Senior Tax Associate

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHO WE ARE

About Ascend

• Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is
• building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to
• stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them
• grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and
• training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI
• tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership
• system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s
• industry challenges to reach their full potential.

• For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com
• [http://www.ascendtogether.com/].

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, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best
• Accounting Firms to Work For”! We've 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 BDO's award for outstanding
• workplace culture! We believe we’re 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 world's 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 we're
• 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

• As a Senior Tax Associate, you will work on a variety of tax engagements, with a
• focus on business and individual returns. You will manage clients independently
• and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal,
• and communication skills. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on
• providing quality work & excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior
• working environment. Additionally, this position offers substantial growth and
• advancement opportunity. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of
• humor are a must.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparation and/or review of business and individual tax returns.
• Gather data from client & third party sources  and obtained open items if

necessary

• Perform tax research with view for compliance and alternatives to satisfy

client's objections

• Prepare/analyze income tax notices for federal and state jurisdictions
• Client management and participation in marketing/business development
• Participation in recruitment and supervision of entry-level staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 3+ years of tax prep and/or review experience
• 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!

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA/EA license or candidate
• Auto dealership industry experience
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax, CCH Engagement, and QuickBooks

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, we’ve designed a flexible hybrid 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

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, Lead

Recruiter at kchedgy@ascendtogether.com [kchedgy@ascendtogether.com].

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.