Who We Are

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.

Tax Associate

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.

We’re proud of our employees and our culture, and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces.” As a rapidly growing midsized firm, we offer vast opportunities for both career and personal development, as well as the best of both small and large firms:

• Working with a wide variety of clients and industries, while maintaining the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest 
• Early and frequent interaction with firm shareholders and clients
• Career development and mentorship from shareholders and client managers
• Company-sponsored technical and intensive leadership training from industry leaders in our international network
• Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, flexible schedules, and reimbursement for continuing education and professional memberships

As trusted advisors and dedicated partners, our highly motivated Tax Associates work with other team members to provide closely held companies and high net worth individuals with tax and accounting services (including planning, consulting, research, and compliance) that meet their present needs and help them secure a prosperous future. They also represent Sweeney Conrad in the community and develop referral relationships with professionals in related industries.

Qualified candidates must have:

• One to four years’ experience in public accounting
• BA/BS in accounting
• CPA eligible
• A desire to be challenged and for career advancement in a rapidly growing leading firm
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented

The pay range for this role is $80,000 - $95,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay 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.

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms—from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources. 

We partner with regional, entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in today's dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, top-tier technology, transformative leadership, shared back-office services, & more. Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues to sufficiently qualify 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.

Tax Senior Associate

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.

We’re proud of our employees and our culture, and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces.” 

• Working with a wide variety of clients and industries, while maintaining the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest 
• Early and frequent interaction with firm shareholders and clients
• Career development and mentorship from shareholders and client managers
• Company-sponsored technical and intensive leadership training from industry leaders in our international network
• Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, flexible schedules, and reimbursement for continuing education and professional memberships

Tax Senior Associate

As trusted advisors and dedicated partners, our highly motivated tax seniors work with other team members to provide closely held companies and high net worth individuals with tax and accounting services (including planning, consulting, research, and compliance) that meet their present needs and help them secure a prosperous future. Tax seniors also represent Sweeney Conrad in the community and develop referral relationships with professionals in related industries.

The successful candidate will have:

• Three to five years’ experience in public accounting 
• CPA or CPA designation 
• BA/BS in accounting
• A desire to be challenged and for career advancement in a rapidly growing leading firm
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Review experience

The pay range for this role is $80,000 - $130,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay 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.

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms—from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources. 

We partner with regional, entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in today's dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, top-tier technology, transformative leadership, shared back-office services, & more. Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues to sufficiently qualify 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.

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms—from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources. 

We partner with regional, entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in today's dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, top-tier technology, transformative leadership, shared back-office services, & more. Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues to sufficiently qualify 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.

Tax Internship - Summer 2027

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.

We’re proud of our employees and our culture, and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces.”

• Our interns will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and industries, enabling them to gain comprehensive exposure to various business sectors. This approach aligns with our commitment to fostering a well-rounded skill set in our interns.
• They will experience the real day-to-day life of a tax professional and will have opportunities to learn from senior associates, managers and principals how roles change as careers progress
• Interns will engage in early and frequent interactions with all levels of professionals at Sweeney Conrad, including principals and managers. This hands-on experience is crucial for their professional development, allowing them to build relationships with key stakeholders within our organization and the clients we serve.
• Our interns will benefit from personalized career development initiatives and mentorship programs where they will reflect on both positive outcomes and opportunities for development. This support system is designed to guide interns through their internship, offering guidance, answering questions, and aiding in their overall professional growth.
• To enhance their technical skills and leadership capabilities, interns will participate in company-sponsored training programs conducted by industry leaders within our international network. These programs are integral to the continuous development of our interns and preparing them for future challenges.

Our interns work with members of the firm to provide closely held companies and high net worth individuals with accounting services that meet their present needs and help them secure a prosperous future. Each intern partners with a mentor who guides them through the internship and answers any questions. While we're flexible around academic and extracurricular schedule, we expect interns to work 35 hours a week Monday through Thursday. Sweeney Conrad interns are truly essential to the success of our business, and we seek to hire them as full-time employees after graduation.

To be considered for this internship, please ensure you submit your resume, transcript and a cover letter along with your application. 

