Ascend, a private equity-backed partner for regional accounting firms, has added three new firms: Blackman & Sloop, TSS Advisors, and Vogel & Co. Leaders of the new firms expressed confidence that joining Ascend will enhance their client service, growth, and commitment to excellence.

Ascend firms earned five spots on Accounting Today's "2024 Best Firms to Work For" list, showcasing their success in building high-performance cultures while embracing Ascend's PeopleFirst approach.

Today's top accounting firm leaders must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, taking on roles like technologists, deal brokers, and brand ambassadors to attract new talent. Accounting Today's 2024 MP Elite recognizes leaders like Eileen Sheridan, who embraces disruption and innovation to help her firm adapt and thrive.

David Wurtzbacher and Erin Stahmer launched Ascend in January 2023 to help regional accounting firms overcome challenges in the traditional partnership model by rethinking firm structure, career development, and compensation. They aim to attract and retain top talent, build strong cultures, and cultivate the next generation of equity owners to drive long-term success.

When Erin Stahmer and David Wurtzbacher founded Ascend, they aimed to unite smaller CPA firms under a single platform for growth. Partnering with Alpine PeopleFirst, they designed a workshop to establish core values and strategies, resulting in the PeopleFirst program that helps new firms align their vision and goals within months of joining Ascend.

Ascend, backed by Alpine Investors, acquired LevitZacks' San Diego advisory practice. Non-attest services will be handled by LevitZacks Corporation under Ascend, while attest services remain with a separate CPA firm. The partnership brings 9 partners and 51 staff to Ascend, fostering growth while maintaining independence.

Ascend, backed by Alpine Investors, was featured in Accounting Today's 2024 list of Top 100 Firms for expanding its platform with new partners like Blackman & Sloop and TSS Advisors. The partnerships enhance firm growth while preserving their unique cultures.

To support its rapid growth, Ascend has appointed Nishaad Ruparel as President, a new role created as the company surpassed $100 million in revenue in less than a year since its launch.

Ascend's David Wurtzbacher and Erin Stahmer joined the Small Firm Philosophy podcast to discuss their strategies for transforming accounting firms, focusing on people management, offshoring, and enhancing service value.

Backed by Alpine Investors, Ascend has expanded its platform with new partnerships in Ohio, California, and Texas, including HD Davis, PP&Co, and two south Texas firms. These collaborations offer firms growth resources while preserving their unique cultures.

David Wurtzbacher doesn’t just talk about putting people first, he lives it. He believes that an excellent business has the power to lift people up and transform their lives.

Ascend was recently highlighted on the CPA Practice Advisor website for its inclusion in the "20 Under 40" awards, recognizing David Wurtzbacher, Founder & CEO, as one of the top young influencers in accounting.

Aaron Dawson, inspired by his family's CPA legacy, started as a tax manager at Clark Nuber in Seattle and served on the Washington State Society of CPAs Board. Later, he and his wife, Jen, acquired Opsahl, Shepp and Company from his mentor, George Opsahl.

Ascend's first Partner Summit in San Antonio brought together leaders from partner firms across the country to celebrate their shared vision of growth, independence, and a PeopleFirst culture, solidifying Ascend's platform as a new model for the accounting industry.

Ascend's CEO, David Wurtzbacher, appeared on Accounting Today's Small Firm Philosophy podcast to discuss why managing partners should focus on leading their firms rather than managing client work.

Less than a year after founding Ascend, CEO David Wurtzbacher has been named one of Accounting Today's "2023 Top 100 Most Influential People" for his innovative work creating a growth platform that helps mid-market accounting firms remain independent while accessing large-firm resources.

Ascend announced its ninth partnership of 2023, acquiring the tax and consulting business of Atlanta-based Wilson Lewis, marking its first expansion into the Southeast and pushing its revenue above $100 million.

Goering & Granatino of Overland Park, Kansas, has received an investment from Ascend, marking its eighth acquisition and expanding Ascend’s footprint into the Midwest with 40 new professionals joining its platform.

Just nine months after merging with Ascend, Opsahl Dawson & Co. Advisors LLC has completed two acquisitions and expanded its leadership team with a new Chief Growth Officer, adding two locations and 33 professionals to its team.

Erin Stahmer, Ascend's Chief People Officer, shares her journey and insights on building a people-first culture at Ascend in her feature story on Alpine Investors' website.