Individual Tax Senior Associate

Ascend; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) Matching

Performance Bonus

Commitment to Professional Development

Job summary

A leading regional accounting firm is seeking a Tax Senior Associate to focus on individual tax compliance and consulting. Candidates should have at least 2 years of individual tax preparation experience and strong interpersonal skills. This role offers a flexible work environment and unique benefits, including unlimited PTO and a commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of individual tax preparation experience.
• Well-versed in individual and not-for-profit 990 PF returns.
• Strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review individual and not-for-profit tax returns.
• Analyze financial statements and related documentation.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact to strengthen and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Individual tax preparation experience

Project management skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Business development interest

Tools

CCH Axcess Tax

CCH Engagement

Job description

Individual Tax Senior Associate at Ascend

About Ascend 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.

About Blackman & Sloop Blackman & Sloop is a single‑office firm with approximately 45 full‑time staff. For seven consecutive years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For.” We were recently part of the BDO Alliance and joined Ascend to expand our reach and expertise.

Position Overview

Blackman & Sloop seeks a Tax Senior Associate with specialized experience in the preparation of individual tax returns. This role focuses primarily on individual tax compliance, not‑for‑profit tax compliance, and consulting for our clients.

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 preparation 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 a 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.

Location

Flexible work structure with a blend of teamwork and independence to enhance employee well‑being.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and 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 above, plus top performing managers

Application Instructions

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

For questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Kim Chedgy, Manager of Recruiting at [e-mail].

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.