Tax Manager (Estate & Trust)

Who We AreAbout Ascend

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential. For more information, visit .

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for a Tax Manager to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The RoleTax Manager

As a Tax Manager (Estate and Trust) at Lucas Horsfall, you will manage estate and trust tax engagements from start to finish, overseeing the preparation and review of returns and leading the teams that support them. You will apply outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills while managing client relationships and engagement workflow across a portfolio of clients. You will lead the training, supervision, and development of staff, direct and review complex tax research, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and firm leadership on estate and trust tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. This role will be performed in a hybrid environment out of either our Pasadena, CA or Encino, CA office location.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages estate and trust tax engagements from planning through completion, including final review of returns prepared and reviewed by staff and supervisors before partner sign-off.

• Serves as the primary client relationship contact, delivering prompt, professional communication, advising on estate and trust tax matters, and identifying planning opportunities.

• Manages engagement economics, including budgets, scheduling, billing, and realization, and escalates issues to partners proactively.