Client Relationship Specialist

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. Its time for a transformative change. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here youre not just a number; youre 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 has already attained revenues sufficient to qualify as a Top 30 U.S. accounting firm.Explore Ascendwhere your career soars without sacrificing your quality of life.

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 single-office firm with approximately 45 full-time staff.

For 7 consecutive years weve been honored as one of Accounting Todays Best Accounting Firms to Work For! Weve 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 BDOs award for outstanding workplace culture! We believe were 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 worlds 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 were 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

The Client Relationship Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting all service line teams with project management for some of the firms largest client groups. This position requires proven experience cultivating and sustaining deep engaging client relationshipsgoing beyond transactional interactions to build trust anticipate needs and deliver personalized service. By fostering meaningful connections and managing workflows with care the Client Relationship Specialist ensures a seamless client journey. This enables the service line teams to focus on technical excellence while clients feel valued understood and supported at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities

• Helps client team meet internal and external deadlines by proactive project management.
• Manages intake organization and follow up on information needed from clients.
• Proactively updates client managers with updates on status of projects next steps etc.
• Responds and processes client and / or bank requests for information such as providing copies of tax returns and K-1s.
• Coordinates the sending and return of Electronic Return Authorizations including uploading of tax returns.
• Coordinates meetings / calls with clients.
• Coordinates transmission of deliverables to client.
• Sends client 1040ES vouchers as required.
• Drafts non-technical letters to the IRS or state taxing authorities checks for proper spelling and grammar.
• Maintains and updates client contact information such as address changes across practice management and CRM systems and updates Workflow with information when appropriate.
• Engagement binder roll-forwards.
• Files client information in appropriate binder.
• Assists in billing for the client groups.
• Coordinates client authorizations to release information to third parties.
• Follows up on engagement letters.
• Acts as communication director for the client group team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience.
• 4 years experience in client relationship management.
• Familiarity with common tax forms such as 1040s K-1s and engagement letters.
• General understanding of business terminology
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Intermediate Excel knowledge.
• Proficient in adopting and utilizing new technology systems.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel to NC client sites.
• Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must!

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional services firm experience is a plus (e.g. public accounting legal consulting).
• Enrolled Agent certification is a plus.
• Professional project management certification is a plus.

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 leader who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive professional committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation.

Location

At Blackman & Sloop weve designed a flexible work structure that enables both teamwork and independence enhancing our employees work experience while promoting personal well-being. This role will required 4 days in our Chapel Hill NC office and allows for 1 day of remote work.

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.

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
• Equity program buy-in eligibility at Sr. Manager level top performing Managers

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 and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For further questions or inquiries about the role please reach out to Kim Chedgy Manager of Recruiting at .

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.