5 Pillars Recruiting

Top Talent. Faster. Guaranteed.

Hiring shouldn't slow
your business down.

We help growing companies hire high-impact talent without the delays, noise, or guesswork.

What makes us different?

Most companies waste weeks sorting through unqualified candidates, juggling multiple recruiters, and still missing on key hires.

At 5 Pillars Recruiting, we cut through the noise — delivering pre-vetted, high-quality candidates who are ready to make an impact from day one.

We offer customized solutions based on your unique needs — no cookie-cutter process, no unnecessary delays.

Professional recruiter in a meeting
Cary Friedlander, Founder & Principal of 5 Pillars Recruiting

Cary Friedlander

Founder & Principal

Before recruiting, Cary spent 12 years as a gold and silver spread futures trader, which gave him a deep, practical understanding of finance and of what it takes to perform under pressure. He has now been recruiting for over four years, first at two boutique firms and now as founder of 5 Pillars.

Today he specializes in tax, accounting, finance, legal, and medical roles, recruits across every industry for clients nationwide, and builds relationships that last well beyond a single hire.

Our Five Pillars are the keys to our success.

We offer customized solutions based on your unique needs.

I

Speed Without Sacrificing Quality

We move fast — but only with candidates who meet your exact needs.

II

Pre-Vetted Talent Only

No resume dumps. Every candidate is screened and qualified before you see them.

III

Flexible & Transparent

No exclusivity required. Simple, fair terms. Our goal is for your role to be filled.

IV

Guaranteed Results

We stand behind every placement with a replacement guarantee.

V

Partnership Over Transactions

We don't just fill roles — we act as an extension of your team, invested in your long-term success.

Real experience. Simple terms. A direct line to the founder.

15+

Years in finance and recruiting

1

Point of contact from first call to signed offer: you work directly with the founder

0

Exclusivity required, ever

100%

Of candidates personally screened before you see them

Nationwide

Clients in markets of every size

What clients and candidates say.

“
I've worked with Cary for over four years now. … He's taken all my feedback seriously, learned what matters to me most, and delivered quality candidates repeatedly. … We continue to use him for our clients and recommend him to our external third-party advisors, because he genuinely cares, both about the organizations and the people he is attempting to place.
Kristine Bly Managing Partner, Nika Advisors
“
Cary took the time to understand our business needs, company culture, and long-term objectives, ensuring that every candidate presented was highly qualified and aligned with our goals. His responsiveness, attention to detail, and dedication to building strong relationships made the hiring process efficient and seamless. Cary is a trusted recruiting partner who exceeded expectations.
Jim Chilton CFO, Jolin Enterprises
“
Cary filled our Senior Tax Manager role in under a month. He understood what our firm needed from the very first conversation, every candidate he presented was qualified, and he made the entire process easy. I'd recommend him to any firm hiring tax and accounting talent.
Mathew R. Managing Member, Boutique Tax & Family Office Firm
“
He takes the time to understand your professional background, experience, career objectives and what truly matters to you. … I always felt that I had someone in my corner who was looking out for my interests while maintaining strong relationships and credibility with the hiring organization.
Todd L. Cromwell, CPA, CGMA Senior Controller, Pinnacle Asset Management
“
What I appreciate most is the personal touch he brings to the recruiting process. He takes the time to listen, understand our needs, and work hard to find the right fit for our organization.
Tess Genato HR Manager, Delagnes, Mitchel & Linder, LLP

How it works.

Simple. Fast. Effective. We streamline the hiring process so you can focus on running your business.

1

Tell Us What You Need

Share your hiring goals, role requirements, and ideal candidate profile. We take the time to understand not just the job — but your team, culture, and long-term objectives.

2

We Source Top Talent

We proactively identify candidates using multiple channels including LinkedIn Recruiter, proprietary databases, referrals, and platforms not accessible to the general public.

3

We Rigorously Vet Candidates

Every candidate goes through a thorough screening process, including experience validation, skill alignment, and cultural fit assessment — so you only see qualified, high-impact talent.

4

You Interview the Best

We present a curated shortlist of top candidates, saving you time and eliminating unqualified applicants. You focus only on high-probability hires.

