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Tax Controversy Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tax Controversy Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Tax Controversy Manager WFFA Advisors New York, NY or Floral Park, NY | Hybrid About WFFA Advisors WFFA Advisors is a New York based accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving a sophisticated client ...

Manager Tax Controversy

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Comfort with common tax/accounting systems and audit/controversy tools (e.g., Corptax, HFM/OneStream, Bloomberg Corporate Tax Analyzer, Deloitte Tax Controversy Manager, or similar). * Clear ...

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Tax Controversy Manager information

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$55K

$129.4K

$176K

How much do tax controversy manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tax controversy manager in the United States is $129,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tax controversy manager?

Tax Controversy Managers are professionals who specialize in managing and resolving disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities, such as the IRS or state agencies. They oversee cases that involve audits, appeals, tax litigation, and negotiations related to tax compliance issues. Their role includes developing strategies to minimize liabilities, representing clients in discussions with tax authorities, and ensuring that all actions comply with relevant tax laws and regulations. Tax Controversy Managers often work for accounting firms, law firms, or within corporate tax departments, and they play a crucial role in protecting their clients' financial interests.

How does a tax controversy manager typically interact with legal and finance teams during an audit or dispute?

As a Tax Controversy Manager, you play a key liaison role between your organization’s tax department, legal counsel, and finance teams during audits or tax disputes. You’ll collaborate closely with legal advisors to develop defense strategies, ensure documentation is legally compliant, and communicate complex tax positions. Additionally, you will work with finance teams to gather supporting financial data and ensure accurate, timely responses to regulatory inquiries. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for effective risk management and achieving favorable outcomes in audits or disputes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tax controversy manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tax Controversy Manager, you need expertise in tax law, audit processes, and dispute resolution, generally supported by a CPA, JD, or relevant tax qualifications. Familiarity with tax research tools, case management systems, and compliance software is essential. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to effectively manage disputes, minimize client exposure, and ensure favorable outcomes in dealings with tax authorities.

What is the difference between Tax Controversy Manager vs Tax Analyst?

AspectTax Controversy ManagerTax Analyst
CredentialsCPA or JD often preferredCPA or related degree
Work EnvironmentLegal and audit settings, client-facingCorporate finance, compliance, reporting
Employer & IndustryTax firms, corporations, government agenciesCorporations, accounting firms, government
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding dispute resolution rolesTax compliance and reporting roles

The main difference is that a Tax Controversy Manager focuses on resolving tax disputes and representing clients before tax authorities, often requiring legal or CPA credentials. In contrast, a Tax Analyst primarily handles tax compliance, reporting, and analysis within organizations. While both roles require tax knowledge, the controversy manager deals more with dispute resolution and legal issues, whereas the analyst concentrates on tax data and financial reporting.

How much do tax controversy managers make in the US?

Tax controversy managers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the firm. Senior managers or those in major financial centers can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

Is a tax controversy manager a stressful job?

A tax controversy manager often faces high-pressure situations involving audits, disputes, and negotiations with tax authorities, which can contribute to job stress. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex cases under tight deadlines, making it potentially stressful for some professionals.
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Cities with the most Tax Controversy Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Tax Controversy jobs?

The most popular types of Tax Controversy jobs are:

What states have the most Tax Controversy Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tax Controversy Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Tax Controversy Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,367 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Tax Controversy Manager

Wffacpa

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Tax Controversy Manager

WFFA Advisors

New York, NY or Floral Park, NY | Hybrid

About WFFA Advisors

WFFA Advisors is a New York based accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving a sophisticated client base of high-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, and professional service firms. We are part of Windsor Path, a national platform of leading accounting and tax firms backed by a long-term family office investor. Our Tax Controversy practice is led by a seasoned managing director with decades of experience at a top 10 firm, and we are expanding the team to meet growing client demand.

The Opportunity

We are hiring a Tax Controversy Manager to work directly alongside our lead partner on a focused, high value practice. This is not a generalist tax role. You will spend the majority of your time representing clients in front of the IRS and state taxing authorities across three primary case types:

  1. Non-filers (individuals and entities) being brought back into compliance
  2. Filed but unpaid matters, including installment agreements, offers in compromise, and other resolution work
  3. False or fraudulent return matters, typically referred by outside counsel

You will own substantive case work, with the runway to build your own book of business over time and step into a long-term leadership role as the practice grows.

What You'll Do
  • Manage Tax Controversy engagements across the three case types above, from initial intake through resolution
  • Conduct forensic and analytical review of returns, financial records, and supporting documentation to assess exposure and build the client's position
  • Prepare and review individual and entity tax returns as needed to bring clients into compliance
  • Communicate directly and clearly with IRS revenue agents, state taxing authorities, referring attorneys, and clients
  • Collaborate with WFFA partners and staff on cases that intersect with broader tax and advisory work
What We're Looking For

Required:

  • Active CPA license or JD
  • 3 or more years of dedicated Tax Controversy experience, with an additional 5 to 10 years of broader tax/accounting experience (preparation, review, audit, or related work)
  • Strong forensic and analytical skills, with the ability to work through complex fact patterns and reconstruct financial records
  • Demonstrated ability to handle direct communication with the IRS, state authorities, attorneys, and clients in a clear, succinct, and professional manner
  • Sound judgment on case selection and the ability to manage matters with limited oversight

Nice to Have:

  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or comparable forensic credential
  • Prior experience as an IRS or state auditor
  • Existing relationships with tax attorneys, law firms, or referring professionals
  • Comfort with business development and origination over time. We see this as a growth area for the right person, not a day one requirement
Why This Role

You will work shoulder to shoulder with a managing director who built and led a large Tax Controversy practice at a top 10 firm and who is actively invested in mentoring the next generation of leaders in this space. The practice has more demand than the current team can serve, so there is a real and immediate path to a full case load, a growing reputation, and meaningful long-term opportunity within WFFA.

Location and Work Setup

We have offices in Manhattan near Penn Station as well as Floral Park, NY (Long Island). This role is hybrid with significant flexibility. In person meetings with revenue agents or clients are occasional rather than routine.

Compensation

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus performance bonus and a full benefits package.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At WFFA, we believe great work happens when people feel welcomed, respected, and supported. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and encourage everyone to show up as their authentic selves.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. This policy applies equally to applicants regardless of national origin.

To all staffing agencies: Please be advised, WFFA is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. All unsolicited resumes will become property of Windsor Path.

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