Tax Associate

Ascend; Boca Raton (FL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

Flexible Time Off

FSA & HSA

Employee Assistance Programs

401(k) Matching

Commuter Benefits

Parental Leave

Equity Participation

Job summary

KSDT, now joined with Ascend, seeks experienced tax professionals to provide strategic consulting on business tax planning and compliance with clients across Florida and beyond. You will review returns, mentor staff, and manage engagements from start to finish, delivering value and strong client relationships.

Opportunities span hybrid and remote work, with growth trajectory in a growing platform backed by Ascend’s resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in accounting.
• Master's in Taxation or LLM in Taxation a plus.
• Strong technical skills pertaining to tax preparation and review, tax compliance, agency correspondence and tax research.
• Experience in tax provisions a plus.
• Ability to problem-solve and think both creatively and logically.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct and effectively organize, prioritize and manage multiple engagements under tight deadlines.
• Outstanding leadership, mentoring and interpersonal skills fostering client and staff relationships.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to attract and develop profitable, sustainable client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide consulting services and make recommendations to clients on innovative business tax planning and compliance services in a timely and effective manner.
• Review tax returns from associates and interns and make recommendations regarding accuracy and tax savings opportunities.
• Assist Manager in running client engagements from start to finish, including planning, executing, directing, and completing tax projects and managing to budget.
• Ensure complete client satisfaction through open communication, managing, meeting deadlines and proactively sharing tax saving strategies.
• Work closely with Partners, Senior Managers, Managers and Staff on client management, professional development and business development activities.
• Resolve minor issues directly with the IRS and other tax authorities.
• Assist with resolving more complex issues with IRS and other tax authorities.
• Participate in client meetings. May lead client meetings with smaller clients.
• Supervise, train, and mentor associates and interns on tax projects and assess performance of staff for engagement reviews.
• Attend professional development and continuing education sessions on a regular basis.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Tax planning

Tax compliance

IRS interactions

Client management

Mentoring staff

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Master's in Taxation

Tools

Tax software

Job description

About KSDT

KSDT has long been recognized as one of

KSDT has long been recognized as one of Forbes Best Accounting and Tax Firms in America and one of the South Florida Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. Now, with our exciting new partnership with Ascend, we’re stepping into the next phase of growth and opportunity. What hasn’t changed is our culture: the “secret sauce” that sets us apart. We foster a fun and creative environment, keep politics out, and make work-life balance a priority. We seek highly motivated individuals who want not only true career advancement, but also the chance to shape and grow alongside a firm that is scaling rapidly. Our partners and knowledgeable professionals remain accessible for hands-on learning, mentorship, and development. In September 2025, KSDT made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend’s partnership and shared resources, KSDT is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come.

About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms - from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources.

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, visitwww.ascendtogether.com.

Locations:

Miami, Florida OR Weston, Florida OR Boca Raton, Florida OR Remote OR Hybrid

Responsibilities

• Provide consulting services and make recommendations to clients on innovative business tax planning and compliance services in a timely and effective manner.
• Review tax returns from associates and interns and make recommendations regarding accuracy and tax savings opportunities.
• Assist Manager in running client engagements from start to finish, including planning, executing, directing, and completing tax projects and managing to budget.
• Ensure complete client satisfaction through open communication, managing, meeting deadlines and proactively sharing tax saving strategies.
• Work closely with Partners, Senior Managers, Managers and Staff on client management, professional development and business development activities.
• Resolve minor issues directly with the IRS and other tax authorities.
• Assist with resolving more complex issues with IRS and other tax authorities.
• Participate in client meetings. May lead client meetings with smaller clients.
• Supervise, train, and mentor associates and interns on tax projects and assess performance of staff for engagement reviews.
• Attend professional development and continuing education sessions on a regular basis.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in accounting.
• Master's in Taxation or LLM in Taxation a plus.
• Strong technical skills pertaining to tax preparation and review, tax compliance, agency correspondence and tax research.
• Experience in tax provisions a plus.
• Ability to problem-solve and think both creatively and logically.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct and effectively organize, prioritize and manage multiple engagements under tight deadlines.
• Outstanding leadership, mentoring and interpersonal skills fostering client and staff relationships.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to attract and develop profitable, sustainable client relationships.

Benefits And Perks

• Health, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Time Off
• FSA & HSA
• Employee Assistant Programs
• 401(k) Matching
• Commuter Benefits
• Parental Leave
• Modernized Incentives and Equity Participation

KSDT is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and workplace culture.

KSDT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnancy‑related conditions, and religious beliefs, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications of the position. It is not an exhaustive list, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.