Tax Manager

Fairstead is seeking an experienced Tax Manager to join our finance team. This role will be responsible for managing tax compliance, planning, and structuring for our portfolio of affordable housing properties. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in real estate taxation, partnership structures, and complex tax planning, with a strong foundation in public accounting.

Responsibilities:

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance for real estate partnerships and entities
• Manage the review of partnership tax returns (Form 1065), including Schedules K-1
• Coordinate tax return preparation for multiple-entity structures and complex ownership arrangements with various CPA firms.
• Review and approve quarterly and annual tax provisions and estimates, if required.
• Ensure timely filing of all tax returns and extensions
• Manage tax audit processes and respond to tax authority inquiries

Real Estate & Partnership Tax Planning

• Advise on tax-efficient structures for real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and refinancings
• Analyze tax implications of property transactions, including like-kind exchanges and installment sales
• Provide guidance on partnership allocations, capital accounts, and distribution waterfall structures
• Structure debt and equity arrangements to optimize tax outcomes
• Advise on tax credit syndication transactions and investor relationships

LIHTC & Affordable Housing Tax Matters

• Support compliance with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit regulations and requirements
• Coordinate with tax credit syndicators and investors on tax-related matters
• Review partnership agreements for tax-related provisions affecting LIHTC properties
• Analyze tax implications of HUD programs, Project-Based Section 8, and other affordable housing initiatives
• Monitor changes in affordable housing tax legislation and assess impact on portfolio

Strategic Tax Planning

• Identify and implement tax planning opportunities across the real estate portfolio
• Develop strategies to minimize tax liabilities, if any, while maintaining compliance
• Collaborate with legal counsel on complex tax structuring matters
• Research technical tax issues and provide recommendations to senior management
• Stay current on tax law changes affecting real estate and partnerships

Process Improvement & Systems

• Implement and maintain tax technology solutions and workflows
• Develop and document tax policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Improve efficiency of tax compliance and reporting processes
• Build and maintain tax provision models and forecasting tools

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with accounting, finance, and development teams on transaction structuring
• Coordinate with external tax advisors, auditors, and legal counsel
• Support treasury, financing, and capital markets initiatives

Requirements:

• CPA certification (Certified Public Accountant)
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 7+ years of progressive tax experience with focus on real estate taxation
• Substantial public accounting experience at a regional or national firm (minimum 3-5 years)
• Deep expertise in partnership taxation and multi-tiered ownership structures
• Proven experience with real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and refinancings
• Strong background in tax compliance for partnerships and real estate entities
• Expert knowledge of federal and state tax laws affecting real estate and partnerships
• Strong understanding of tax basis, capital accounts, and partnership allocation rules
• Proficiency with tax research tools (RIA, BNA, CCH, etc.) and tax software
• Advanced Excel skills for tax modeling and analysis
• Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals
• Collaborative approach with ability to work cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties and regulations
• Familiarity with HUD programs and affordable housing financing structures
• Experience with Section 42, Section 8, and other affordable housing tax provisions
• Background in tax credit syndication and investor relations
• Knowledge of state and local tax credits for affordable housing development
• Experience with securitization or structured finance transactions