Accounting & Payroll Specialist

Ascend Healthcare is dedicated to delivering fully integrated, high-quality psychiatric and behavioral health services with a focus on compassion, accessibility, and affordability. Our organization collaborates with external partners to provide comprehensive mental health care across the country, including psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support, and care coordination. We adopt a “no wrong door” treatment model that emphasizes inclusivity and flexibility, ensuring that every patient referral is met with a solution rather than exclusionary criteria. Our core values revolve around improving patient and clinician experiences, achieving better health outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs.

About the role

The Accounting & Payroll Specialist at Ascend Healthcare plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s financial operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of accounting and payroll processes, maintaining internal controls, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations. The ideal candidate is a proactive finance professional who enjoys optimizing systems, developing scalable processes, and contributing innovative ideas to enhance operational efficiency. The role involves close collaboration with Human Resources, Operations, and Leadership teams to ensure reliable financial data and support the organization’s growth trajectory.

Responsibilities

• Manage the customer invoicing process, ensuring timely and accurate billing while identifying opportunities for workflow improvements
• Process accounts payable transactions with proper coding and documentation, maintaining strong financial controls
• Oversee and execute payroll processing accurately and on schedule in collaboration with Human Resources, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities, including reconciliations and journal entries, with an emphasis on accuracy and efficiency
• Maintain precise financial records within accounting systems and assist in enhancing reporting processes
• Prepare documentation and support audit activities to ensure smooth and organized audit processes
• Maintain state and local tax registrations, assisting with new registrations as the organization expands
• Proactively recommend process improvements to strengthen controls, reduce manual effort, and increase operational efficiency
• Communicate effectively with vendors, internal teams, and leadership to support day-to-day financial operations and inquiries

Qualifications

• 2 or 4-year degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience with a solid understanding of GAAP preferred
• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience in accounting, payroll, or finance roles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with experience in data analysis and reporting
• Experience with NetSuite or other enterprise ERP systems preferred
• Prior experience with general accounting and payroll processes
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to identify process improvements and implement practical solutions
• Interest in professional development and expanding responsibilities as the organization grows

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $60,000 to $70,000 annually
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability (LTD) benefits
• Paid time off (PTO) and company-recognized holidays
• Yearly CEU stipend for professional development
• Remote-first work environment promoting work-life balance
• Collaborative and supportive organizational culture
• Opportunities for career growth and professional training
• Clinician-founded and operated organization committed to employee well-being
• 401(k) plan with company matching