5

Make the Hire with Confidence

Select the right candidate knowing they've been fully vetted. We support you through offer, negotiation, and onboarding to ensure a smooth close.

Ready to hire the right person?

Let's talk about your open role and how we can help you fill it quickly.

Schedule a Call

Looking for your next opportunity?

We work with top companies across multiple industries. Explore open roles or submit your resume.

Meet Cary Friedlander

Founder & Principal, 5 Pillars Recruiting
Cary Friedlander

A trader's discipline. A recruiter's instinct.

Before I made my first placement, I spent 12 years as a gold and silver spread futures trader. Trading teaches you to read situations quickly, make decisions when real stakes are on the line, and stay disciplined when it would be easier not to. It also gave me a deep, practical understanding of finance: the language, the pressure, and what it actually takes to succeed in the roles my clients hire for.

I moved into recruiting more than four years ago, starting at two boutique firms, where I learned that great recruiting comes down to relationships. It starts with truly understanding what a client needs. That means not just the job description, but the team, the culture, and what success looks like a year from now. It also means getting to know candidates well enough to recognize when a role is genuinely right for them, and being honest when it isn't. When both sides trust you, the right match follows.

I founded 5 Pillars Recruiting to work that way from day one: fewer, better candidates, straight talk, and a partner who stays invested long after the offer is signed.

Core Specialties

TaxAccountingFinanceLegalMedical

These are where I go deepest, but I recruit in any space. If you have a role to fill, I can help.

Local Roots, Nationwide Reach

I'm based in Frederick, Maryland, about an hour from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, and I work with clients across the country. No market is too big or too small.

Outside the Office

I was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and lived in Philadelphia and New York City before settling back in Maryland. I've been married for five years, and together we're raising a young son and identical twin daughters, along with our two English bulldogs. When I'm not working, you'll find me traveling, cooking, spending time with my family, or watching sports, ideally from the stands.

5 Pillars Recruiting

Recruiting built for
growing companies.

We partner with startups, scaling teams, and established businesses to fill critical roles quickly and effectively.

Services for Client Partners

Direct Hire Recruiting

Full-cycle recruiting from search to placement. We find, vet, and deliver the right permanent hires for your team.

Executive Search

Confidential, high-touch search for leadership and C-suite positions where the stakes demand precision.

High-Volume Hiring

Scalable recruiting solutions designed for rapid headcount growth without sacrificing quality or speed.

Specialized Roles

Deep expertise in tax, accounting, finance, legal, and medical hiring, where industry knowledge makes the difference between a résumé match and the right hire. We recruit across every other function too.

Services for Candidate Partners

Custom Resume Building

Tailored resume writing and strategy based on your unique background, target role, and career goals.

5 Pillars Recruiting

Build Your Team
with Confidence

We connect you with high-impact talent tailored to your needs, so you can focus on growing your business.

Our Recruiting Practice Areas

We go deepest in tax, accounting, finance, legal, and medical, where our background and network give clients a real edge. But our process works for any role at any level, so if you're hiring, we can help.

Tax & Accounting

From staff accountants and tax associates to CPAs, tax managers, and controllers.

Finance

Analysts, FP&A, treasury, and finance leadership up to the CFO, recruited by someone who spent 12 years in the markets.

Legal

Paralegals, attorneys, and compliance professionals who understand both risk and business priorities.

Medical

Clinical, administrative, and practice-management talent for healthcare organizations of every size.

Beyond Our Specialties

We also recruit for HR, administrative, operations, technology, sales, and more. If you have a role to fill, we'll find the right person. Submit your hiring needs below and we'll take it from there.

Submit a Job Opening

Tell us about your open role and we'll get to work.

“
Building a good working relationship takes time, trust, and consistency, and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed developing that relationship over the years. … I would happily recommend Cary to anyone looking for a recruiter who combines professionalism with a personable, relationship-driven approach.
Tess Genato HR Manager, Delagnes, Mitchel & Linder, LLP
5 Pillars Recruiting

Your Next Opportunity
Starts Here

We work with growing companies across a wide range of industries to connect them with top talent. Explore our current openings below.

If you don't see the right fit, submit your resume on the Submit Resume page and we'll reach out when the right opportunity opens up.

