Job Description

Accounting Manager (Real Estate & LIHTC), CPA

Affordable Housing | Real Estate Advisory | Client Leadership | Great Place to Work®

Compensation: $120,000–$160,000 Base + Bonus + Leadership Advancement Opportunity

Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Schedule Flexible Hybrid

Our client, a leading public accounting and advisory firm recognized as a Great Place to Work®, is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to join its growing Real Estate and Affordable Housing practice in Madison.

This is more than a traditional accounting management role.

It's an opportunity to work directly with affordable housing developers, ownership groups, property management companies, syndicators, nonprofit organizations, and real estate operators while leading complex engagements, mentoring staff, and developing specialized expertise in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry.

As a leader within the practice, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients, oversee sophisticated audit and tax engagements, and help organizations navigate the financial, compliance, and reporting challenges unique to affordable housing and real estate ownership structures.

If you're looking for a highly visible leadership opportunity that combines technical accounting expertise, real estate specialization, client advisory responsibilities, and career advancement potential, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• $120,000–$160,000 base salary
• Annual performance bonus opportunities
• Leadership role within a specialized real estate practice
• Significant exposure to affordable housing and LIHTC clients
• Opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor to developers and ownership groups
• Direct access to firm leadership
• Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Great Place to Work® certified culture
• Diverse mix of audit, tax, compliance, and advisory engagements
• Opportunity to develop deep LIHTC and affordable housing expertise
• Clear advancement path toward Senior Manager and Principal-level opportunities

Exceptional candidates with extensive LIHTC expertise, affordable housing consulting experience, or strong business development skills may be considered above the posted compensation range.

About the Firm

Our client is a respected accounting, consulting, and advisory firm serving businesses, real estate organizations, affordable housing developers, nonprofit entities, and entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest.

Core service offerings include:

• Audit & Assurance
• Tax Planning & Compliance
• Real Estate Advisory
• Affordable Housing Consulting
• Business Advisory Services
• Client Accounting Services
• Strategic Consulting

The firm is known for combining technical expertise with exceptional client service while creating meaningful career opportunities for accounting professionals.

The Opportunity

As an Accounting Manager within the Real Estate practice, you'll act as the primary liaison between clients, firm leadership, and engagement teams while overseeing complex affordable housing and real estate engagements.

You'll gain meaningful exposure to:

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
• Affordable Housing Accounting
• Partnership Taxation
• Real Estate Financial Reporting
• HUD Compliance
• Rural Development (RD) Reporting
• State Housing Agency Compliance
• Client Advisory Services
• Team Leadership & Development
• Practice Growth Initiatives

This role provides a unique blend of technical specialization, client interaction, and leadership responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate & Affordable Housing Engagements

• Lead affordable housing and LIHTC audit and tax engagements from planning through completion
• Coordinate engagement staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and execution
• Review financial statements, tax filings, and client deliverables
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Monitor engagement profitability and workflow efficiency

Client Advisory & Relationship Management

• Maintain year-round relationships with developers, ownership groups, syndicators, and nonprofit organizations
• Serve as a trusted advisor on accounting, tax, and compliance matters
• Provide guidance regarding affordable housing regulations and reporting requirements
• Act as the primary point of contact during client onboarding and engagement execution
• Deliver proactive and responsive client service

Affordable Housing & LIHTC Consulting

• Assist clients with LIHTC compliance matters
• Advise clients on partnership and ownership structures
• Support HUD, Rural Development, and state housing authority reporting requirements
• Identify operational, accounting, and compliance improvements
• Provide strategic recommendations to support client success

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting professionals
• Conduct performance evaluations and coaching discussions
• Provide technical training and engagement guidance
• Support recruiting and retention initiatives
• Help develop future leaders within the practice

Business Development & Growth

• Expand relationships with existing clients
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling and advisory services
• Participate in professional organizations and networking events
• Support practice growth initiatives
• Contribute to client retention and revenue objectives

Qualifications

Required

• Active CPA license
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field
• 5+ years of public accounting experience
• Experience serving real estate, affordable housing, or LIHTC clients
• Strong client relationship management skills
• Experience supervising and developing staff
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Who Thrives Here?

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys working directly with clients
• Wants to specialize in affordable housing and real estate
• Enjoys mentoring and developing team members
• Thinks strategically beyond compliance work
• Values continuous learning and industry specialization
• Wants meaningful leadership responsibilities
• Seeks a long-term path toward senior leadership within a growing practice

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Retirement savings programs
• Paid time off and holidays
• Continuing education support
• Leadership development programs
• Industry specialization training
• Great Place to Work® culture
• Strong advancement opportunities
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

Most accounting manager opportunities provide broad exposure across multiple industries.

This role offers the chance to build highly specialized expertise within one of public accounting's most unique and impactful sectors.

You'll work alongside affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, syndicators, and ownership groups while helping create and preserve housing opportunities within communities. The combination of client advisory work, technical specialization, leadership development, and long-term advancement potential creates a compelling opportunity for professionals seeking more than a traditional accounting career.

About Our Client

Our client is a growing professional services firm recognized for technical excellence, employee development, and exceptional client service. Through investment in specialized industry expertise and leadership development, the firm has become a destination employer for professionals seeking sophisticated client work, meaningful career growth, and long-term advancement opportunities.

Employees benefit from leadership accessibility, ongoing mentorship, specialized industry training, and the opportunity to play a meaningful role in serving affordable housing and real estate clients.

If you're an Accounting Manager, Audit Manager, Tax Manager, or experienced public accounting professional with real estate or affordable housing experience seeking leadership opportunities, client visibility, and a path toward senior leadership, we'd love to speak with you confidentially.