Senior Tax Manager, Trust & Estate

Who We Are

At Ascend we understand the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional public accounting firms – from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work‑life balance. Its 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 We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths.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 the resources of a large 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 has already attained revenues sufficient to qualify as a Top 30 U.S. accounting firm. Explore Ascend where your career soars without sacrificing your quality of life.

Opsahl Dawson (ODC) was founded in 1979 in Longview, WA and has flourished into the award‑winning firm we are today. We specialize in accounting, tax preparation and bookkeeping with 175 people across the United States. With 30 years of proven service, we were the go‑to CPA firm in SW Washington. You’ll be joining a fun team and a renowned firm that is recognized as one of the Top 10 Fastest Growing Accounting Firms by Accounting Today.

In January 2023 ODC made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend’s partnership and shared resources, ODC is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come.

We are looking for a Senior Tax Manager for our Trust and Estates team! Leveraging your expertise in trust and estates tax matters & client relations, you’ll manage a national client list delivering superior service. As their trusted advisor, you’ll tackle complex tax issues, craft strategic solutions and offer risk‑management guidance. Your forward‑thinking mindset will enhance service delivery, ensuring innovation remains at the forefront.

In this role you’ll collaborate with members across ODC and work as a united team maintaining a fun work environment. You’ll also have the opportunity to drive our team’s growth through mentorship and coaching, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

• Manage client portfolio consistently delivering high‑quality service.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with preparation, review and timely filing of all tax forms.
• Perform initial and/or final review of manager, senior tax and staff and intern work products.
• Enhance efficiency across project initiatives.
• Contribute to team empowerment & professional development by providing mentorship and supportive guidance.
• Stay up to date with tax regulations, conduct diligent research and provide consultation on intricate tax matters.
• Contribute to business development and departmental efficiency enhancements.

• CPA or EA.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• 10 years of public accounting experience.
• Trust & Estate tax expertise.
• Experience directly managing and interacting with clients through a variety of channels.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Proficiency with tax preparation and accounting software.

• Advanced knowledge of applicable accounting software:
  Quick Books, CCH Axcess Engagement, Thomson Reuters or Ultra Tax.
• Substantial knowledge of 1041, Partnerships, S‑Corps and 1099.
• Experience with individual high‑net‑worth clients, trust & estates, state tax and pensions.

A perceptive team‑player who…