The pay range for this role is $35.00 per hour. You will be eligible for statutory benefits such as workers' compensation, state disability, and unemployment insurance as prescribed by law.

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.

Who We Are

About Sweeney Conrad

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.

We’re proud of our employees and our culture and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces”. For more information, visit www.sweeneyconrad.com.

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.

Senior Manager, Tax Operations

The Senior Manager, Tax Operations will lead our tax administrative team.  This role blends people leadership, workflow ownership, process improvement, and technology enablement. The right person will bring confidence, sound judgment, and a practical mindset—someone who can improve how the department works while building strong relationships with managers, team leaders, and the Tax Practice Leader.

This role also serves as a member of the Tax Management Team, which includes the Tax Practice Leader and the tax team leaders. That means direct access to decision-makers and meaningful influence on department priorities, process changes, staffing decisions, and operational strategy. This position reports directly to the Tax Practice Leader of the Tax Department and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with an on-site work schedule.

 Specific Duties Will Include

• Lead, coach, and develop the tax administrative team; clarify roles, set expectations, build accountability, create growth and cross-training opportunities, and lead the tax intern coaching program
• Own performance management for tax administrative staff, including coaching, performance reviews, compensation decisions, and development planning
• Partner with the Tax Practice Leader, tax team leaders, managers, and firm operations leaders to improve the day-to-day effectiveness of the tax department
• Recommend, implement, document, and monitor process improvements across the tax service delivery lifecycle, including onboarding, organizers, engagement letters, document flow, scanning, return assembly and delivery, e-filing, and other core administrative processes
• Champion change by proactively identifying opportunities to use technology, automation, workflow tools, and AI to improve efficiency, consistency, visibility, and service quality
• Help improve the quality, accuracy, and reliability of tax department data by ensuring key software systems and databases are properly maintained, kept up to date, and used consistently across the team
• Drive improvements in tax workflow and scheduling to improve visibility, balance workloads, and reduce bottlenecks during busy season and throughout the year
• Help reduce administrative burden on tax leaders so they can spend more time on client service, technical work, staff development, and business development
• Support hiring and onboarding within the team, including first-day readiness, role clarity, training coordination, and integration into the department
• Identify department-wide and individual training needs and partner with internal and external resources to improve adoption of tax processes, systems, and best practices
• Lead or support the management of tax technology platforms and vendors, including optimization of current tools, evaluation of new solutions, contract coordination, invoice review, and better utilization of existing systems
• Help oversee outsourcing processes and support consistent execution across internal and external resources.
• Maintain reporting, dashboards, and operational tracking tools so leaders can make informed decisions about workload, staffing, deadlines, and process priorities
• Contribute as an active member of the Tax Management Team and help turn strategic priorities into practical, executable plans
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department managers

 The successful candidate will have

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, operations, or a related field preferred
• 7+ years of leadership, operations, practice management, or tax administration experience in public accounting, tax operations, or a comparable professional services environment
• Experience with tax workflow, document management, scheduling, e-filing, return delivery, or practice management tools
• Direct people-management experience, including coaching, performance reviews, and compensation decisions
• Experience overseeing workflow, scheduling, and resource coordination in a deadline-driven setting
• Demonstrated success improving processes, leading change, and implementing more efficient ways of working
• Strong people skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with managers, senior leaders, and a wide range of personalities
• A genuine interest in technology, automation, and AI, along with the confidence to evaluate opportunities and help lead adoption
• Effective communication, project management, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint 
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks and in organizing and prioritizing work assignments and ongoing duties  
• Ability to communicate effectively and timely in writing and verbally with colleagues, clients, and other external partners 
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment 

While not required, the following skills would be considered an asset

• Certifications: CPA or EA
• Education: MBA or other advanced degree

Benefits:

The pay range for this role is $125,000 - $175,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage; Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer-paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays.

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.

Who We Are

About Sweeney Conrad

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.

We’re proud of our employees and our culture and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces”. For more information, visit www.sweeneyconrad.com.

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.

Client Accounting & Advisory Services Senior Associate

This position is part of our Client Accounting and Advisory Services group, which provides outsourced accounting services for small and lower-middle market businesses. The team focuses on professional services, including engineering, architecture, construction, dental and medical offices, law firms, tech companies, veterinary clinics, and other service-based businesses. This is a full-time hourly role, with overtime generally limited to the month of January.

