Staff Associate – Mergers & Acquisitions

Who We Are

About Ascend

At Ascend we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firmsfrom rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here youre not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and 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 robust resources.

We partner with regional entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in todays dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital robust talent acquisition top-tier technology transformative leadership shared back-office services & more. Founded in January 2023 Ascend attained revenues to sufficiently qualify as a Top 100 U.S. accounting firm within six months of operation.Explore Ascendwhere your career soars without sacrificing your quality of life.

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025 we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for an audit staff to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

At Lucas Horsfall a staff associate in the M&A practice is responsible for supporting transaction execution quality of earnings analysis client communication and cross-functional coordination. This position involves working closely with independent sponsors private equity firms and corporate buyers across a variety of industries helping them evaluate acquisition opportunities identify financial risks and understand key value drivers throughout the transaction lifecycle. This role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of our Pasadena CA or Irvine CA office locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence engagements helping identify key risks unusual trends and potential deal considerations.
• Analyze detailed financial informationincluding income statements balance sheets cash flow statements and operational dataand convert findings into clear well-organized workpapers.
• Support assessments of quality of earnings working capital net assets and cash flows by preparing schedules reconciliations tie-outs and supporting analyses.
• Contribute to the preparation of deal-oriented reports presentations and exhibits that highlight key financial and commercial observations.
• Verify the completeness and accuracy of financial data received from clients and target companies and identify inconsistencies for senior review.
• Participate in meetings and conference calls with target company management and clients alongside senior team members.
• Support client relationship development through professional communication responsiveness and organized follow-up.
• Conduct industry market and competitor research to support diligence insights and business development materials.
• Support marketing and business development initiatives including but not limited to event participation event planning preparation of pitch materials and general outreach efforts.
• Participate in internal and external training to develop technical analytical and professional skills.
• Support seniors and managers with ad hoc analyses project-related tasks and workflow management across multiple engagements.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience (transaction advisory audit accounting or analytical roles preferred)
• BA/BS degree in accounting or business from an accredited university.
• Licensed and currently active CPA or working towards CPA designation.
• High proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with data analytics tools is a plus.
• Experience working with privately held clients.
• Collaborative mindset with a desire to learn and grow within the M&A practice.
• Must be able to travel to client locations.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in accounting.
• Applied working knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

What We Offer

As a firm we offer great benefits a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena CA with offices in Encino and Irvine Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax audit and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being health and ongoing professional growth:

• 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

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 further questions or inquiries about the role please reach out to Aidan Jebson Sr. Recruiter

The pay range for this role is $62000 - $75000 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.