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Administrative Associate

Chapel Hill, NC

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend, we understand the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional public accounting firms - from rigid hierarchies, overwhelming workloads, and the elusive work-life balance. It’s time for a transformative change. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number; you’re a valued member of a community that supports & celebrates your professional & 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 comprehensive resources. 

Ascend empowers entrepreneurial CPAs to reach their goals with an innovative growth model that brings our partner firms into the new age. Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a modern platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while having access to resources of a large CPA firm. These resources include growth capital, robust talent acquisition, best-of-breed technology, a catalytic leadership system, shared back-office services, and modernized equity incentives.  

Founded in January 2023, Ascend attained revenues sufficient to qualify it 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 Blackman & Sloop

Located in Chapel Hill, NC Blackman & Sloop Advisors Inc. has approximately 50 full-time staff.  As a locally based accounting firm, we facilitate our clients' ambitions to expand throughout the Research Triangle area, state, and country, while still providing each client the personal time and attention on which we pride ourselves.

For 6 consecutive years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We've also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the “Best Employers in North Carolina” list for the past 4 years. Most recently, we are proud to have received BDO's award for outstanding workplace culture! We believe we’re receiving this recognition based on our commitment to and from each employee, regardless of level. 

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in April 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. What this means to you is that while we're a local accounting firm, our reach and expertise have no boundaries.  Each member of our staff has access to an unlimited amount of resources to gain valuable information on levels that most local firms do not encounter.

The Role

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Associate to support our firm’s operations. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the office runs smoothly, providing administrative support to partners, managers, and team members. This role requires strong multitasking skills, professionalism, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide administrative support to senior leadership and staff, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating appointments.
  • Manage incoming communications such as phone calls, emails, and mail; redirect or prioritize as appropriate.
  • Serve as a point of contact for clients, providing prompt and professional service to address inquiries and ensure a positive client experience.
  • Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other firm-related documents.
  • Assist with client onboarding, engagement letters, and document collection to ensure compliance.
  • Handle filing, scanning, and organization of sensitive documents in a secure and efficient manner.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements, meeting logistics, and office event planning.
  • Monitor office inventory and place supply orders as needed.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
  • Perform general office duties and provide ad hoc support as required.

 

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of administrative experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience with document management systems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate's or Bachelor’s degree.
  • Experience in a professional services environment (e.g., accounting, legal, or consulting firms).
  • Familiarity with accounting software (QuickBooks, CCH, or other platforms).

 

Who We Look For

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented professional who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive person, committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation.

 

What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed, the firm succeeds, and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible. Along with that, at Blackman & Sloop, we listen to what our employees value. Being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. No two people learn and grow the same way, so we find the fit and path that works for you.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

  • Unlimited PTO
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary Insurance Options
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Performance Bonus
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Off-season Flex Fridays
  • Closed on Fridays for the month of June
  • 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 questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Kim Chedgy, Manager of Recruiting at kchedgy@ascendtogether.com. 

 

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.

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