Ascend · 1 month ago
M&A Associate
United States
Full-time
Remote
Mid Level
1+ years expAscend is a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms backed by private equity from Alpine Investors. The M&A Associate will spearhead Ascend's inorganic growth strategy, focusing on delivering high-quality diligence, process management, and seamless integration while fostering trusted partnerships across teams.
Professional ServicesConsultingFinanceAdvice
Responsibilities
Cultivate Investment Judgment:
Develop a keen understanding of investing in CPA firms
Approach each deal with an ownership mentality, assessing merits through data-driven analysis and not support a deal for the sake of 'hitting' numbers or due to emotion
Share recommendations and concerns promptly, flagging issues early and knowing when to pause for recalibration
Deliver High-Quality Diligence:
Commit to producing prompt, accurate, and zero-defect diligence
Analyze and sanity-check raw data, quickly identifying gaps and escalating them as needed
Produce persuasive, well-organized, and audience-friendly work that addresses key issues effectively
Adopt a continuous improvement mindset, proposing new analyses or optimized approaches
Strive for self-sufficiency, seeking guidance efficiently and applying learnings independently
Develop Process Management Skills:
Utilize our process management tool as the central tool for deal process management, documenting best practices and attaching relevant exhibits
Meet key deal milestones
Anticipate next steps in the deal process by proactively identifying critical tasks
Maintain organized workflows across multiple active deals, keeping systems updated
Share insights and opportunities for improvement with managers and leadership
Build Trusted Partnerships:
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and sellers to ensure thoughtful and efficient deal execution
Support underwriting levers in the Ascend Proven Process
Contribute to internal-facing materials, such as analysis readouts and memos, to frame underwriting decisions
Foster rapport with sellers, respecting their time and journey during the information-gathering process
Coordinate with internal teams to ensure seamless back-end integration
Lead Seamless Integration:
Execute a thorough and orderly integration process
Work with Partner Firm leadership to ensure smooth front-end integration, including client and staff communications, cultural alignment, training, and growth plan priming
Oversee back-end integration with cross-functional teams to meet operational requirements
Excel as a Team Player:
Prepare thoroughly for all interactions and engagements
Manage third-party advisors effectively throughout deal processes
Demonstrate empathy and attentiveness when interacting with management teams during acquisitions
Proactively involve appropriate team members to ensure deliverables are completed successfully
Qualification
Required
1-4 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, M&A advisory, or management consulting
Strong proficiency in financial modeling, EBITDA normalization, and other valuation techniques
Advanced Excel skills, with the ability to use complex formulas, pivot tables, and scenario analysis effectively
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Solid understanding of financial statements, including the ability to analyze and interpret data to identify trends and performance metrics
Experience conducting detailed data analyses and providing actionable insights
Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to create and deliver professional, persuasive content
Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders
Proven ability to identify risks, escalate issues promptly, and problem-solve under pressure
Exceptional organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow-through
A growth mindset, with a commitment to receiving and acting on feedback for continuous improvement
A proactive, self-starter attitude with an ownership mentality and a willingness to take initiative
Adaptability and resilience in dynamic, fast paced environments
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics or any related field is required
Preferred
Foundational knowledge of M&A processes, including due diligence and transaction execution is a plus
Familiarity with CPA firm operations, revenue models, and cost structures is a plus
Benefits
Highly competitive compensation package, including attractive benefits.
Company
Ascend
Ascend is a consulting firm that helps CPAs reach their goals.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$2.02M2025-02-14Seed· $2.02M
Leadership Team
David Wurtzbacher
Founder & CEO
Recent News
Bangkok Post
2026-04-27
2026-03-19
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