Tax Manager

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we understand the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional public accounting firms - from rigid hierarchies, overwhelming workloads, and the elusive work-life balance. It's time for a transformative change. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number; you're a valued member of a community that supports & celebrates your professional & 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 comprehensive resources. 

Ascend empowers entrepreneurial CPAs to reach their goals with an innovative growth model that brings our partner firms into the new age. Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a modern platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while having access to resources of a large CPA firm. These resources include growth capital, robust talent acquisition, best-of-breed technology, a catalytic leadership system, shared back-office services, and modernized equity incentives.

Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues sufficient to qualify it as a Top 100 U.S. accounting firm within six months of operation. Explore Ascend, where your career soars without sacrificing your quality of life.

About Blackman & Sloop

At Blackman & Sloop, we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value, and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a single-office firm with approximately 45 full-time staff.

For 6 consecutive years, we've been honored as one of Accounting Today's "Best Accounting Firms to Work For"! We've also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the "Best Employers in North Carolina" list for the past 4 years. Most recently, we are proud to have received BDO's award for outstanding workplace culture! We believe we're receiving this recognition based on our commitment to and from each employee, regardless of level. 

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in April 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. What this means to you is that while we're a local accounting firm, our reach and expertise have no boundaries. Each member of our staff has access to an unlimited amount of resources to gain valuable information on levels that most local firms do not encounter.

The Role

As a tax manager, you will lead and manage all phases of business (1120, 1120S, 1065) and individual client tax advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of business and individual returns, participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct tax research, and advise on tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of humor are a must.

 Key Responsibilities

• Perform initial and/or final review of manager, tax senior, tax staff and intern work products.
• Act as primary client point of contact for the firm.
• Identify opportunities for value added services for clients by staying abreast of their business needs.
• Communicate staffing and workload issues to Resource Planning.
• Review and confirm assignment objectives, scope, and work plan with client.
• Resolve work product issues using firm resources.
• Contribute to the development and management of comprehensive strategies to identify and meet all client needs.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Coach and mentor staff to assist with enhancing their skills and further develop their career.
• Identify and pursue new clients and identify any additional needs to cross sell other firm products and services to existing clients.
• Support the partner team in the development and planning of strategy, objectives, and budgets.
• Prepare and/or review monthly client bills.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve complex tax-technical issues.
• Effectively manage expectations, internal and external, concerning changes in project deliverables and/or deadlines.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA)
• 5-10 years of tax prep & review experience
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership
• Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must!

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in individual taxation
• Consultative/Advising Experience
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax, CCH Engagement, and QuickBooks

 Who We Look For

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.

 Location

At Blackman & Sloop, 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 fully remote or sit out of our Chapel Hill, NC office. There is no travel required. 

 What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed, the firm succeeds, and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Competitive PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Performance Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Off-season Flex Fridays
• Closed on Fridays for the month of June
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Equity Program Eligibility at Sr. Manager Level + top performing Managers

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 Kim Chedgy, Sr. 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.