Tax Lead

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 BGW

BGW is an Anything But Typical accounting firm with offices across the Carolinas. 

If you’re looking for a typical “just crunch the numbers and clock out” role with zero personality and repetitive tasks, we’re not the place for you. But if you’re passionate about learning the ropes, helping business owners succeed, and working with a team that values growth and fun, you’ve come to the right place.

In June 2025, BGW made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend’s partnership and shared resources, BGW is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come.

The Tax Lead plays a pivotal role in supporting BGW’s tax service teams by serving as a primary point of contact for clients and driving project management across assigned engagements. This role is centered on clear, confident, and proactive client communication, ensuring clients feel informed, supported, and well cared for throughout the tax process.

The Tax Lead acts as the bridge between clients and the internal tax team – balancing client service, supervision of team member, and project completion within client/firms standards and timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Helps client team meet internal and external deadlines by proactive project management.
• Manages intake, organization and follow up on information needed from clients and documentation required.
• Provide regular updates to team with status of projects, next steps, outstanding items, etc.
• Responds and processes client and / or bank requests for information such as providing copies of tax returns and K-1’s.
• Serves as a primary client contact for assigned tax engagements, communicating clearly, professionally, and confidently.
• Helps route work to appropriate internal team members based on engagement needs, deadlines, and staff capacity.
• Takes ownership of correspondence with the IRS and state taxing authorities, including drafting, reviewing, and following up as needed.
• Fields client questions with confidence and professionalism, escalating technical matters to internal subject-matter experts when appropriate and following through with clear responses.
• Owns any tax planning, strategy or consulting requirements that are presented from the client and coordinates with subject matter experts if necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a tax role.
• 1+ year experience in a client communicating role
• Working familiarity with common tax forms and entities such as 1120S, 1065, and 1040.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.

• Professional services firm experience is a plus (e.g., public accounting, legal, consulting).
• Advanced tax preparation skills and/or detail review skills
• Enrolled Agent and/or CPA certification is a plus.
• Professional project management certification is a plus.

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive professional, committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation.

At BGW, we’ve designed a hybrid work structure that enables both teamwork and independence, enhancing our employees’ work experience while promoting personal well-being.

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
• Performance Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Schedule
• Commitment to Professional Development

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

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

For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Kim Chedgy, Lead Recruiter at [email protected]. 

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.