Ascend has announced the appointment of Maureen Churgovich Dillmore as its new Vice President of Partnerships. With a strong background in accounting firm networks, including leadership roles at PrimeGlobal and DFK International/USA, Dillmore will focus on expanding Ascend’s partnership network for mid-sized accounting firms.

Ascend, a strategic partner for regional accounting and advisory firms backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors, today announced its entry into Wyoming with the addition of Cheyenne-based McGee, Hearne & Paiz (MHP) as its newest platform firm.

San Jose, CA – PP&Co, a leading provider of accounting, tax, and advisory services, has announced that Delucchi Hawn, LLP has officially joined the firm, effective December 1, 2024. This strategic merger unites two regional leaders known for their client-centric approach and commitment to service excellence.

ATKG Advisors and SPR P.C. have merged, creating the largest homegrown accounting and advisory firm in South Texas. With a combined team of 150 professionals and 15 partners, the firm remains committed to its people-first culture while expanding its capabilities to better serve clients across the region.

Ascend welcomes Lucas Horsfall to its platform, expanding its national footprint with the addition of 15 partners and 125 professionals. This partnership will provide LH with the resources and technology needed to accelerate growth and navigate the evolving accounting landscape.

Amber Goering, a CPA and small firm owner, partnered with Ascend after recognizing her need for change at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE. The deal, completed in four months, enables her firm to retain independence while accessing Ascend’s growth resources.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ascend CEO David Wurtzbacher explains in an interview with INSIDE Public Accounting how Ascend's approach contrasts with the traditional "big-to-big" private equity model, focusing instead on investing in entrepreneurial regional accounting firms and prioritizing the employee experience.