Senior Accountant (Assurance)

About the role

SVA is seeking a Senior Accountant to join the Assurance team in Brookfield, WI. The position offers continuous learning through client‑facing interactions, exposure to multiple industries, and personalized development and mentoring opportunities. You will work with an accomplished and diverse team in an independent, growing professional services firm recognized as a Great Place to Work®.

Responsibilities

• Client Work (50% – 75%)
  • Work with the in‑charge to complete assigned audits, reviews, compilations, and agreed‑upon procedures for nonprofit organizations.
  • Propose alternative options for challenging situations, discuss and agree on a course of action.
  • Act as in‑charge for assigned engagements, including client interaction and budget preparation.
  • Prepare financial statements and moderate to difficult income tax and informational returns, organizing supporting documentation.
  • Perform tax, audit, or other research to deepen service‑line expertise.
  • Manage assigned administrative and client‑related tasks.
  • Participate in internal and external meetings appropriately.
  • 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 otherwise.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Bookkeeping (10% – 35%)
  • Assist clients with monthly, quarterly, and annual bookkeeping.
  • Post adjustments to the working trial balance and record transactions in journals.
  • Classify postings, total and cross‑total entries for a period.
  • Draft financial reports, including required footnote disclosures.
  • Create and maintain property and equipment records; calculate depreciation and amortization.
  • Prepare payroll tax, sales tax, and other local tax returns.
  • Set up books of accounts for new businesses.
• Professional and Personal Development (10%)
  • Work with a mentor or senior staff to develop and execute a career path.
  • Utilize internal and external learning opportunities.
  • Participate in identified projects.
  • Represent SVA in the community and identify external organizations of interest.
  • Prepare for and take the CPA examination or EA exam, if appropriate.
  • Act as a buddy for interns or new staff accountants.
  • Develop supervisory skills, interests, and abilities.
• Supervision (5%)
  • Train and develop interns, providing regular engagement feedback.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field (required).
• Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience as a staff accountant in a public accounting firm or equivalent work experience (required).
• Professional Certification: Pursuing the CPA Examination preferred; if appropriate, pursuing the EA Examination required.
• Specialized Knowledge: Ability to perform all essential functions, skills, abilities, and behaviors of a Staff Accountant with minimal supervision.