M&A Tax Manager

Who We Are

About Ascend

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

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 a M&A Tax Manager to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

As a Mergers & Acquisitions Tax Manager at Lucas Horsfall, you will lead and manage tax due diligence engagements for buy-side and sell-side transactions. The role will evaluate tax risks and develop tax-efficient structuring recommendations. When not handling M&A work, this role is also responsible for handling tax compliance engagements for individuals, corporations, and partnerships. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct tax research, and advise on tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead tax due diligence for middle-market transactions
• Conduct diligence across income tax, sales tax, property tax, payroll tax, and unclaimed property
• Prepare and present due diligence reports
• Analyze deal structures
• Support post-transaction integration
• Perform initial and/or final review of manager, tax senior, tax staff and intern work products
• Act as primary client point of contact for the firm
• Identify opportunities for value added services for clients by staying abreast of their business needs
• Coach and mentor staff to assist with enhancing their skills and further develop their career
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve complex tax-technical issues
• Effectively manage expectations, internal and external, concerning changes in project deliverables and/or deadlines

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 5+ years of corporate tax experience
• Experience with Subchapter C, partnerships, and international tax
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed CPA or Attorney
• Strong background in individual, corporate, and partnership taxation
• Consultative/Advising Experience
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax

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 at View email address on click.appcast.io.

The pay range for this role is $135,000 - $200,000+ 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.