Accounting and Payroll Specialist

The Ascend Story 

Founded to transform mental health care access, Ascend Healthcare delivers integrated psychiatric and behavioral health solutions with a commitment to equity, compassion, and operational excellence. We partner directly with health centers to build fully integrated, sustainable behavioral health programs—bringing deep clinical expertise, operational support, and long-term stability. 

Our work environment fosters: 

• Collaboration and teamwork 
• Patient-First Mindset 
• Work from home opportunities 
• Career Growth and Professional Development Training 

Why Ascend? 

You’ll be joining a team delivering innovative, compassionate care to communities that need it most. At Ascend, your work drives real impact—and your career grows alongside it. We believe in a “no wrong door” treatment model that finds ways to say “yes” to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere. 

Position Overview: 

The Accounting & Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the financial operations of Ascend Healthcare. This individual is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely accounting and payroll processes while maintaining strong internal controls and compliance standards. We are seeking a finance professional who is energized by improving systems, building scalable processes, and contributing ideas that strengthen operational efficiency. 

This role collaborates closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Leadership to ensure financial data is reliable and processes support the organization’s continued growth. 

Key Areas of Ownership:  

• Manage the customer invoicing process, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing while identifying opportunities to improve workflow efficiency. 
• Process accounts payable transactions with proper coding and documentation, maintaining strong financial controls. 
• Oversee and execute payroll processing accurately and on schedule in coordination with Human Resources, ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. 
• Support month-end and year-end close activities, including reconciliations and journal entries, with a focus on improving accuracy and timeliness. 
• Maintain accurate financial records within accounting systems and assist in enhancing reporting processes. 
• Support annual audit preparation through organized documentation and well-structured processes. 
• Maintain state and local tax registrations and assist with new registrations as business operations expand. 
• Proactively recommend process improvements that strengthen controls, reduce manual effort, and increase operational efficiency. 
• Communicate effectively with vendors, internal teams, and leadership, responding to inquiries and supporting day-to-day financial operations. 

Qualifications:  

• 2 or 4-year degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent and solid understanding of GAAP preferred 
• 2+ years of experience in a relevant position 
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and implement practical solutions. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel 
• Experience with NetSuite or other enterprise ERP systems preferred 
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