The Senior Client Accounting & Advisory Services Senior Associate leads complex client accounting engagements, overseeing day-to-day accounting activities such as transactional accounting support, reconciliations, and month-end close while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to best practices. In addition to managing client deliverables, this role provides advanced financial analysis and advisory support, identifies opportunities to improve client processes, and serves as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for clients. The Senior Associate mentors junior team members, collaborates closely with leadership to deliver strategic guidance, and contributes to process and system enhancements across the practice. Curiosity, humility, and honor form the foundation of our department and shape how we ask thoughtful questions, admit when we’re wrong, and take ownership of our mistakes to live the fix. This position reports directly to the Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with a hybrid in-office work schedule.

Specific Duties Will Include

• Associates handle transactional activities to maintain account balances, while Seniors oversee accounts at a higher level, reviewing balances for anomalies and investigating unusual variances
• Review and manage end-to-end accounting process, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations in QuickBooks Online (QBO), as well as full balance sheet reconciliations
• Review and execute payroll using Gusto, including quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting
• Review and execute state and city excise tax filings
• Drive analytical review of client financial performance to provide deeper, value-based insights
• Anticipate client needs and respond timely and professionally to emails and calls
• Train and mentor existing and incoming associates on accounting processes and best practices
• Support and actively contribute to departmental and firm-wide process improvements and innovations
• Manage a large client load effectively through delegation, collaboration, and leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department managers

 The successful candidate will have

• Minimum 4 years of accounting experience, preferrable within a mix in public accounting and corporate accounting
• Minimum 2 years of experience using QuickBooks Online (QBO), Excel, Word, and Outlook
• BA/BS in accounting or related field
• Deep understanding of accounting principles and best practices
• Working Knowledge of Accrual accounting and knowledge of GAAP
• Working knowledge of Washington State tax practices
• Proficient in managing large sets of data accurately and efficiently
• Proficiency in analyzing and assessing financial statements
• Ability to quickly learn various software applications
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

While not required, the following skills would be considered an asset

• CPA designation
• Experience using Gusto for payroll processing
• Experience using Bill.com
• Familiarity with Slack and Monday.com
• Experience reviewing staff work and training others

Benefits:

The pay range for this role is $40.00 - $51.00 per hour. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage; Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer-paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays

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.

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms—from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources. 

We partner with regional, entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in today's dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, top-tier technology, transformative leadership, shared back-office services, & more. Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues to sufficiently qualify 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.

Client Accounting & Advisory Services Internship - Summer 2027

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play. 

We’re proud of our employees and our culture, and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces.” 

• Our interns will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and industries, enabling them to gain comprehensive exposure to various business sectors. This approach aligns with our commitment to fostering a well-rounded skill set in our interns.
• They will experience the real day-to-day life of a Client Accounting & Advisory Services professional and will have opportunities to learn from senior associates, managers and principals how roles change as careers progress.
• Interns will engage in early and frequent interactions with all levels of professionals at Sweeney Conrad, including principals and managers. This hands-on experience is crucial for their professional development, allowing them to build relationships with key stakeholders within our organization and the clients we serve.
• Our interns will benefit from personalized career development initiatives and mentorship programs where they will reflect on both positive outcomes and opportunities for development. This support system is designed to guide interns through their internship, offering guidance, answering questions, and aiding in their overall professional growth.
• To enhance their technical skills and leadership capabilities, interns will participate in company-sponsored training programs conducted by industry leaders within our international network. These programs are integral to the continuous development of our interns and preparing them for future challenges.

Our interns assist in maintaining and reconciling clients’ general ledgers, processing accounts payable and receivable transactions, and supporting month-end and year-end closing activities, including journal entries and account reconciliations. Additionally, they utilize accounting software and tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency, contributing to the success of both the team and the clients they serve. Each intern partners with a mentor who guides them through the internship and answers any questions. While we’re flexible around academic and extracurricular schedules, we expect interns to work 32 hours a week Monday though Thursday. Sweeney Conrad interns are truly essential to the success of our business, and we seek to hire them as full-time employees after graduation. 

