Outsourced Controller – Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS)

About the Company

Ascend, backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm. 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 to help firms surmount today’s industry challenges and reach their full potential.

Lucas Horsfall is a CPA firm celebrating its 68th anniversary in 2025. Known for its work-life balance, diverse client base, and supportive culture, the firm attributes its exceptional growth and low turnover to its appreciation of people and clients. This growth has created a need for an Outsourced Controller within the Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS) practice.

About the Role

As Outsourced Controller within our CAAS practice, you'll function as the embedded Controller for a portfolio of client companies — owning the accounting function end-to-end rather than advising from the sidelines. You'll drive monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls for your clients, while mentoring and developing the staff and seniors who support you. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants the variety of running finance for multiple companies, without sacrificing work-life balance, career flexibility, or the backing of a well-resourced firm.

Responsibilities

• Own full-cycle monthly close and financial statement preparation for a portfolio of clients, functioning as their embedded Controller.
• Set and enforce the close calendar, proactively resolving issues that threaten timely delivery, and lead recurring month-end review meetings with clients.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for client, staff, and partner communication and follow-through.
• Design and implement internal control frameworks tailored to each client, identifying and remediating weaknesses proactively.
• Lead clients through financial statement audits, ensuring accurate, audit-ready year-end close and account analysis.
• Own the budgeting process for clients — building budgets, monitoring actuals against plan, and advising leadership on variances and corrective action.
• Provide advisory and technical expertise across tax service delivery, purchase accounting (including M&A transaction support), and payroll advisory, including payroll tax compliance and research.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff and seniors, building bench strength across the department.
• Contribute to departmental strategy and high-level decision-making as the practice grows.

Requirements

• 5+ years of accounting/finance leadership experience in public accounting, industry, or a combination of both.
• 2+ years of experience training and supervising staff.
• Licensed and currently active CPA.
• Prior experience working with clients across various industries, including manufacturing, nonprofit organizations, and SaaS (Software as a Service) companies.
• Proficiency across multiple accounting platforms including QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, NetSuite, and similar tools.
• BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent from an accredited university.
• Capable of working in a demanding, deadline-driven environment either independently or within a team dynamic while effectively managing unexpected issues and/or questions in a professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting or equivalent.
• Prior CAAS background; experience from an established Accounting and Advisory Services department.
• Experience building and growing an offshore team.

Benefits

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Tuition reimbursement for advanced education

Pay

The pay range for this role is $140,000 - $155,000 per year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, and skill level.