Sr. Manager; Real Estate

Madison, WI location: 1221 John Q Hammons Drive, Madison, WI 53717, USA

SVA is seeking a Senior Manager to join our Real Estate team in Madison, WI. This role provides growth across multiple industries with client-facing collaboration and opportunities for mentoring. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership, contribute to a growing professional services firm, and align with our culture as a Great Place to Work.

• 60% Client Work
  • Execute complex affordable housing and LIHTC audit and tax engagements from start to finish, coordinating all phases (planning, staff scheduling, field work, review, and client communication).
  • Monitor engagement progress against budgeted time and schedule; anticipate issues and determine proper sequencing.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and system enhancements.
  • Supervise preparation of work products to be provided to the client.
  • Keep the In-Charge informed of important developments and communicate major problems with conclusions and recommendations.
  • Communicate directly with client personnel and other third parties; act as a trusted advisor on LIHTC and real estate accounting, tax, and compliance matters.
  • 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 and SVA policies.
  • Ensure duties are performed efficiently, typically 55 hours/week during busy season (including weekends) and 40–45 hours/week during non-busy season.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.
• 30% Supervision and Leadership
  • Assign work based on staff knowledge and capabilities; perform quality control reviews.
  • Prepare and discuss staff performance evaluations; participate in staff training and provide feedback on work papers.
  • Be accountable for staff performance, engagement, and retention; conduct stay interviews and partner with leadership to address themes.
  • Mentor client relationships to junior staff to ensure appropriate work is performed at each level.
  • Identify and manage underperformers; have difficult conversations to maintain quality and retain qualified staff.
  • Provide recognition and support for staff; contribute to staffing strategy and address capacity gaps.
  • Utilize networks to recruit talent and promote SVA as an employer of choice.
• 10% Professional, Personal and Business Development
  • Identify meaningful complex topics, propose findings with recommendations.
  • Mentor accounting staff and oversee professional development and growth.
  • Facilitate professional development courses, write articles, and represent SVA at professional and civic events.
  • deepen expertise in a technical area, lead large internal projects, and contribute to client retention and cross-sell goals.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required.
• Experience: 9+ years of public accounting experience, including significant work with affordable housing, real estate, and/or LIHTC clients.
• Professional Certification: CPA required.
• Specialized knowledge: 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: Role is based in Wisconsin. SVA is certified as a Great Place to Work. SVA participates in E-Verify and will provide Form I-9 information to confirm eligibility to work in the U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is committed to equal opportunity and compliance with applicable laws. For more information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.