Senior Business Development Officer - Accounting & Business Advisory

Savant•Rockford, IL

About The Position

Savant is seeking a Senior Business Development Officer to generate and close new Accounting & Business Advisory engagements while building the strategy, processes, and operating model for the function’s growth. This senior individual-contributor role combines hands-on business development with development of scalable channels, referral relationships, pipeline practices, and growth metrics. The role also connects opportunities across Accounting & Business Advisory and Savant Wealth to support an integrated client experience. Travel to meet prospects, referral sources, and internal partners is expected approximately 25–50% of the time. The position may take on broader leadership responsibility as the business development function grows; prior people leadership is welcome but not required. The role works with Growth and Accounting & Business Advisory leadership to define priorities and operating practices, develop repeatable sales processes and tools, and identify promising markets and cross-service opportunities. Compensation includes a stated base salary range and a performance-based incentive opportunity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; equivalent combinations of education and work experience will also be considered.
At least seven years of business development, sales, or relationship-management experience in professional services or a closely related field.
Proven record of personally developing channels, building client and referral relationships, generating opportunities, and closing new revenue.
Experience building or materially improving a business development function, territory, channel, or go-to-market process.
Experience defining pipeline stages, growth metrics, operating rhythms, and scalable sales processes.
Working knowledge of tax, accounting, business advisory, wealth management, or another sophisticated, referral-driven professional-services environment; a CPA is not required.
Executive presence and credibility with senior leaders, advisors, CPAs, business owners, and Centers of Influence.
Strong communication, listening, collaboration, and relationship-management skills.
Proficiency with CRM tools and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Client-first mindset, team-oriented approach, and ability to operate effectively in an evolving environment.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States; the company cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Prior people leadership experience is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities

Generate, cultivate, and close new Accounting & Business Advisory engagements in tax planning, accounting, and business advisory services.
Build relationships with prospective clients and Centers of Influence, including attorneys, bankers, insurance professionals, business owners, and other referral partners.
Partner with Savant Wealth advisors and Accounting & Business Advisory leaders to create cross-service opportunities and strengthen the integrated growth model.
Qualify opportunities, respond to inquiries and proposals, and maintain an active, well-documented pipeline in the firm’s CRM.
Develop territory plans, focus lists, and consistent market-based activities to build awareness and generate revenue.
Educate Savant advisors and principals on Accounting & Business Advisory capabilities and equip them to identify and make qualified referrals.
Partner with Growth and Accounting & Business Advisory leadership to define business development strategy, priorities, and the future-state operating model.
Build repeatable processes for lead generation, qualification, assignment, follow-up, and conversion.
Establish pipeline visibility, activity expectations, operating rhythms, and meaningful growth metrics.
Identify promising channels, markets, referral relationships, and cross-service opportunities.
Develop scalable tools, messaging, meeting materials, and sales practices, and help prepare the function for future growth and additional business development resources.
Travel to meet with prospects, referral sources, and internal partners approximately 25–50% of the time.

Benefits

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.
401(k) with company match, with Roth and Traditional options.
Team-based incentive opportunities and recognition programs.
Generous paid time off and at least 10 paid holidays.
Annual “Savantiversary” day.
Summer Hours with shorter work weeks during the summer.
Parental leave, personal leave, and other life-event support.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Wellness reimbursements, such as gym memberships.
Flexible “Dress for Your Day” approach.
Performance-based incentive compensation opportunity tied to business development results and revenue generation.
Majority employee-owned company.