Houston, TX · Hybrid

Tax Advisor

Fast-growing CPA firm seeks a CPA to review complex returns, advise clients, and lead a tax team, with a true work-life balance. $90K–$120K base.

View Role →
Hendersonville, NC · On-Site

AP Specialist / Accountant

Well-established automotive dealership seeks a detail-oriented AP Specialist to manage vendor payments, reconciliations, and month-end support for its accounting team. $50K–$65K base.

View Role →
Remote · U.S. (excl. NY & CA)

Tax Manager

Lead a growing firm's entire tax department: final review of complex returns, team leadership, and process improvement. Fully remote. $120K–$170K base.

View Role →
Edmond, OK · Hybrid

Tax Manager / Senior Tax Manager

Established Oklahoma CPA firm seeks a CPA or EA to lead tax planning and compliance, advise clients, and mentor a growing team. $100K–$150K base.

View Role →
7 Markets Nationwide · Field-Based

Territory Sales Representative, Welding Supply

Turn hands-on welding experience into a sales career. Company vehicle, unlimited commission, and a clear path to management. $60K–$80K base, $90K–$130K+ OTE.

View Role →
Arizona · Remote

Litigation Associate Attorney

Well-established civil litigation firm seeks an Arizona-licensed associate to own cases from intake through resolution, with partner mentorship and real work-life balance. $100K–$170K base.

View Role →
Mayfield Heights, OH · On-Site

Senior Tax Accountant

Established public accounting firm seeks a CPA or EA to prepare complex returns, review staff work, and help train junior accountants. $80K–$95K base + bonus.

View Role →
Remote · Eastern, Central or Mountain Time

Tax Manager, Single Family Office

Be the in-house tax expert for a single family office: multi-year tax strategy, wealth transfer planning, compliance, and analysis. CPA and family office experience required. $150K–$175K base.

View Role →

Tax Advisor

Location Houston, TX Work Schedule Hybrid Type Direct Hire Function Tax & Accounting Salary $90,000–$120,000

A Career Without Sacrificing Your Life

Many tax professionals want a firm where they can build a successful career without giving up their personal lives. Our client has created a sustainable public accounting environment: workweeks average about 45 hours during tax season, with alternate Fridays off in the summer and two weeks off in December to spend with family and recharge. The role is hybrid, combining in-office collaboration with time working from home.

This is an opportunity to join a growing CPA firm that values its people, invests in their development, and provides a clear path for advancement.

Who This Role Is For

This role is ideal for a CPA who enjoys both the technical side of tax and the relationship side of public accounting. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients while leading, mentoring, and developing members of the tax team. Rather than spending all your time behind the scenes reviewing returns, you'll build client relationships, answer planning questions, take part in tax strategy discussions, and become an integral part of a growing firm.

What You'll Do

  • Review complex individual, partnership, S-Corporation, and corporate tax returns
  • Manage a portfolio of business and individual clients, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the year
  • Meet with clients to discuss tax planning opportunities, answer questions, and provide proactive guidance
  • Mentor, train, and develop tax staff through coaching, technical review, and ongoing support
  • Delegate work, manage workflow, and ensure projects are completed accurately and on time
  • Assist partners with tax planning, research, and special projects
  • Build long-term client relationships and identify opportunities to add value
  • Participate in process improvements that strengthen the firm's tax practice

What Success Looks Like

  • Clients see you as a trusted advisor, not simply their tax preparer
  • Staff members grow under your leadership and mentorship
  • Tax engagements are delivered accurately, efficiently, and on schedule
  • You help strengthen the firm's client relationships and reputation
  • You contribute to the practice's growth through exceptional client service and leadership

What We're Looking For

  • CPA license required
  • 5+ years of public accounting tax experience
  • Experience reviewing complex individual and business tax returns
  • Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading tax professionals preferred
  • Strong client communication and relationship management skills
  • Experience with tax planning and advisory work
  • Excellent technical tax knowledge
  • Desire to grow into larger leadership responsibilities

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $90,000–$120,000
  • Annual performance and merit increases
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Profit-sharing program
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health insurance and paid time off
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • About 45-hour weeks in tax season, alternate summer Fridays off, and two weeks off in December
  • Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
  • Supportive, collaborative culture that promotes long-term careers

Why Our Client

Our client is a fast-growing CPA firm serving closely held businesses nationwide. The firm has built an outstanding reputation for client service while maintaining a people-first culture.

