Tax Practice Leader / Managing CPA

Full Job Description

Tax Practice Leader / Managing CPA

Chicago | Hybrid

We are building a modern accounting platform focused on acquiring and transitioning high-quality local tax and accounting practices from retiring owners.

Our goal is not to create another traditional accounting firm. We are building a long-term platform where experienced professionals can lead client relationships, grow recurring books of business, and participate meaningfully in the success they help create without the burden of starting and operating a firm entirely on their own.

We are seeking a relationship-oriented CPA or experienced tax professional to help lead and transition an established client base from a retiring CPA owner.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• enjoys working directly with individuals and small business clients,
• wants autonomy and leadership responsibility,
• values flexibility and operational support,
• and is interested in long-term economic participation and growth.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

Unlike traditional firms, our platform centralizes much of the operational burden that often leads professionals to burnout:

• workflow management
• technology and systems
• billing and collections
• administrative support
• client onboarding processes
• operational infrastructure

This allows our professionals to focus on:

• client relationships,
• advisory work,
• review and oversight,
• and helping grow the business.

We are looking for someone who wants to become a long-term leader within the platform, not simply prepare returns.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of individual and small business clients
• Review and oversee tax preparation work
• Provide tax planning and advisory support
• Help transition and retain clients from retiring firm owners
• Maintain high-touch client service and responsiveness
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and client growth
• Collaborate with centralized operations and administrative teams
• Help mentor and guide junior staff as the platform grows

Ideal Background

• CPA preferred, but experienced tax professionals or EAs with strong client management experience will also be considered
• Experience working directly with individual and small business tax clients
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build trust with long-standing clients
• Entrepreneurial mindset with interest in helping grow a business
• Comfortable operating with autonomy and leadership responsibility

Compensation & Long-Term Opportunity

Compensation is designed to align long-term incentives and reward professionals who help grow and retain client relationships.

Structure includes:

• Competitive base compensation
• Performance and retention incentives
• Revenue/profit participation opportunities
• Long-term phantom equity or economic participation opportunities for key leaders

We believe the future of accounting is built around strong client relationships supported by modern operational infrastructure and aligned incentives.

About Us

Lakeview Financial Services LLC is a growing accounting and tax platform focused on serving individuals and small businesses while helping retiring firm owners transition their legacy and client relationships responsibly.

We are building a scalable, modern, relationship-driven firm designed for the next generation of accounting professionals.

Pay: $130,000.00 – $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Tax accounting: 8 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPA (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60657 (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60657