Description:
About Keystone CPA
Keystone CPA is a growing, people-first accounting firm built on the belief that strong systems, intentional leadership, and empowered people create exceptional client outcomes. We provide integrated services across accounting, tax, wealth advisory, and business brokerage, allowing us to serve clients holistically while creating meaningful career paths for our team.
We primarily serve small to mid-sized business owners with annual revenues ranging from $2M to $10M—entrepreneurial, growth-oriented clients who value proactive advice, operational clarity, and trusted partnership.
As we continue to scale, we are seeking a Partner – Operations & People to lead the internal engine of the firm—our people, processes, and operating rhythm—while working alongside our existing Partners to shape Keystone’s long-term strategy and culture.
Position Overview
This Partner role is designed for a licensed CPA who excels at running the business, not just producing the work.
The Partner – Operations & People will own firm-wide operations, team development, and performance systems, ensuring Keystone operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with our people-first values. This leader will help ensure our teams are equipped to serve complex, growing businesses with consistency, excellence, and scalability.
This is a Reno-based leadership role, with relocation support available for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee and continuously improve day-to-day firm operations
- Establish scalable systems, workflows, and best practices across teams
- Ensure operational alignment that supports high-quality service delivery to $2M–$10M revenue clients
People & Culture Leadership
- Lead people strategy, including talent development, engagement, and retention
- Foster a high-trust, high-performance culture rooted in clarity and accountability
- Serve as a visible leader and steward of Keystone’s values
Process Optimization & Systems
- Leverage deep expertise in CCH Axcess to optimize workflows, reporting, and productivity
- Identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable process improvements
- Partner with leadership to standardize firmwide operating procedures
Coaching, Training & Development
- Mentor managers and emerging leaders
- Support ongoing professional development across the firm
- Create structure around feedback, performance expectations, and growth paths
Client & Partner Collaboration
- Collaborate with fellow Partners to support key client relationships
- Ensure operational consistency across service lines supporting entrepreneurial and growth-stage clients
- This role is not required to originate a book of business, though relationship leadership is expected
Strategic Leadership
- Contribute to firm strategy, growth planning, and revenue targets
- Translate vision into execution through people, systems, and structure
- Act as a thought partner to ownership on scaling responsibly while protecting culture
What Success Looks Like
In the First 6 Months
- Build trust and credibility with Partners, managers, and staff
- Gain a deep understanding of Keystone’s people, systems, and client base
- Identify operational bottlenecks and quick-win improvements
- Establish a clear operating rhythm across teams
By 12 Months
- Firm operations run with greater consistency, clarity, and accountability
- Managers are better equipped to lead, coach, and address performance issues
- CCH Axcess workflows are optimized and more predictable
- Employee engagement, retention, and confidence in leadership are measurably stronger
Long-Term Impact
- Keystone scales without sacrificing culture or quality
- Teams feel supported, challenged, and aligned
- Clients experience seamless service as their businesses grow
- The firm operates with discipline, transparency, and shared ownership
Who This Role Is Not For
This role is intentionally designed for an operational and people-focused leader. It may not be the right fit if:
- You are seeking a role primarily focused on individual client production or billable hours. We estimate you will be doing 50% billable work to learn our process initially, and then tapering that down to 20% for the long haul.
- You prefer working independently rather than leading, coaching, and building systems
- You are looking for a title-only Partner role without accountability for execution and results
- You are uncomfortable owning people decisions, performance conversations, and organizational change
- You prefer highly rigid, hierarchical firm structures with minimal flexibility
- You are not interested in working with entrepreneurial clients in the $2M–$10M revenue range
- You are unwilling to be based in the Reno/Sparks area or relocate for a long-term leadership role
This role is best suited for a CPA energized by building strong teams, improving how a firm operates, and creating a culture where people and performance thrive together.
Requirements:
Qualifications
- Active CPA license required
- Minimum 10 years of accounting industry experience
- At least 5 years in firm leadership or management within a small to mid-sized accounting firm
- Big Four or large regional firm experience preferred
- Extensive hands-on experience with CCH Axcess
- Experience serving small to mid-sized business owners in a growth-oriented environment
- Proven success leading teams, improving operations, and driving results
- Strong leadership presence with excellent communication and coaching skills
- Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach
Partnership & Compensation Structure
Base / Draw: $160,000–$210,000 based on experience
Incentives: Performance-based bonuses tied to operational KPIs and firm growth
Equity: Clear pathway to equity participation following an initial integration period
Relocation Assistance: Available for candidates moving to the Reno area
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package aligned with Partner-level roles
Why Join Keystone CPA?
- People-First Culture: We invest deeply in our team and leaders
- True Leadership Impact: Shape how the firm operates, grows, and supports its people
- Integrated Services Model: Work within a multi-disciplinary firm built for the future
- Long-Term Opportunity: A genuine Partner role with influence, stability, and growth