This is more than a tax role. It's an opportunity to become a leader within a growing firm, work directly with clients, mentor the next generation of tax professionals, and advance as the firm continues to expand.

AP Specialist / Accountant

Location Hendersonville, NC Work Schedule On-Site Type Direct Hire, Full-Time Function Tax & Accounting Salary $50,000–$65,000

About the Opportunity

Our client, a well-established automotive dealership in North Carolina, is seeking an experienced AP Specialist / Accountant to join its accounting team. This is a full-time, on-site position reporting to the Controller. The role plays a vital part in supporting dealership operations through accurate vendor payments, reconciliations, and accounting records.

The ideal candidate brings exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable organization that values teamwork, accountability, and long-term employee success.

Accounts Payable

  • Process vendor invoices and ensure timely, accurate payments
  • Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving documentation
  • Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
  • Prepare weekly check runs and electronic payments
  • Maintain organized AP files and supporting documentation
  • Communicate with vendors regarding payment inquiries and account issues

Accounting Support

  • Assist with month-end close activities and account reconciliations
  • Support the Controller and accounting team with reporting and special projects
  • Support audit requests and documentation needs
  • Maintain accurate accounting records and filing systems
  • Assist with additional dealership accounting functions as needed

Qualifications

  • Accounts payable and/or general accounting experience
  • Automotive dealership experience preferred, but not required
  • Title clerk experience is a plus
  • Experience with CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, or a similar dealership management system is a plus
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What We're Looking For

  • A dependable, detail-oriented professional
  • A strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • A positive attitude and team-first mentality
  • The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $50,000–$65,000
  • Full-time, on-site schedule
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Stable, growing organization with long-term career growth opportunities
  • Supportive leadership team and positive culture

Tax Manager

Location Remote, U.S. (any state except NY & CA) Work Schedule Fully Remote, Full-Time Type Direct Hire Function Tax & Accounting Salary $120,000–$170,000

Role Overview

As Tax Manager, you'll oversee our client's full tax department, making sure every client engagement meets the highest standards of accuracy, strategy, and service. The role centers on final review of complex returns and on managing and mentoring the tax team.

Your leadership will guide tax operations from return preparation through delivery and ongoing strategy implementation. This role isn't just about reviewing returns. It's about building a high-performing team, refining systems, and upholding a culture of quality, care, and technical excellence.

This is a fully remote position. Candidates can be based in any U.S. state except New York and California.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the tax return division
  • Conduct final reviews of complex individual, partnership, and corporate returns for accuracy and compliance
  • Oversee team workflow to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables
  • Mentor and train preparers, planners, and reviewers to maintain firm standards
  • Review and approve tax strategies developed by the team
  • Collaborate with leadership to improve systems, processes, and efficiency
  • Address and resolve complex tax issues and questions
  • Support client relationships through clear communication and technical excellence
  • Stay current on federal and state tax law

Requirements

  • CPA license required
  • 10+ years of public accounting experience, with significant review and management experience
  • Expertise in complex business and individual returns, including partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, and multi-state filings
  • Proven ability to lead and mentor a team
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. tax law, planning strategies, and compliance standards
  • Exceptional attention to detail and analytical thinking
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $120,000–$170,000
  • Fully remote, full-time schedule
  • Health benefits
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Supportive, growth-oriented team culture

About the Firm

Our client is a growing tax firm that holds itself to high standards of professionalism and integrity. Its culture is built on genuine care for clients and teammates, clear and transparent communication, and a team that learns quickly and acts decisively. People there love what they do and bring real energy to the work. In this role, you'll help carry that culture across the entire tax function.

Tax Manager / Senior Tax Manager

Location Edmond, OK Work Schedule Hybrid, Full-Time Type Direct Hire Function Tax & Accounting Salary $100,000–$150,000

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established CPA and accounting firm that has served Oklahoma businesses and individuals for decades. The firm offers a full range of accounting and tax services, with a focus on minimizing taxes and providing expert guidance that helps clients reach their financial goals.

