Client Accounting Manager (CAAS)

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.

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for a CAAS Manager (Client Accounting and Advisory Services) to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

At Lucas Horsfall, a CAAS Manager is responsible for the client relationship of our mid-to-large-sized entities, advising clients on appropriate financial and visionary strategies. The firm also encourages managers to take ownership of their career, tailoring their career growth, direction, and progression to accommodate shifts and changes in their personal lives. This position will mentor, train, and develop staff and seniors. The CAAS Manager is expected to play an active role in business development efforts. A commitment to identifying and cultivating new client opportunities is a core component of this position and will be reflected in the employee's annual performance scorecard. The role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of our Pasadena, CA or Irvine, CA office. 

Key Responsibilities

• Set the vision for the monthly close process to happen timely, mitigate situations when factors come up to stall or delay, and ensure a monthly close deliverable is achieved by committing to month-end meetings with all clients. 
• Follow through and take ownership of correspondence with clients, staff, and partners.
• Drive departmental growth and contribute meaningfully to high-level decision making across the practice.
• Commitment to actively train, develop, and mentor staff and seniors.
• Provide advisory and technical expertise in delivery of tax services to clients, purchasing accounting, including M&A transaction support, and comprehensive payroll advisory services, including payroll tax preparation and the research necessary to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Understanding of the internal control environment necessary on a client and advise where weaknesses or strengths are present.
• Function as a liaison, leading a client through a financial statement audit to ensure clients are “audit ready” with their year-end close and analysis of key account balances.
• Help solidify clients’ visions through budget preparation. Monitor budget versus actual and have active discussions with clients’ regarding variances.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of public accounting experience.
• 2+ years of experience training and supervising staff.
• Must have prior experience working with clients across various industries, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, nonprofit organizations, and SaaS (Software as a Service) companies. The ability to understand and navigate the unique accounting, compliance, and advisory needs of each sector is essential to success in this role.
• Proficiency across multiple accounting platforms including QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, NetSuite, and similar tools.
• BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent from an accredited university.
• Capable of working in a demanding, deadline-driven environment either independently or within a team dynamic while effectively managing unexpected issues and/or questions in a professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed and currently active CPA.
• Master’s degree in accounting or equivalent.
• Prior CAAS background. The ideal candidate will come from an established Accounting and Advisory Services department. 
• Experience building and growing an offshore team. 

What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

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 Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at [email protected].

The pay range for this role is $125,000 - $165,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay 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.