Accounting Manager (Closely Held Business)

Sva; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SVA is seeking an Accounting Manager to join its Closely Held Business team in Madison, WI. The role focuses on guiding engagements from start to finish, supervising staff, and delivering high-quality client work in a growing professional services firm.

In this position you will manage client relationships, oversee tax and accounting duties, and develop junior staff through mentoring and formal evaluations, with a strong emphasis on process improvement and client service excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field is required.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in public accounting.
• CPA, EA, or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute engagements from start to finish by coordinating all phases of an engagement while ensuring budget allocations are achieved.
• 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 the client and all facets of their business.
• Act as main contact for new client onboarding and ensure confidentiality with client information as per laws and policies.
• Lead and develop staff, participate in interviews, and provide feedback on work papers.

Skills

Client management

Leadership

Mentoring staff

Budgeting

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA or EA preferred

Job description

Accounting Manager (Closely Held Business)

Job Category: Accounting

Requisition Number: ACCOU006522

• Posted : September 4, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Madison JQH
Madison, WI 53717, USA

Description

SVA is looking for a Manager to join our growing Closely Held Business team in our Madison, WI location. This is the opportunity you have been looking for! In this role, you will refine your skills across several industries, find your passion and the perfect fit. You will benefit from continuous learning through client-facing interactions and share your knowledge of how accounting impacts the business world to our more junior staff. Collaborate with an accomplished and diverse team of professionals and enhance your career with personalized development and mentoring opportunities. Demonstrate your expertise and leadership skills, while building your career in an independent and growing professional services firm that has been certified as a Great Place to Work®! SVA + You. Together, We Serve. People. Better.

Overview:

In this role, you will be an integral part of our clients' businesses. This is a highly visible and impactful role, both internally to SVA and externally to clients.

60-70% Client Work

• Execute engagements from start to finish by coordinating all phases of an engagement while ensuring budget allocations are achieved.
• Perform a variety of tax-related duties to support our 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 the client and all facets of their business.
• Act as main contact for new client onboarding.
• Maintain confidentiality with client information in accordance with related laws and regulations and adhere to all SVA policies and procedures.
• Ensure all duties are performed efficiently, and to a satisfactory level, typically requiring 55+ hours/week during busy season (including weekends), and 40-45 hours/week during non-busy season.
• All other duties as assigned

20-30% Supervision and Leadership

• Assign work to staff members on the basis of their knowledge and capabilities.
• Prepare and discuss staff performance evaluations.
• Participate in the training of staff members; offer guidance and direction and give constructive feedback of work papers.
• Effectively lead others, and be actively involved with staff development, take ownership of staff engagement and retention. Conduct stay interviews and work with leadership to resolve any themes.
• Actively participate in interview panels.
• As appropriate, transfer the client relationship to junior staff to ensure the right work is being performed at each level.
• Provide individualized and meaningful recognition to staff members. Focus on intrinsic rewards.
• Align with the firm strategy and communicate developments to staff. Explain the “why.”

10% Professional, Personal and Business Development

• Work with mentor to continue to develop career path.
• Participate and/or lead in 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 related field required.

Experience: Minimum of 6 years’ experience in public accounting required.

Professional Certification: CPA, EA, or equivalent certification preferred.

Role is based in Wisconsin.

SVA is certified as a great workplace by the Great Place to Work® institute.

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 U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.