Client Accounting Services Department Manager (Illinois)

MBE CPAs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

MBE CPAs is seeking a Senior CAS Leader to build, lead, and scale the Client Accounting Services practice across multiple offices. You will partner with firm leadership to transform the CAS offering and drive long-term growth with scalable processes and a high-performing team.

The role supports a hybrid or remote arrangement based on experience, with travel as needed to support initiatives. You will mentor managers and shape pricing, services, and growth strategies within a growing firm.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in accounting and Client Accounting Services.
• 5+ years in a leadership or senior management role within CAS or outsourced accounting.
• Proven experience building, scaling, or transforming a CAS or bookkeeping practice.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, payroll, and outsourced accounting services.
• Experience leading teams and managing multiple client engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, structure, and growth of the CAS practice.
• Oversee client advisory engagements and serve as a trusted advisor to key clients.
• Build scalable workflows, service standards, and best practices across the CAS department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop CAS managers, supervisors, and team members.
• Partner with firm leadership on pricing, service offerings, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client advisory

Building scalable processes

Change management

CPA certification preferred

Job description

What's the Role?

The Client Accounting Services Department Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for building, leading, and scaling the firm's CAS practice. This position plays a critical role in evolving the firm from traditional bookkeeping services into a true client advisory-focused CAS model.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced CAS leader to build the practice from the ground up, establish scalable processes, lead a high-performing team, and partner closely with firm leadership to drive long-term growth and innovation.

This role may be based in any of our 19 MBE office locations, filled as a hybrid opportunity, or filled as a remote position, depending on experience.

What Will I Do?

• Lead the strategy, structure, and growth of the CAS practice.
• Oversee client advisory engagements and serve as a trusted advisor to key clients.
• Build scalable workflows, service standards, and best practices across the CAS department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop CAS managers, supervisors, and team members.
• Partner with firm leadership on pricing, service offerings, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.

What Experience and Skills Do I Need to Be Successful?

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in accounting and Client Accounting Services.
• 5+ years in a leadership or senior management role within CAS or outsourced accounting.
• Proven experience building, scaling, or transforming a CAS or bookkeeping practice.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, payroll, and outsourced accounting services.
• Experience leading teams and managing multiple client engagements.

Key Skills

• Strategic and entrepreneurial leadership mindset.
• Strong client advisory and relationship management skills.
• Ability to build processes, teams, and scalable service models.
• Comfort driving change and innovation within a growing firm.
• CPA or similar professional certification preferred.

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Build a CAS practice from the ground upwith firm leadership support.
• High-impact leadership role with visibility and influence.
• Entrepreneurial firm culture that values innovation and growth.
• Opportunity to shape services, processes, and team structure.
• Long-term career growth and upward mobility within the firm.

Work Schedule & Travel

• Full-time position.
• Periodic travel required (approximately 6–8 times per year).
• Role may be based in one of our offices, hybrid, or remote, depending on experience.

About the Firm

MBE CPAs provides accounting, tax, and advisory services through an expanding affiliate group. With 19 office locations across Wisconsin, Arizona, Nebraska, and Colorado, the firm is committed to helping clients succeed while offering meaningful career growth opportunities for its team members.