Director of Accounting

Are you a strategic accounting leader who thrives on building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional client outcomes? As Director of Accounting at Savant, you'll lead the evolution of our accounting, payroll, and business advisory services, driving growth and operational excellence while creating a unified "One Savant" experience for clients and team members. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a growing practice and make a lasting impact on our clients and organization.

The Director of Accounting leads Savant's accounting and business advisory services, providing strategic direction for a team of accounting professionals focused on delivering exceptional client outcomes. This role is responsible for the quality, consistency, and growth of Savant's accounting, write-up, payroll, and business consulting services.

This role serves as the senior leader for client relationships within the Tax & Consulting practice, partnering closely with the Tax & Consulting and Wealth Management teams to deliver an integrated, client-centered experience. This individual champions continuous improvement, mentorship, and operational excellence while unifying accounting, payroll, and business consulting into a streamlined "One Savant" operating model that supports future growth and specialization.

This position will be based out of one of Savant's Tax & Consulting office locations in: Rockford, IL; St. Charles, IL; Cedar Rapids, IA; Iowa City, IA; Dover, DE; Lewes, DE; Plano, TX; Dallas, TX; or San Antonio, TX.

In this role, you can expect to focus in the following areas:

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the strategic vision for the Tax & Consulting practice, aligning with Savant's organizational goals and OKRs.
• Lead new initiatives, products, and service enhancements within the accounting and business advisory practice.
• Partner with executive leadership to expand niche service offerings.
• Own practice-level financial performance, including revenue and utilization targets across the Accounting, Payroll, and Consulting service lines.
• Evaluate staffing, capacity, and organizational structure to support growth and exceptional service delivery.
• Align departmental policies and procedures with firmwide goals while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Client Service & Advisory

• Serve as a senior advisor for complex client engagements, including multi-entity business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and closely held companies.
• Oversee fee-only accounting and business advisory engagements from engagement through final delivery.
• Provide strategic guidance on business structure, compensation modeling, cash flow planning, and financial reporting.
• Develop compensation models for multi-owner entities and advise on retirement plan options.
• Collaborate with Tax & Consulting and Wealth Management teams to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Lead client presentations, webinars, and educational events.

Accounting & Business Operations

• Oversee monthly accounting, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, and business consulting activities.
• Review and approve complex financial statements, write-up engagements, and advisory deliverables.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across accounting and payroll services.
• Evaluate technology, software, and vendor relationships to improve efficiency; lead the consolidation of tools into a unified "One Savant" technology stack while leveraging AI and automation to improve quality and scalability.
• Oversee a unified accounting and payroll operating model.
• Establish best practices, standardized workflows, and consistent operating procedures.
• Foster effective communication between the Accounting & Business Advisory team and internal and external partners.

Business Development

• Drive business development through referrals, strategic relationships, and expanded client engagements.
• Build relationships with clients, centers of influence, and prospective clients to grow the practice.
• Establish, monitor, and report on business development KPIs and practice performance.

Team Development & Integration

• Train, mentor, and develop accounting, payroll, and consulting professionals in a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Facilitate learning opportunities that strengthen technical expertise and professional growth.
• Partner with the acquisition integration team to successfully onboard accounting and payroll books of business, technology, and team members into Savant's "One Team" operating model.
• Perform other duties as assigned while supporting a collaborative team environment.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Champion a constructive culture by fostering accountability, collaboration, initiative, and recognition.
• Recruit, coach, develop, and retain high-performing team members through effective hiring, performance management, succession planning, and recognition.
• Align team goals and performance metrics with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Partner with team members to establish meaningful development goals and support their success.
• Oversee staffing decisions, work assignments, promotions, compensation recommendations, and performance management.
• Maintain open, transparent communication to keep team members informed, engaged, and aligned.
• Provide ongoing coaching and constructive feedback to encourage professional growth.
• Support and develop subordinate leaders by providing guidance and resources for effective people leadership.
• Model the highest ethical and professional standards while promoting compliance with Savant's policies, procedures, and core values.

Please Note: This position must be based out of one of Savant's Tax & Consulting office locations, including Rockford, IL; St. Charles, IL; Cedar Rapids, IA; Iowa City, IA; Dover, DE; Lewes, DE; Plano, TX; Dallas, TX; or San Antonio, TX.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.

Preferred, but not required:

• Active CPA license (strongly preferred)
• Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation, or related field
• CFP® certification or Series 65

Experience

• 10 years of success in accounting and/or business advisory services with direct client-facing experience.
• 5 years of leadership experience managing accounting or financial services teams.
• Experience advising business owners, closely held companies, and multi-entity organizations.
• Experience with write-up, bookkeeping, payroll, and business consulting services.

What Sets Savant Apart

• Collaborative, integrated advisory, tax, and planning model—no silos.
• Growth-oriented firm offering meaningful career development and long-term impact.
• Values-driven culture grounded in excellence, integrity, lifelong learning, respect, growth, and servant leadership.
• Majority employee-owned, giving our team a shared stake in our long-term success.

The Perks

At Savant, we invest in our people by supporting both their well-being and long-term success.

The expected base salary range for this role is $130,000–$180,000, with final compensation based on experience, skills, and location. This role may also be eligible for additional incentive compensation.

Our Total Rewards

Core Benefits (Effective Day One)

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage

Financial & Long-Term Rewards

• 401(k) with company match (Traditional and Roth options)
• Team-based incentive opportunities and recognition programs

Time Away & Flexibility

• Generous paid time off plus at least 10 paid holidays
• Annual "Savantiversary" day
• Summer Hours (shorter work weeks during the summer)
• Parental leave, personal leave, and other life-event support

Well-Being & Everyday Perks

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness reimbursements (e.g., gym memberships)
• Flexible "Dress for Your Day" approach

We're happy to share more details about our benefits and total rewards during the hiring process.

Take your career to new heights—apply today!

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms for this position.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Savant Capital, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.