Tax Senior Associate

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.

As of May 2026, Jackson Thornton has joined the Ascend network. 

Jackson Thornton, an accounting and consulting firm, was established in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 3, 1919. From our beginning, the firm has operated with personal integrity and professional excellence while evolving and expanding to provide more of what businesses need- whether strategic planning, business consulting, technology consulting or specialized industry services. Jackson Thornton has grown to serve clients in six locations throughout Alabama with a team of more than 200 professionals and is looking to welcome more driven, client-focused individuals to the firm. 

We are seeking a Tax Senior Associate with public accounting experience to join our team. This role is ideal for a motivated professional who thrives in a client-focused environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality service. As a Tax Senior Associate, the duties are focused around two core concepts: technical expertise and delivering excellent client service.  This individual will work closely with team members to ensure accurate and timely completion of tax engagements, while also mentoring interns and Associates, and contributing to a positive team culture. This position could be a fit if you are interested in working with a collaborative and supportive team that values your growth and contributions, if you are seeking ongoing training and development opportunities, and you would enjoy supporting the firm in the community through volunteer opportunities and civic engagement. 

 This position will work primarily out of Jackson Thornton's Birmingham office with hybrid flexibility. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, and trust tax returns.
• Review returns prepared by interns and provide constructive feedback.
• Communicate directly with clients to gather necessary tax information and resolve questions.
• Research tax issues and contribute to client tax planning strategies.
• Apply technical tax knowledge to identify planning opportunities and potential tax implications for clients.
• Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations.
• Support the development and training of Tax Associates and Interns.
• Use firm tax software and automation tools to work efficiently, and apply professional judgment when reviewing technology- and AI-assisted output before it reaches the client.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient workflow and exceptional client service. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA license preferred, or actively pursuing (at least two parts of the CPA exam passed).
• Two years of public accounting experience with a focus on tax.
• Strong technical knowledge of tax regulations and compliance.
• Proficiency with professional tax preparation software and Microsoft Excel, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Interest in applying AI and automation tools to tax workflows, paired with the judgment to know when professional review is required.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 

Jackson Thornton offers a comprehensive, competitive benefit package to all of our professionals, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, long term and short term disability plans, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, paid time off plan, and a 401(k) plan with a match.

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 Olivia Riley, 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.