Role Overview

This is a full-time Tax Manager / Senior Tax Manager role based in Edmond, OK, with a hybrid schedule that includes work-from-home flexibility. You'll oversee tax planning, compliance, and preparation, advise clients on tax-related issues, and help develop the next generation of the firm's tax professionals.

What You'll Do

  • Oversee tax planning, compliance, and preparation for business and individual clients
  • Ensure adherence to federal and state tax law
  • Advise clients on tax-related issues and provide strategic tax planning guidance
  • Prepare and review tax filings
  • Conduct thorough tax research on complex issues
  • Manage and mentor junior tax staff

Qualifications

  • CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) required
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in a similar role
  • Expertise in tax planning, compliance, and preparation
  • Strong command of tax law and overall tax principles
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience managing and mentoring junior tax staff
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Compensation & Schedule

  • Base salary: $100,000–$150,000
  • Hybrid schedule with work-from-home flexibility
  • Full-time position with an established, long-standing firm

Territory Sales Representative, Welding Supply

Location Multiple markets (see below) Work Schedule Field-Based, Full-Time Type Direct Hire Function Sales Compensation $60K–$80K base · $90K–$130K+ OTE

About Our Client

Our client is a rapidly growing division of a long-established, family-owned welding supply company. They deliver welding wire, abrasives, welding consumables, and technical support directly to fabrication, structural steel, trailer manufacturing, utility, and industrial customers through a unique mobile service model, with the goal of becoming the leading field-based welding consumables supplier in every market they serve.

Open Markets

  • Elkhart, IN area
  • Chicago, IL
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Eastern Ohio / Western Pennsylvania (including Wheeling, WV)
  • Boston, MA
  • Tampa, FL
  • Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

When you apply, please note which market you're interested in.

Who This Role Is For

This is a rare chance to move from the shop floor into a customer-facing sales career. The client can teach sales. What they need is people who already understand welding and are hungry to grow. Candidates early in their careers are especially encouraged to apply.

  • Hands-on welding experience or strong welding industry knowledge
  • Background as a welder, fabricator, welding technician, welding inspector, or inside welding supply representative
  • Enjoy building relationships and helping customers solve problems
  • Motivated by income growth and personal development
  • Coachable, competitive, and self-disciplined
  • Strong communication skills
  • Comfortable working independently in a territory

What You'll Do

  • Develop new business within your assigned territory
  • Call on fabrication shops, structural steel companies, trailer manufacturers, machine shops, precast companies, and industrial accounts
  • Conduct product demonstrations and welding process reviews
  • Grow consumable sales through direct customer relationships
  • Identify cost savings and productivity improvements for customers
  • Maintain existing business while aggressively pursuing new accounts
  • Work closely with leadership on strategic account development

Compensation

  • Base salary: $60,000–$80,000
  • Monthly commission based on gross profit growth, with unlimited earnings potential
  • Year 1 on-target earnings: $90,000–$130,000+
  • Top performers have the opportunity to exceed these earnings significantly

Benefits

  • Company vehicle or vehicle allowance, plus gas card
  • Cell phone allowance
  • Laptop and technology package
  • Health insurance
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • 401(k)
  • Ongoing sales and product training
  • Mentorship directly from senior leadership

Career Path

  • Year 1: Territory Sales Representative
  • Years 2–3: Senior Territory Representative
  • Years 3–5: Regional Manager / New Market Development
  • Long-term: Leadership opportunities as the company expands nationally

Why This Opportunity

  • Stable, family-owned company with an entrepreneurial culture
  • Strong inventory position and direct sourcing advantage
  • Significant market expansion happening now
  • The chance to build a territory and a business within a growing company
  • Direct access to executive leadership and a clear path for advancement

Litigation Associate Attorney

Location Arizona (active AZ license required) Work Schedule Remote, Full-Time Type Direct Hire Function Legal Salary $100,000–$170,000

The Opportunity

Competitive pay, strong benefits, bonuses, meaningful experience, and real work-life balance. Our client, a well-established law firm, is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney for its Arizona practice. This is a remote position.

