be asked to participate in a Case Activity. Access to Excel or Google Sheets is required.
- Interview with Leadership: Candidates progressing to the final stage will take part in a 2-way video interview with the management team.
- Final Stage: The selected candidate will be extended an offer and introduced to the team!
remote work