Outsourced Controller – Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS)

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 www.ascendtogether.com.

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 Outsourced Controller – Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS) to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

As Outsourced Controller within our CAAS practice, you'll function as the embedded Controller for a portfolio of client companies — owning the accounting function end-to-end rather than advising from the sidelines. You'll drive monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls for your clients, while mentoring and developing the staff and seniors who support you. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants the variety of running finance for multiple companies, without sacrificing work-life balance, career flexibility, or the backing of a well-resourced firm. 

Key Responsibilities

• Own full-cycle monthly close and financial statement preparation for a portfolio of clients, functioning as their embedded Controller.
• Set and enforce the close calendar, proactively resolving issues that threaten timely delivery, and lead recurring month-end review meetings with clients.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for client, staff, and partner communication and follow-through.
• Design and implement internal control frameworks tailored to each client, identifying and remediating weaknesses proactively.
• Lead clients through financial statement audits, ensuring accurate, audit-ready year-end close and account analysis.
• Own the budgeting process for clients — building budgets, monitoring actuals against plan, and advising leadership on variances and corrective action.
• Provide advisory and technical expertise across tax service delivery, purchase accounting (including M&A transaction support), and payroll advisory, including payroll tax compliance and research.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff and seniors, building bench strength across the department.
• Contribute to departmental strategy and high-level decision-making as the practice grows.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years accounting/finance leadership experience in public accounting, industry, or a combination of both. 
• 2+ years of experience training and supervising staff.
• Must have prior experience working with clients across various industries, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, nonprofit organizations, and SaaS (Software as a Service) companies. The ability to understand and navigate the unique accounting, compliance, and advisory needs of each sector is essential to success in this role.
• Proficiency across multiple accounting platforms including QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, NetSuite, and similar tools.
• BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent from an accredited university.
• Capable of working in a demanding, deadline-driven environment either independently or within a team dynamic while effectively managing unexpected issues and/or questions in a professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed and currently active CPA.
• Master’s degree in accounting or equivalent.
• Prior CAAS background. The ideal candidate will come from an established Accounting and Advisory Services department. 
• Experience building and growing an offshore team. 

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 [email protected].

The pay range for this role is $140,000 - $155,000 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.