Accounting Manager (Closely Held Business)

Overview

SVA is seeking a Manager to join the growing Closely Held Business team in Madison, WI. In this highly visible role you will work closely with clients, refine your skills across several industries, and share your knowledge of accounting impacts. You will collaborate with a diverse team, receive personalized development and mentoring, and contribute to an independent firm recognized as a Great Place to Work®.

Client Work (60‑70%)

• Execute engagements from start to finish by coordinating all phases while ensuring budget allocations are achieved.
• Perform a variety of tax‑related duties to support clients’ compliance and planning needs.
• Supervise the preparation of all work products to be provided to the client.
• Maintain continuous contact with clients throughout the business year and develop a thorough understanding of each client’s business.
• Act as the main contact for new client onboarding.
• Maintain confidentiality with client information in accordance with laws, regulations, and SVA policies.
• Ensure duties are performed efficiently, typically requiring 55+ hours/week during busy season (including weekends) and 40‑45 hours/week during non‑busy season.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Supervision and Leadership (20‑30%)

• Assign work to staff members based on their knowledge and capabilities.
• Prepare and discuss staff performance evaluations.
• Participate in staff training; offer guidance, direction, and constructive feedback on work papers.
• Lead staff development, take ownership of staff engagement and retention, conduct stay interviews, and work with leadership to resolve themes.
• Actively participate in interview panels.
• Transfer client relationships to junior staff as appropriate to ensure work is performed at the correct level.
• Provide individualized and meaningful recognition to staff members, focusing on intrinsic rewards.
• Align with firm strategy, communicate developments to staff, and explain the “why.”

Professional, Personal and Business Development (10%)

• Work with a mentor to continue developing your career path.
• Participate in or lead SVA and community events, professional, civic, or charitable organizations.
• Actively participate in a business and/or industry association.
• Utilize internal and external learning opportunities.
• Serve as a mentor to multiple members of the accounting staff.
• Expand services for existing clients.
• Develop and present internal and external training, including writing articles for publication.
• Achieve client retention targets.
• Achieve new and existing cross‑selling and upselling goals.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field (required).
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years’ experience in public accounting (required).
• Professional Certification: CPA, EA, or equivalent certification (preferred).

SVA participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.