Accounting Manager (Real Estate)

SVA is seeking a Manager to join the Real Estate team in Brookfield, WI. The role offers continuous learning through client‑facing interactions, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to develop expertise in affordable housing and real‑estate accounting within a certified Great Place to Work® firm.

Overview

The Manager acts as the liaison between principals, clients, and accounting staff, overseeing all phases of moderate‑to‑complex assurance and tax engagements for affordable housing and real‑estate clients, including Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) entities. Managers promote efficient operations, make broad decisions informed by economic, political, and legislative trends, and develop expertise in LIHTC compliance, partnership taxation, affordable‑housing reporting, and related regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Client Work (60%)
  • Execute affordable‑housing and LIHTC audit and tax engagements from start to finish, coordinating planning, field work, review, and client communication.
  • Monitor engagement progress against budgeted time, expenses, and schedule; anticipate problem areas and questions.
  • Supervise preparation of all client work products.
  • Maintain continuous contact with developers, ownership groups, management companies, syndicators, and nonprofit organizations, developing a strong understanding of their operations and compliance requirements.
  • Serve as the main contact for new client onboarding.
  • Evaluate internal controls prepared by staff and keep the In‑Charge informed of important developments.
  • Communicate major problems with facts, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Prepare monthly billings and maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with laws, regulations, and SVA policies.
  • Work efficiently, typically 55 hours/week during busy season (including weekends) and 40‑45 hours/week during non‑busy season.
  • Advise clients on affordable‑housing compliance and reporting matters, including HUD, RD, and state housing‑agency requirements where applicable.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Supervision and Leadership (30%)
  • Assign work to staff based on knowledge and capabilities.
  • Prepare and discuss staff performance evaluations.
  • Participate in staff training, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and mentorship.
  • Lead staff development, own staff engagement and retention, conduct stay interviews, and address themes with leadership.
  • Identify recruitment needs, participate in interview panels, and transfer client relationships to junior staff as appropriate.
  • Address poor or low performers with direct conversations focused on retaining qualified staff.
  • Provide individualized, meaningful recognition and focus on intrinsic rewards.
  • Maintain accurate career‑path “heatmaps” and documented career plans for direct reports.
  • Align staff with firm strategy, communicate developments, and explain the “why.”
• Professional, Personal and Business Development (10%)
  • Work with a mentor to continue developing a career path.
  • Research complex topics and present findings analytically with recommendations.
  • Participate in or lead SVA and community events, professional, civic, or charitable organizations.
  • Engage actively in business or industry associations.
  • Utilize internal and external learning opportunities to refine project‑management skills.
  • Serve as a mentor to multiple accounting staff members.
  • Expand services for existing clients and develop business‑consulting acumen.
  • Develop and present internal and external training, including writing articles for publication.
  • Lead moderate‑to‑complex internal projects and network with centers of influence.
  • Achieve client‑retention targets and meet cross‑selling and upselling goals.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field (required).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in public accounting, including work with affordable‑housing, real‑estate, and/or LIHTC clients (required).
• Professional Certification: CPA (required).
• Specialized Knowledge (preferred): Partnership taxation, affordable‑housing accounting, LIHTC compliance, real‑estate financial reporting, and familiarity with HUD, RD, and state housing‑authority reporting requirements.