CAAS Staff Accountant

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.

We are a top 3 accounting and advisory firm in Western New York with nearly 140 partners and associates, including 70 CPAs serving clients across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South & Central America. We serve all industries and have deep expertise in small business, manufacturing, education, e-commerce, aerospace & defense, construction, insurance, professional services, private equity, non-profits, and government entities. Our key services include Tax Advisory services, M&A/Transaction Advisory services, State & Local Tax services, Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS), Audit & Attestation Advisory services. We have many additional services that we specialize in. We strategically partnered with Ascend, an accounting firm platform, in 2025 to expand our footprint and enhance our capabilities and service offerings to our clients.

The Opportunity

As a Staff Accountant in our CAAS practice, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality accounting services and supporting advisory engagements. You’ll work closely with senior team members to help clients manage their financial operations, gain insights from their data, and make confident business decisions. This is a great opportunity for someone who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and passionate about helping client businesses thrive. Our CAAS practice is quickly expanding creating many future opportunities for career growth and development.

How You’ll Help Us Build a Confident Future:

Client Delivery & Support

• Prepare and maintain client financial records, including general ledger entries, reconciliations, and financial statements while adhering to accounting processes and workflows.
• Documenting client-specific processes and information.
• Assist in month-end and year-end close processes.
• Support controllership and CFO-level engagements with accurate and timely data.
• Help onboard new clients and ensure smooth transitions into TSA systems and processes.

Advisory Collaboration

• Translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis projects.
• Contribute to the development of dashboards and reporting tools.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Utilize cloud-based accounting platforms and workflow tools to deliver efficient client service.
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, client efficiency, and workflows.
• Assist with implementation and optimization of technology solutions for clients.

Team Engagement

• Collaborate with team members across service lines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Take ownership of tasks, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and inquiry.
• Receive mentorship and training from experienced professionals.
• Pursue expanded responsibilities through training, certifications, and on-the-job training.
• Contribute to a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous learning.

What You Need to Succeed (Required Qualifications):

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 0-2 years of accounting experience, preferably in public accounting, outsourced accounting, bookkeeping, or finance environments
• Experience with month-end close, bank reconciliations, and financial statement preparation preferred
• Intellectual curiosity with eagerness to embrace and master new processes
• Effective at documenting and communicating complex information clearly
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

What Will Give You an Edge (Additional Skills)

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field
• Public accounting experience 
• Proficiency with QuickBooks, Odoo, SAGE

The annual base salary range for this role is  $68,000-75,000. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of TSA’s 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.