Onboarding Accounting Specialist

Ascend; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary I

401(k) Matching

Annual Performance Bonus

12 Paid Holidays

Flexible Scheduling Options

Innovative Workplan System

$500 annual Vacation Incentive

Commitment to Professional Development

Equity Program Eligibility at Sr. Man…

Job summary

Ascend, in partnership with Opsahl Dawson (ODC), is seeking an Onboarding Accounting Specialist to ensure a seamless onboarding experience for CAS clients and to lead firm-wide initiatives that enhance delivery, operations, and technology integration.

You will bridge internal teams, clients, and leadership, overseeing onboarding processes, driving automation, and coordinating cross‑department projects to support growth and client success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in project management, onboarding, or operations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Clear and professional communication, written and verbal.
• High attention to detail and process discipline.
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate cross-functional teams.
• Comfort with ambiguity and fast-paced change.
• Client service orientation with a proactive mindset.
• QuickBooks and QuickBooks Desktop experience.
• Payroll processing and reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding phases for new CAS clients, from kickoff to steady-state transition.
• Create and manage client onboarding project plans and timelines.
• Conduct needs assessments and tailor onboarding processes accordingly.
• Coordinate and execute firm-wide special projects, such as software rollouts and new service launches.
• Develop onboarding SOPs, templates, and best practices.
• Maintain onboarding metrics and report to leadership.
• Train CAS team members on onboarding processes and tools.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration for multi-service clients.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related field

Tools

QuickBooks

QuickBooks Desktop

Bill.com

Payroll platforms

Job description

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.

About ODC

Opsahl Dawson (ODC) was founded in 1979 in Longview, WA, where we have flourished into the award-winning firm we are today. We specialize in Accounting, Tax Preparation, and Bookkeeping with 175+ people across the United States. With 30+ years of proven service, we’re the go-to CPA firm in SW Washington. You’ll be joining a fun team and a renowned firm that is recognized as one of the Top 10 Fastest Growing Accounting Firms by Accounting Today.

In January 2023, ODC made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend’s partnership and shared resources, ODC is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come.

The Role

We are seeking an Onboarding Accounting Specialist to join our team! In this role, you will ensure a seamless and efficient onboarding experience for new CAS clients and lead firm-wide special initiatives that enhance client delivery, operational performance, and technology integration. You will act as the bridge between internal teams, clients, and firm leadership, making sure new client services are implemented successfully and strategic projects are executed well. Your focus will span the client onboarding experience, process innovation and implementation, project and change management, technology enablement and adoption, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all onboarding phases for new CAS clients, from kickoff to steady-state transition
• Create and manage client onboarding project plans and timelines
• Conduct needs assessments and tailor onboarding processes accordingly
• Serve as a liaison between CAS delivery teams and clients during onboarding
• Monitor onboarding progress and resolve roadblocks
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement in onboarding workflows
• Coordinate and execute firm-wide special projects, such as software rollouts and new service launches
• Develop onboarding SOPs, templates, and best practices
• Maintain onboarding metrics and prepare regular reporting to leadership
• Train CAS team members on onboarding processes and tools
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration for multi-service clients
• Support firm innovation initiatives through project planning and execution
• Help implement new tools and systems that affect client onboarding or operational efficiency
• Support Leadership in Sales Goals, Expansion, and Growth
• Work on Proposal workups and ensuring Engagement Letters reflect final scope

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field
• 3 to 5 years of experience in project management, onboarding or operations
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Clear and professional communication, written and verbal
• High attention to detail and process discipline
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate cross-functional teams
• Comfort with ambiguity and fast-paced change
• Client service orientation with a proactive mindset
• QuickBooks and QuickBooks Desktop
• Payroll Processing and Reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a CPA firm
• PMP, CAPM or similar certification
• Familiarity with tools such as Bill.com, various Payroll Platforms, and more
• CCH Experience

Who We Look For

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented performer who embodies critical thinking and high standards. A proactive professional, constantly seeking to deliver outstanding service.

Location

At Opsahl Dawson, we’ve designed a flexible work structure that enables both teamwork and independence, enhancing our employees’ work experience while promoting personal well-being. This role can be hybrid or remote.

What We Offer

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
• Annual Performance Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Scheduling Options
• Innovative Workplan System
• $500 annual Vacation Incentive
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Equity Program Eligibility at Sr. Manager Level + top performing Managers

The annual base salary range for this role is $100,000-$125,000. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education and/or skill level.

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.