Senior Tax 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. It’s time for a transformative change. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number; you’re 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 6 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
Blackman & Sloop is seeking a Senior Tax Associate with specialized experience in the preparation and/or review of fiduciary tax returns. This position focuses primarily on trust, estate, gift and individual tax compliance and consulting for our high net-worth clients.
You will be expected to manage clients independently and possess project management, analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer service in a family-friendly, superior working environment. This position offers substantial growth potential and the opportunity to advance. Additionally, a sense of humor is a must!

Key Responsibilities

Apply tax knowledge to preparation and review of individual, trust, estate and gift returns.
Work effectively in analyzing estate and trust documents.
Gather data from client and third party sources.
Perform research as needed to support tax stances and to satisfy client's objectives.
Client management and participation in business development.


Required Qualifications

2 - 3+ years experience with preparation and/or review of high-net-worth individual, trust, estate and gift returns
3-5 years of tax prep & 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


Preferred Qualifications

CPA/EA license or candidate
3-5+ years of related experience with a CPA firm
Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and CCH Engagement


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 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:

Competitive 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, credentials, and compensation
Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions


For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Kim Chedgy, Sr. Recruiter at [email protected].

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.

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