Individual Tax Senior Associate

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend we understand the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional public accounting firms - from rigid hierarchies overwhelming workloads and the elusive work-life balance. Its time for a transformative change. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here youre not just a number; youre a valued member of a community that supports & celebrates your professional & personal fulfillment. Our mission is to transform the public accounting experience into one where work-life harmony is a reality and where your career advancement is supported by a nurturing network and comprehensive resources .

Ascend empowers entrepreneurial CPAs to reach their goals with an innovative growth model that brings our partner firms into the new age. Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors Ascend is building a modern platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while having access to resources of a large CPA firm. These resources include growth capital robust talent acquisition best-of-breed technology a catalytic leadership system shared back-office services and modernized equity incentives.

Founded in January 2023 Ascend attained revenues sufficient to qualify it as a Top 100 U.S. accounting firm within six months of operation. Explore Ascend where your career soars without sacrificing your quality of life.

About Blackman & Sloop

At Blackman & Sloop we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture strong community involvement and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a single-office firm with approximately 45 full-time staff.

For 7 consecutive years weve been honored as one of Accounting Todays Best Accounting Firms to Work For! Weve also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the Best Employers in North Carolina list for the past 4 years. Most recently we are proud to have received BDOs award for outstanding workplace culture! We believe were receiving this recognition based on our commitment to and from each employee regardless of level.

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance we have access to the resources of BDO USA LLP the worlds 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in April 2024 we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. What this means to you is that while were a local accounting firm our reach and expertise have no boundaries. Each member of our staff has access to an unlimited amount of resources to gain valuable information on levels that most local firms do not encounter.

The Role

Blackman & Sloop is seeking a Tax Sr. Associate with specialized experience in the preparation of Individual tax returns. This position focuses primarily on individual tax compliance not-for-profit tax compliance and consulting for our clients.

As a Sr. Tax Associate you will prepare a variety of individual and not-for-profit tax engagements. You will be expected to manage clients independently and demonstrate excellent project management analysis interpersonal interaction and oral and written communication skills. We are seeking a professional who is a highly motivated self-starter with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review individual and not-for-profit tax returns.
• Analyze financial statements and related documentation.
• Gather data from clients and third-party sources to support engagements.
• Perform research as needed to support tax positions and client objectives.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact to strengthen and maintain client relationships.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of individual tax prep experience
• Well-versed in individual and not-for-profit 990 PF returns
• Excellent project management analytical interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership
• Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must!
• Ability or interest in business development and expanding client relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA/EA license or candidate
• Experience with CCH Axcess Tax and CCH Engagement
• Experience leading teams

Who We Look For

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive professional committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation.

Location

At Blackman & Sloop weve designed a flexible work structure that enables both teamwork and independence enhancing our employees work experience while promoting personal well-being.

What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture strong community involvement and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed the firm succeeds and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being health and ongoing professional growth:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical Dental Vision & Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Performance Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Off-season Flex Fridays
• Closed on Fridays for the month of June
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Optional Equity Buy-In Program Eligibility at Senior Manager level and up top performing Managers

How to Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

• Basic contact information
• Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
• Work eligibility and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For questions or inquiries about the role please reach out to Kim Chedgy Manager of Recruiting at .

At Ascend we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race color religion national origin gender pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity/expression age marital status disability or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Required Experience:

Senior IC