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.

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for an audit senior to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

At Lucas Horsfall, an Audit Senior is in-charge of assurance engagements and the engagement files for clients in a variety of industries. The position involves engagement planning, fieldwork, analyzing financial statements, and the related documentation in a close team environment. The position also includes the research of audit and accounting related issues and preparing thorough and accurate documentation in accordance with US GAAP, GAAS, and firm standards. This position will lead, train and develop staff. This role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of either our Pasadena, CA or Irvine, CA office locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Engagement team leader with In-Charge responsibilities on complete assurance engagements including planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, analytics, and financial statement preparation / review.
• Independent ownership of audit engagements and coordination of daily workflow.
• Manages day-to-day client relationships with prompt, professional communication and a 24-hour response standard.
• Supports proposal development and participates in business development activities, including client and prospect pursuits.
• Leadership expectations: real-time coaching, technical review of staff work, and on-the-job mentoring and timely communication.
• Engagement monitoring of budgets and timelines, escalating issues proactively.
• Greater understanding and independence in applying GAAP/GAAS in live audit decisions.
• Manages multiple complex engagements while maintaining quality standards.
• Prior in-charge experience and demonstrated leadership capability.
• Reviews work before submission to Managers for further review.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to firm culture and growth initiatives, including mentoring, recruiting, and knowledge sharing.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed, including special projects.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in an assurance department at a public accounting firm.
• BA/BS degree in accounting or business from an accredited university.
• Experience working with privately held clients.
• Must be able to travel to client locations.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills.
• Ownership-driven, leadership-leaning senior role with ability to show manager-level potential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in accounting.
• Active CPA license, or actively progressing toward licensure (sitting for exams).
• Industry experience in manufacturing, construction, service industry, and consolidations.
• Applied working knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Experience with Dynamic Audit Solutions (DAS), OnPoint PCR, OnPoint EBP, Suralink, DataSnipper, Trullion and AI platforms.

What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

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 Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at ajebson@ascendtogether.com.

The pay range for this role is $80,000 - $110,000 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.