Senior Manager, Fiduciary Tax

Job Description

Job Description

First Merchants is seeking a Senior Manager, Fiduciary Tax to join our company! This position will organize and direct the delivery of all First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (FMPWA) fiduciary and wealth management tax related matters. They will be responsible for setting direction and ensuring that decisions are aligned with FMPWA strategic initiatives and growth plans and make recommendations on and aid in the implementation of technological solutions in conjunction with FMPWA’s strategy.

As part of this role you will:

• Set strategic direction for the tax team in connection with the Private Wealth Advisor's (PWA) mission and fiduciary and tax reporting obligations.
• Develop clear policies and procedures in collaboration with wealth managers, administrative support, Director of Operations, Director of Digital Strategy and Risk and Compliance Manager.
  • Take ownership and ensure all have a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities in relationship to processes.
  • Provide tax related expertise as it relates to PWA technology strategy and solutions.
• Direct, oversee and support all aspects of fiduciary tax return preparation and wealth management tax reporting for FMPWA including:
  • Trust and fiduciary income tax returns (including trusts, estates, exempt organizations and private foundations).
  • 990PF tax returns for private foundations.
  • Selected individual tax returns.
  • Federal Form 706 and Form 709, Form 5498, Form 5500.
  • All other 1099 and related reporting for investment accounts, custody accounts, and individual retirement accounts
• Ensure process efficiency by proactive, coordinated engagement among team members and vendors to address issues and questions and provide guidance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable banking, regulatory, and tax reporting standards (including OCC, FDIC, IRS and state taxing authority guidelines). Ensure continued compliance with tax law and legislative matters while leading the Tax Committee and communicating with team members, the wealth management team, and external partners.
• Stay abreast of changes in fiduciary, individual, and related tax law, and provide internal guidance and training to staff on fiduciary tax concepts and evolving regulations. Engage with financial planning efforts as they relate to tax matters.
• Deep expertise in fiduciary tax law, estate and gift taxation, and fiduciary accounting principles.

To be successful in this position, we require the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, tax, finance, economics, or similar field.
• CPA, EA, JD, or LLM
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in fiduciary taxation, estate and trust planning, or high-net-worth tax strategy, ideally within a bank, trust company, or accounting firm.
• Expertise in fiduciary tax law, estate and gift taxation, and fiduciary accounting principles.

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!