Accounting & Advisory Services Manager

Ascend Partner Firms • Kirkland, WA

6h • $90,000 - $130,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is part of our Client Accounting and Advisory Services group, which provides outsourced accounting services for small and medium businesses and family offices. The team focuses on professional services, including engineering, architecture, construction, dental and medical offices, law firms, tech companies, veterinary clinics, and other service-based businesses. This is a full-time hourly role, with overtime generally limited to the month of January.

The Client Accounting & Advisory Services Manager leads and oversees complex client accounting engagements, ensuring excellence in day-to-day accounting operations, including month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting, while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. This role, often acting as a Controller for our clients, drives advanced financial analysis and strategic advisory services, partners with clients as a trusted business advisor, and proactively identifies opportunities to improve financial performance and operational efficiency. The Manager provides leadership, coaching, and performance oversight to associates and senior associates, manages client relationships at a high level, and plays a key role in shaping process improvements, system enhancements, and practice growth initiatives. This manager will participate in both prospect meetings and attend networking events to support client acquisition and firm growth initiatives. This position reports directly to the Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with a hybrid in-office work schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in Client Accounting & Advisory Services, accounting, audit, corporate controller, or related field
• 2+ years of supervisory experience in accounting or a related field
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and strong financial statement analysis skills
• Experience with QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, and/or other accounting systems
• Experience with Bill.com, Paychex, or similar financial/payroll software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Excellent communication skills, strong emotional intelligence, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• CPA designation
• Experience with Expensify or similar expense management software
• Familiarity with Slack, Monday.com, or other workflow/collaboration tools

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise, train, and mentor a team of 3–5 staff members to ensure performance, development, and accountability
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all monthly client financial information
• Oversee and review monthly transactional accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank and credit card reconciliations in QuickBooks Online (QBO)
• Oversee payroll processing, including quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting, and ensure timely completion of state and city excise tax filings
• Maintain and optimize each client’s technology stack, recommending and implementing tools to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall service value
• Troubleshoot and oversee payroll onboarding, offboarding, delegation, and high-level payroll record maintenance
• Research and collaborate with the State & Local Tax team on compliance best practices to reduce client risk
• Anticipate client needs, respond promptly and professionally to communications, and regularly meet with clients to maintain a high standard of service
• Contribute to strategic direction and change management initiatives within one of the firm’s fastest-growing business units
• Participate actively in firm initiatives, culture-building efforts, and additional responsibilities as assigned
• Act as the final control point, safeguarding the integrity of financial statements and ensuring consistent, error-free execution of client business processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department managers

Benefits

• For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage; Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer-paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level