Audit Associate

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 We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths.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.

About LevitZacks

LevitZacks earned our reputation for delivering high-quality tax, accounting and business advisory services to the San Diego community for the past 60 years. We have one office, yet our team members are located across the country. Our ratio of CPAs to total professional staff is the highest among the top 17 firms in San Diego (San Diego’s Business Journal’s Book of Lists 2024). Our team loves working here due to our exceptional culture. Each member of the team is valued and respected. LevitZacks listens to its team members. Exceptional client service is a team effort, and it shows our commitment to service through our commitment to our team members. Our team members are our most valuable asset. That's why at LevitZacks we are committed to a comprehensive benefit program that helps our team stay healthy, feel secure, and maintain a positive work/life balance.

The Role

As a key member of the audit team, this role will perform detailed assurance and audit procedures for clients in a variety of industries. The position involves researching and analyzing financial statements and audit related issues and preparing thorough and accurate audit documentation in accordance with US GAAP, IFRS, PCAOB and firm standards. This role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of San Diego, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit Compliance: This position will work on and complete audit engagements with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
• Client Service: Deliver quality internal and external client service, in accordance with the Firm’s values, in order to build and maintain client loyalty and teamwork by contributing to a positive client and team member experience.
• Continuous Process Improvement: Focus on solutions and problem solving creatively in order to help make timely decisions by translating requests into action.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business with a certificate in accounting from an accredited university
• Minimum of 6 months of auditing experience with a national, regional, or large local CPA firm
• Applied working knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact well with others in a team environment, as well as being able to work independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed and currently active CPA or in process of obtaining license
• Master’s degree in accounting
• Single audit, program specific audits, and 401k retirement plan experience
• ProSystem/Engagement experience and experience working in a paperless environment

Who We Look For

An eager and enthusiastic team member looking to continue to develop their audit/public accounting skills. Someone who can interact well with others in a team environment, as well as work independently. A dedicated team-player, committed to producing high-quality work and maintaining LevitZacks team, health, security, and work/life balance-focused culture.

What We Offer

Our firm has a clearly written opportunity path to give our team members an idea of how they can advance through our firm and what to expect at each level. We have a great working environment and a great group of team members. In 2022, LevitZacks was ranked #8 in the United States by Accounting Today as a Best Firm for Women to work for. In addition, we are proud award winners of Best Places to Work in San Diego (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (#1), 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 (#8), 2018 (#6), 2019 (#1), 2020 (#1), 2021(#1), 2022, 2023 and 2024 (#4) (only firm to ever receive this award 3 years in a row!). We are also ranked in #1 in CPA to professional ratio of the top 17 firms in San Diego (2024 Book of Lists).

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
• Core Hours Allowing for Flexible Work Schedule
• Commitment to Professional Development

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 [email protected].

The pay range for this role is $70,000 - $80,000 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.