Sr. Manager (Real Estate)

Senior Manager – Real Estate (Madison, WI) – SVA is seeking a senior manager to lead affordable‑housing and LIHTC engagements.

About the role

Senior Managers are responsible for ownership/In‑Charge of complex engagements for affordable‑housing real‑estate clients, focusing on Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) entities. The role includes continuous learning through client‑facing interactions, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to a Great Place to Work® certified firm.

Location: Madison, WI. Typical workload: 55 hours/week during busy season (including weekends) and 40‑45 hours/week otherwise.

Responsibilities

• Client Work (≈60 % of time)
  • Execute complex affordable‑housing and LIHTC audit and tax engagements from planning through field work, review, and client communication.
  • Monitor engagement progress against budgeted time, expenses, and schedule; anticipate problem areas.
  • Identify and communicate opportunities for process improvement and system enhancements.
  • Supervise preparation of all client work products and keep the In‑Charge informed of key developments.
  • Communicate directly with client personnel and third parties; serve as trusted advisor on accounting, tax, and compliance matters related to LIHTC and real‑estate operations.
  • Identify opportunities to expand affordable‑housing and LIHTC services (audit, tax, consulting, compliance, advisory).
  • Prepare monthly billings and maintain client confidentiality in accordance with laws, regulations, and SVA policies.
• Supervision and Leadership (≈30 % of time)
  • Assign work to staff based on knowledge and capabilities; perform quality‑control reviews.
  • Prepare and discuss staff performance evaluations; conduct stay interviews and address retention themes.
  • Train staff, provide guidance, constructive feedback, and recognize achievements.
  • Manage low‑performing staff with direct conversations aimed at retention or transition.
  • Participate in staffing strategy, identify gaps or excess capacity, and recruit passive talent.
  • Promote SVA to attract high‑performing employees.
• Professional, Personal and Business Development (≈10 % of time)
  • Research complex topics, present findings with recommendations.
  • Mentor multiple accounting staff members and facilitate professional‑development courses.
  • Write articles, represent SVA at professional and civic functions.
  • Deepen expertise in technical areas, industry, or service line.
  • Lead large, complex internal projects.
  • Achieve client‑retention targets and cross‑selling/upselling goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field (required).
• CPA certification (required).
• 9+ years of public‑accounting experience, with significant work serving affordable‑housing, real‑estate, and/or LIHTC clients.
• Deep knowledge of partnership taxation, affordable‑housing accounting, LIHTC structures, and real‑estate financial reporting.
• Familiarity with HUD, RD, and state‑housing‑authority reporting (preferred).

Additional Information

SVA participates in E‑Verify and will provide Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization in the United States. The firm is certified as a Great Place to Work® and offers personalized development and mentoring opportunities.