You'll work directly with a partner, serve as a key point of contact for clients and opposing counsel, and take ownership of your cases from start to finish. While you'll receive guidance from experienced partners, the role offers strong opportunities to build independence in managing cases and developing strategy.

About the Firm

The firm represents homeowners and business owners nationwide, taking a proactive, structured approach to complex legal challenges. The team is known for high-level legal work and a collaborative, supportive, people-first culture. You'll gain exposure to sophisticated matters across the full lifecycle of a case, working alongside attorneys who have handled high-stakes litigation from pre-litigation through appeal.

What You'll Do

  • Work directly with firm partners on all aspects of civil litigation
  • Manage cases from intake through resolution
  • Draft pleadings, motions, and discovery
  • Conduct legal research and prepare written advocacy
  • Appear at hearings, take and defend depositions, and assist with trial work
  • Communicate directly with clients and opposing counsel

What You'll Need

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active license to practice law in Arizona
  • 1–7 years of civil litigation experience preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to manage cases effectively
  • Strong legal research and writing skills (candidates still developing here should be open to feedback and committed to improving)
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Desire to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility
  • Experience in real property or insurance coverage is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $100,000–$170,000
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Remote, full-time schedule
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and flexible spending account
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Flexible PTO
  • Direct mentorship from experienced partners
  • Clear path for advancement, plus leadership and management development opportunities

Senior Tax Accountant

Location Mayfield Heights, OH Work Schedule 100% On-Site, Full-Time Type Direct Hire Function Tax & Accounting Salary $80,000–$95,000 + Bonus

Position Overview

An established public accounting firm is seeking a Senior Tax Accountant to join its team in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. The firm provides tax preparation and planning, accounting and attest services, and management advisory services to individuals and businesses.

You'll prepare complex tax returns, review less complex returns prepared by staff accountants, and help develop and train junior team members. It's an ideal next step for a CPA or Enrolled Agent with public accounting tax experience who is ready to take on more complex engagements and review responsibilities.

What You'll Do

  • Prepare complex federal and state income tax returns for individuals and business entities
  • Prepare and review individual, partnership, S corporation, and corporate returns
  • Review less complex returns prepared by junior staff for accuracy, completeness, and compliance
  • Assist with tax planning and identify tax-saving opportunities for clients
  • Research federal and state tax regulations and apply findings to client situations
  • Communicate with clients to gather documentation and resolve tax questions
  • Train, mentor, and review the work of junior tax accountants
  • Coordinate with firm leadership to manage workflow and meet filing deadlines
  • Maintain accurate workpapers, supporting documentation, and client records
  • Assist with tax notices, amended returns, and other compliance matters

Qualifications

  • Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) designation required
  • About 3–5 years of tax experience, preferably in public accounting
  • Experience preparing individual and business tax returns
  • Experience reviewing returns, or readiness to take on review responsibilities
  • Knowledge of federal and state tax regulations, research, and planning
  • Ability to manage multiple client engagements and meet deadlines
  • Experience assisting with staff training or mentoring preferred
  • Familiarity with professional tax preparation software

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, 100% in-office position in Mayfield Heights, OH. During tax season, expect roughly 50–60 hours per week. Hours ramp up gradually as peak filing periods approach rather than jumping straight to the full busy-season schedule.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $80,000–$95,000, depending on experience and credentials (CPAs may qualify for the higher end of the range)
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for the employee, with spouse and dependent coverage available
  • 401(k) retirement plan

Tax Manager, Single Family Office

Location Remote (Eastern, Central, or Mountain time zones only) Work Schedule Fully Remote, Full-Time Type Direct Hire Function Tax & Accounting Salary $150,000–$175,000

About the Role

Our client is a single family office supporting a family and its related entities, investments, and operating businesses. The team is small, the work is varied, and the standard is high. Because the office serves one family rather than a book of clients, this person sees the entire financial picture and has an unusually direct line to the decisions that matter.

As the office's in-house tax expert, you'll lead tax planning and compliance across a complex set of entities and be the go-to person when a question needs a clear, well-supported answer quickly. This is a hands-on role with real ownership, reporting to the Director of Finance & Accounting.

This position is fully remote. Candidates must be based in the Eastern, Central, or Mountain time zone; Pacific time zone candidates will not be considered.