To be considered for this internship, please ensure you submit your resume, transcript, and a cover letter along with your application.

The pay range for this role is $35.00 per hour. You will be eligible for statutory benefits such as workers' compensation, state disability, and unemployment insurance as prescribed by law.

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.

Who We Are

About Sweeney Conrad

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.

We’re proud of our employees and our culture and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces”. For more information, visit www.sweeneyconrad.com.

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.

Client Accounting & Advisory Services Associate

This position is part of our Client Accounting & Advisory Services group, which provides outsourced accounting services for small and lower-middle market businesses. The team focuses on professional services, including engineering, architecture, construction, dental and medical offices, law firms, tech companies, veterinary clinics, and other service-based businesses. This is a full-time hourly role, with overtime generally limited to the month of January.

The Client Accounting & Advisory Services Associate manages day-to-day client accounting, including end to end accounting, payroll, reconciliations, payables and sate reporting needs, while ensuring accuracy and compliance. They provide financial insights and advisory support, help improve client processes, and serve as a key point of contact. The role also involves collaborating with senior team members to deliver high-quality accounting and strategic guidance. Curiosity, humility, and honor form the foundation of our department and shape how we ask thoughtful questions, admit when we’re wrong, and take ownership of our mistakes to live the fix. This position reports directly to the Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with a hybrid in-office work schedule.

Specific Duties Will Include

• Own end-to-end accounting processes, including payables in Bill.com, account reconciliations, and bank feed monitoring in QuickBooks Online (QBO)
• Perform payroll processing and administration using Gusto, including quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting.
• Prepare and complete state and city excise tax filings
• Anticipate client needs and respond timely and professionally to client emails/calls
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department managers

 The successful candidate will have

• BA/BS in accounting or related field
• 2+ years of experience in public accounting and/or corporate accounting
• Deep understanding of accounting principles
• Proficient in managing extensive sets of data with ease
• Proficiency in critically assessing and analyzing financial statements
• Strong skills using QuickBooks Online (QBO), Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to learn various software applications
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, organized and able to handle multiple tasks at once
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks and in organizing and prioritizing work assignments and ongoing duties  
• Ability to communicate effectively and timely in writing and verbally with colleagues, clients, and other external partners 
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment 

 While not required, the following skills would be considered an asset

• CPA designation
• Experience using Bill.com
• Experience using Gusto for payroll processing
• Familiarity with Slack and Monday.com

Benefits:

The pay range for this role is $35.00 - $44.00 per hour. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage; Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer-paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays

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.

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms—from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources. 

We partner with regional, entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in today's dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, top-tier technology, transformative leadership, shared back-office services, & more. Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues to sufficiently qualify 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.

Audit Internship - Summer 2027

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play. 

We’re proud of our employees and our culture, and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces.”

• Our interns will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and industries, enabling them to gain comprehensive exposure to various business sectors. This approach aligns with our commitment to fostering a well-rounded skill set in our interns.
• Interns will engage in early and frequent interactions with firm shareholders and clients. This hands-on experience is crucial for their professional development, allowing them to build relationships with key stakeholders within our organization and the clients we serve.
• Our interns will benefit from career development initiatives and mentorship programs facilitated by both firm shareholders and client managers. This support system is designed to guide interns through their internship, offering guidance, answering questions, and aiding in their overall professional growth.
• To enhance their technical skills and leadership capabilities, interns will participate in company-sponsored training programs conducted by industry leaders within our network. These programs are integral to the continuous development of our interns and preparing them for future challenges.

Our interns work with members of the firm to provide closely held companies with audit and advisory services that meet their present needs and help them secure a prosperous future. Each intern partners with a mentor who guides them through the internship and answers any questions. While we're flexible around academic and extracurricular schedule, we expect interns to work 32 hours a week Monday through Thursday. Sweeney Conrad interns are truly essential to the success of our business, and we seek to hire them as full-time employees after graduation.

To be considered for this internship, please ensure you submit your resume, transcript and a cover letter along with your application. 

The pay range for this role is $35.00 per hour. You will be eligible for statutory benefits such as workers' compensation, state disability, and unemployment insurance as prescribed by law.

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.