About this opportunity
Ascend Partner Firms lists this Audit Staff Associate opportunity in williamsville, New York. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Audit Staff Associate
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. We are a top 3 accounting and advisory firm in Western New York with nearly 140 partners and associates, including 70 CPAs serving clients across the U.We serve all industries and have deep expertise in small business, manufacturing, education, e-commerce, aerospace & defense, construction, insurance, professional services, private equity, non-profits, and government entities. Our key services include Tax Advisory services, M&A/Transaction Advisory services, State & Local Tax services, Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS), Audit & Attestation Advisory services. We strategically partnered with Ascend, an accounting firm platform, in 2025 to expand our footprint and enhance our capabilities and service offerings to our clients.
As an Audit Staff Associate, you will join audit and assurance engagements across a variety of clients, learning the full audit cycle from planning through reporting and taking on more responsibility as your skills grow. Audit Execution
Perform assigned audit procedures and testing across planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
Research technical accounting and auditing questions and share your findings with seniors and managers.
Look for ways to work more efficiently, including AI-enabled audit tools where appropriate.
Take part in firm training, networking, and business development activities.
Work toward CPA licensure and begin building an area of specialization.
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA degree in Accounting.
CPA license, or active pursuit of the CPA.
Up to two years of experience in public or private accounting; internship experience welcome.
Audit internship or busy-season experience.
Financial support for the CPA exam and licensing.
Exposure to a wide variety of challenging assignments and the ability to work on special projects and develop practice area expertise.
In-office, flexible, and alternative working arrangements.
Competitive salary and benefits, paid vacation and sick time, and nine paid holidays.
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.
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.