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Executive Assistant, CEO & Partners

Chapel Hill, NC

Who We Are

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.

For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com.

About Blackman & Sloop

At Blackman & Sloop, we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value, and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a two office firm with locations in Chapel Hill and Greensboro and approximately 45 full time staff.

For seven 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 for multiple years. Most recently, we were proud to receive the Best Companies Group award for Best Accounting Firms for Women in Chapel Hill.

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's fifth largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally, in May 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us into our next stage of growth. While we're a local accounting firm, our people benefit from the resources, technology, and opportunities of a growing national platform while maintaining the collaborative culture that makes Blackman & Sloop unique.

The Role

As the Executive Assistant to the CEO & Partners, you will serve as the operational right hand to firm leadership while creating an exceptional experience for clients and visitors. This is a unique opportunity that combines executive level support with front of house leadership in a highly collaborative professional services environment.

You will manage complex executive calendars, coordinate travel and leadership meetings, oversee confidential communications, and serve as a trusted partner to the CEO and Partner group. At the same time, you will be the welcoming face of the firm, ensuring clients and staff experience a polished, organized, and professional office every day.

This role is designed for a seasoned Executive Assistant who thrives on ownership, variety, and building trusted relationships with senior leaders. During your first year, you'll focus on mastering the core responsibilities with the opportunity to expand your scope as the firm continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support

  • Manage complex calendars for the CEO and Partner group, exercising independent judgment to balance competing priorities.
  • Serve as a trusted liaison between firm leadership, clients, Ascend, ownership, and external stakeholders.
  • Analyze scheduling needs and recommend improvements to leadership cadence and reporting.
  • Coordinate and support special projects for the Executive Leadership Team, Head of People, and Chief Growth Officer.
  • Arrange executive travel, expense reporting, and meeting logistics.
  • Prepare agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and meeting documentation.
  • Manage confidential correspondence while acting as a discreet gatekeeper for firm leadership.
  • Coordinate CEO, Partner, and firm wide leadership meetings, including quarterly and annual planning sessions.
  • Manage Partner scheduling preferences, including calendar visibility and no meeting days.
  • Support service line teams during periods of increased workload as business needs require.

Office Administration & Client Experience

  • Welcome clients and visitors while creating an exceptional first impression of the firm.
  • Manage incoming calls, mail, deliveries, and daily office operations.
  • Prepare conference rooms for meetings and maintain professional common areas.
  • Order and manage office, kitchen, and coffee supplies within budget.
  • Coordinate catering and food orders for Partner meetings, staff meetings, and busy season events.
  • Assist with office meetings, celebrations, and internal events.
  • Coordinate facilities maintenance requests and vendor relationships as needed.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in a professional services environment as an Executive Assistant or administrative professional supporting C suite or senior leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, competing calendars and travel for multiple executives.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a polished, professional presence.
  • Demonstrated discretion and mature judgment when handling confidential information.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including data entry, formatting, formulas, and basic reporting.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build positive relationships across all levels of the organization.
  • Proven ability to anticipate needs, prioritize effectively, and follow through without prompting.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment with shifting priorities.
  • Warm, polished, and professional demeanor in client facing situations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a CPA or public accounting firm.
  • Experience with CCH Axcess, CCH Workflow, or similar practice management software.
  • Notary Public certification.

Who We Look For

A seasoned Executive Assistant who brings order to complexity, earns trust through discretion, and thrives in a fast paced professional environment. Someone who takes pride in creating an exceptional experience for both clients and colleagues while confidently supporting executive leadership. A proactive professional who anticipates needs, communicates with confidence, and consistently delivers with professionalism, accuracy, and sound judgment.

Location

This is a full time, in office position based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

This is a non exempt, hourly position. Additional hours and flexibility are expected during tax season (February 1 through April 15) and extension season (August 1 through October 15). Overtime compensation is available during these peak periods.

What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a great place to work. Our secret to retaining exceptional employees is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a commitment to continuous professional growth. We believe that when our people succeed, the firm succeeds, and we're committed to providing the support and resources needed for long term success.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well being, health, and professional development:

  • Unlimited PTO
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary Insurance Options
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Bonus Opportunities
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Off season Flex Fridays
  • 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 Karina Matos, Recruiter, at karina.matos@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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