What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tax Associate position at KSDT?
About KSDT
KSDT has long been recognized as one of Forbes Best Accounting and Tax Firms in America and one of the South Florida Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. Now, with our exciting new partnership with Ascend, we’re stepping into the next phase of growth and opportunity.
What hasn’t changed is our culture: the “secret sauce” that sets us apart. We foster a fun and creative environment, keep politics out, and make work-life balance a priority. We seek highly motivated individuals who want not only true career advancement, but also the chance to shape and grow alongside a firm that is scaling rapidly. Our partners and knowledgeable professionals remain accessible for hands-on learning, mentorship, and development.
In September 2025, KSDT made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend’s partnership and shared resources, KSDT is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come.
About Ascend
At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms - from 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 We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths.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, you're 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.
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.
Responsibilities
KSDT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, and religious beliefs, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications of the position. It is not an exhaustive list, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.
KSDT has long been recognized as one of Forbes Best Accounting and Tax Firms in America and one of the South Florida Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. Now, with our exciting new partnership with Ascend, we’re stepping into the next phase of growth and opportunity.
What hasn’t changed is our culture: the “secret sauce” that sets us apart. We foster a fun and creative environment, keep politics out, and make work-life balance a priority. We seek highly motivated individuals who want not only true career advancement, but also the chance to shape and grow alongside a firm that is scaling rapidly. Our partners and knowledgeable professionals remain accessible for hands-on learning, mentorship, and development.
In September 2025, KSDT made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend’s partnership and shared resources, KSDT is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come.
About Ascend
At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms - from 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, you're 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.
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.
Responsibilities
- Prepare federal and state tax returns for corporations, individuals, and partnerships, exercising professional judgment to identify issues and develop appropriate solutions.
- Research tax regulations and legislation to support return accuracy and planning efforts.
- Maintain and organize documentation that supports calculations within tax returns.
- Reconcile book-to-tax differences, including detailed analysis of income and expenses.
- Review and analyze depreciation schedules to determine proper treatment for new and disposed fixed assets.
- Project future tax liabilities to help formulate strategic client tax planning recommendations.
- Communicate with clients regarding required information, deadlines, and return status while keeping internal teams informed.
- Identify opportunities to provide additional value-added services to clients.
- Actively participate in firm-sponsored professional development, such as coaching and continuing education.
- Develop relationships with client management teams and contribute insights to internal publications or tax updates.
- Perform other related duties and assist on projects as needed.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting
- Experience in a public accounting firm is preferred
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, with particular emphasis on Excel
- Experience with UltraTax, Accounting CS, and QuickBooks is a plus but not required
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to listen and respond thoughtfully.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem solving, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage deadlines, work under pressure, and juggle multiple assignments efficiently.
- Flexibility to work on a wide variety of client engagements.
- Basic knowledge of federal and state tax compliance requirements.
- Team-oriented mindset with a desire to contribute to a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
- Commitment to exceptional client service and a proactive approach to exceeding expectations.
- Proven ability to attract and develop profitable, sustainable client relationships
- Strong technology skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Health, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Time Off
- FSA & HSA
- Employee Assistant Programs
- 401(k) Matching
- Commuter Benefits
- Parental Leave
- Modernized Incentives and Equity Participation
KSDT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, and religious beliefs, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications of the position. It is not an exhaustive list, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.