What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Accounting Services position at SustainableHR?
Job Title: Director of Client Accounting Services (CAS)
Department: Client Accounting Services
Location: Madison, WI / Hybrid
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a process-driven, people-focused leader to join their executive team as Director of CAS. This individual will drive operational excellence, elevate client satisfaction, and build high-performing teams that deliver consistent, high-quality results. The ideal candidate combines audit experience in public accounting with hands-on controller experience in the private sector, bringing a balance of precision, practicality, and leadership to the role.
This position is part of the firm’s leadership team and plays a key role in achieving growth, profitability, and operational efficiency across the Client Accounting Services division.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Execute strategic business goals and achieve or exceed P&L objectives.
- Partner with firm leadership to shape CAS strategy, resource planning, and long-term growth initiatives.
- Collaborate with managers to meet production goals, streamline processes, and improve team performance.
- Model focus, simplicity, and clarity in leadership decisions and communication.
Client Relationship & Satisfaction
- Serve as the point of escalation for client issues, ensuring timely and thoughtful resolution.
- Drive client retention and satisfaction through proactive service management and high delivery standards.
- Lead the quarterly business review (QBR) process and annual pricing review cycle.
- Maintain strong client relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and measurable value.
Team Management & Development
- Lead, mentor, and inspire the CAS management team, promoting accountability and collaboration.
- Oversee recruiting, onboarding, and professional development for CAS team members.
- Conduct bi-annual performance reviews and manage performance improvement initiatives.
- Foster a culture of learning, communication, and continuous improvement.
Process Optimization & Technology
- Identify bottlenecks and design scalable, efficient workflows.
- Champion adoption of technology and tools that enhance accuracy and productivity.
- Ensure consistency in firm-wide processes and adherence to the operating system.
- Lead key process and technology improvement projects from planning through implementation.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience
- 10 years of progressive experience in accounting operations, audit, or financial management.
- Prior audit experience within a public accounting firm or similar.
- Controller or equivalent experience in a private-sector environment strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver measurable business impact.
Skills
- Deep understanding of accounting principles, service delivery models, and process optimization.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in modern accounting and project management software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Asana, HubSpot).
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
- CPA, CMA, or MBA strongly preferred.
Key Competencies
- Strategic and analytical mindset
- Collaborative and people-oriented leadership
- Process improvement and systems thinking
- High accountability and professional integrity
- Client-first approach with focus on quality and consistency
