Audit Senior Los Angeles, CA

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to remain 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.

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Lucas Horsfall is a CPA firm celebrating its 68th anniversary in 2025. We pride ourselves on a culture that is fun, diverse, and family‑focused, with people who truly care about your professional development. Our exceptional growth and low turnover have created a need for an audit senior to deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

At Lucas Horsfall, an Audit Senior is in charge of assurance engagements and the engagement files for clients in a variety of industries. The position involves engagement planning, fieldwork, analysis of financial statements, and related documentation in a close team environment. The role also includes researching audit and accounting issues, preparing thorough and accurate documentation in accordance with US GAAP, GAAS, and firm standards, leading, training, and developing staff.

This role will be performed in a hybrid environment from either our Pasadena, CA or Irvine, CA office locations.

• Engagement team leader with in‑charge responsibilities on complete assurance engagements including planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, analytics, and financial statement preparation / review.
• Independent ownership of audit engagements and coordination of daily workflow.
• Manage day‑to‑day client relationships with prompt, professional communication and a 24‑hour response standard.
• Support proposal development and participate in business development activities, including client and prospect pursuits.
• Provide real‑time coaching, technical review of staff work, and on‑the‑job mentoring and timely communication.
• Monitor engagement budgets and timelines, escalating issues proactively.
• Demonstrate a greater understanding and independence in applying GAAP/GAAS in live audit decisions.
• Manage multiple complex engagements while maintaining quality standards.
• Possess prior in‑charge experience and demonstrated leadership capability.
• Review work before submission to Managers for further review.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Contribute to firm culture and growth initiatives, including mentoring, recruiting, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed, including special projects.

• 3+ years of experience in an assurance department at a public accounting firm.
• BA/BS degree in accounting or business from an accredited university.
• Experience working with privately held clients.
• Must be able to travel to client locations.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills.
• Ownership‑driven, leadership‑leaning senior role with ability to show manager‑level potential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Master's degree in accounting.
• Active CPA license, or actively progressing toward licensure (sitting for exams).
• Industry experience in manufacturing, construction, service industry, and consolidations.
• Applied working knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Experience with Dynamic Audit Solutions (DAS), OnPoint PCR, OnPoint EBP, Suralink, Data Snipper, Trullion and AI platforms.

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent voluntary insurance options
• 401(k) matching
• Discretionary bonus
• Commitment to professional development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

Pay range for this role is $80,000 – $110,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

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.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.