Tax Strategy

  • Build and own a multi-year tax plan for the principal, the family, and related entities, revisiting it as circumstances and the law change
  • Model after-tax outcomes before decisions are made: investment entries and exits, entity selection, deal structure, compensation, and major purchases or sales
  • Plan the timing and character of income and deductions, including gain/loss harvesting, installment sales, §1031 exchanges, QSBS, PTET elections, and NIIT, AMT, and carried interest exposure
  • Work with outside estate counsel on trust and gifting structures (GRATs, IDGTs, SLATs, dynasty trusts, intra-family loans) and the compliance that follows
  • Structure charitable giving across a private foundation and donor-advised vehicles
  • Recommend how new investments, businesses, and real estate should be held, and revisit structures that have outlived their purpose
  • Manage domicile, nexus, apportionment, and the multi-state filing footprint
  • Direct outside tax, legal, valuation, and investment advisors toward a single coherent plan
  • Present recommendations and trade-offs directly to the principal and family in clear, non-technical terms

Tax Compliance

  • Own the annual tax calendar across individuals, partnerships, S and C corporations, trusts, and private foundations
  • Serve as day-to-day contact for outside tax advisors: prepare and review workpapers and substantively review draft returns
  • Project taxable income and coordinate estimated payments against the family's liquidity needs
  • Maintain tax basis across the portfolio, including complex and late-arriving K-1s from alternative investments
  • Resolve notices and manage examinations through to closure
  • Document structures, elections, basis, and filing positions so the family's tax history lives in-house

Financial Analysis, Accounting & Operations

  • Turn around ad hoc analysis quickly: liquidity scenarios, buy/sell decisions, financing options, and after-tax return comparisons
  • Review the family's monthly reporting dashboard and monitor portfolio performance and allocation
  • Maintain the profits-interest model for the family's investment management company
  • Prepare and review operating and capital budgets
  • Manage the monthly close and books for multiple legal entities, and strengthen internal controls
  • Oversee payroll reporting and compliance, and manage cash flow, liquidity, and capital calls across entities
  • Support real estate transactions, entity formations, philanthropic administration, and other special projects, including concierge-type support to the family as needed

Requirements

  • Active CPA license required
  • Family office experience required: either at a single or multi-family office, or at a firm where you worked directly with family office clients
  • 6–10 years of progressive tax experience, including meaningful time in public accounting (Big 4, national, or strong regional firm) or tax law
  • Technical depth in individual and pass-through taxation, with working knowledge of trusts, private foundations, and complex partnership K-1s
  • Proven tax planning experience, not compliance alone, with specific strategies you identified, modeled, and implemented
  • Working familiarity with wealth transfer mechanics and how estate planning documents flow through to the returns
  • Direct advisory experience presenting recommendations to clients or principals
  • Strong financial modeling and advanced Excel skills, including multi-year, after-tax scenario analysis
  • Experience keeping books for multiple related entities in a general ledger system (Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar)
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

Preferred

  • MST, JD, or LLM in taxation
  • Exposure to alternative investments, real estate partnerships, and closely held operating businesses
  • Hands-on experience designing and funding wealth transfer structures
  • Experience directing outside tax, legal, and valuation advisors through a single engagement
  • Transaction-driven planning experience: QSBS, §1031 exchanges, installment sales, opportunity zones, or entity restructurings

Who Thrives Here

  • Genuine ownership: work comes back finished, and you follow through without reminders
  • Judgment about priorities: you know what has to happen today and flag trade-offs early
  • Warmth and composure: you work directly with family members, staff, and advisors, and stay gracious under pressure
  • Absolute discretion with sensitive personal and financial information
  • Comfort with range: a basis question one hour, a property closing the next
  • Low ego, high standards, and the honesty to say “let me find out”

Compensation

  • Base salary: $150,000–$175,000
  • Fully remote, full-time, exempt position
5 Pillars Recruiting

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Throughout the entire process, Cary was knowledgeable, responsive, transparent and genuinely invested in achieving the right outcome. … I would recommend Cary without reservation to any executive considering a career move.
Todd L. Cromwell, CPA, CGMA Senior Controller, Pinnacle Asset Management

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