Full-Time

Senior Tax Manager

Non-Partner Track

Ascend Partner Firms

Ascend Partner Firms

201-500 employees

Provides growth platform for independent CPAs

Compensation Overview

$170k - $215k/yr

+ Variable Incentive

San Diego, CA, USA

Hybrid

Hybrid role; some on-site days in San Diego, CA.

Category
Accounting (1)

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Requirements
  • Active CPA license
  • 10+ years of progressive tax experience in public accounting
  • Deep experience with pass-through entities
  • Strong federal and state tax technical skills
  • Proven ability to manage client relationships independently
  • Experience leading, supervising, and developing tax professionals
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Sound judgment, ownership mentality, and a proactive client-service approach
Responsibilities
  • Tax Compliance & Planning: Serve as the primary advisor on complex federal and California tax engagements for closely held pass-through entities and their owners. Ensure the team delivers accurate, timely returns, projections, and estimates.
  • Client Relationships: Own a portfolio of client relationships. This is not a behind-the-scenes review role — you will be the trusted advisor in the room. Build long-term client loyalty through proactive communication, sound judgment, technical depth, and responsive service.
  • Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop senior associates, supervisors, and managers. Help team members set goals, navigate complex engagements, strengthen their technical skills, and continue advancing in their careers.
  • Practice Development: Contribute to the continued growth of the tax practice by identifying planning opportunities, supporting business development, and collaborating across tax, audit, and other service lines.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in taxation or accounting
  • California tax experience, including PTET, FTB compliance, and apportionment
  • Experience advising closely held businesses and their owners across industries such as real estate, construction, professional services, manufacturing/distribution, investment partnerships, family-owned businesses, and high-net-worth individuals.
  • Familiarity with CCH Axcess, CCH Engagement, CCH Axcess Document, and CCH Workflow

Ascend Partner Firms helps entrepreneurial CPAs grow regional accounting firms while keeping them independent. It provides a platform that combines access to growth capital, talent acquisition and development, technology, a catalytic leadership system, shared back-office services, and modernized equity incentives. Backed by Alpine Investors, Ascend enables firms to leverage resources of a larger CPA firm without losing independence, helping them to expand and compete more effectively. Compared to other firms, Ascend pairs private-equity support with a scalable, independent business model and extensive operational resources, all aimed at helping firms reach their full potential. The company’s goal is to help regional accounting firms scale their businesses, attract talent, and improve performance so they can grow sustainably and reach market leadership."

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Alexandria, Virginia

Founded

2023

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Six Ascend firms rank in the top 25 of the 2026 Fastest-Growing Firms list.
  • Recent mergers like Lucas Horsfall + Gettleson expand geographic footholds and integrate young partners effectively.
  • Jackson Thornton adds a $2B wealth management franchise, strengthening Ascend's Southeast advisory capabilities significantly.

What critics are saying

  • Alpine Investors' 5-year exit mandate forces aggressive M&A, risking overpayment for firms like Kreischer Miller.
  • Sentient Solutions creates single-point offshore dependency; a 20% cost disruption would cripple global delivery operations.
  • RSM US and BKD accelerating PE roll-ups in Philadelphia and Southeast will slash Ascend's acquisition pipeline.

What makes Ascend Partner Firms unique

  • Ascend enables regional firms with $15–$50M revenue to retain independence while accessing national capital and technology.
  • The platform integrates offshore accounting via India-based Sentient Solutions for cost-efficient global service delivery.
  • Ascend targets firms with committed leadership and strong cultures, like Jackson Thornton's 107-year legacy and $2B wealth franchise.

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Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Performance Bonus

Paid Holidays

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Budget

Company Equity

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Parental Leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

1%
Accounting Today
Oct 3rd, 2023
Ascend invests in Goering & Granatino

The private equity-backed firm has expanded to the Midwest.

Accounting Today
Jul 31st, 2023
Ascend acquires offshore accounting services provider

The PE-backed platform for CPA firms has acquired India-based Sentient Solutions for Accounting.