Accounting and Payroll Specialist

About Ascend Healthcare

Ascend Healthcare is dedicated to offering comprehensive psychiatric and behavioral health services characterized by compassion, convenience, and affordability. Through partnerships across the country, the organization delivers integrated care including psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, counseling, peer support, and care coordination, guided by a patient-first approach that eliminates exclusionary criteria.

Founded to improve mental health care accessibility, Ascend Healthcare emphasizes equity, compassion, and operational excellence in all its initiatives. The company collaborates with health centers to develop sustainable, integrated behavioral health programs backed by clinical expertise and operational support.

Ascend promotes a collaborative workplace fostering teamwork, patient-centered values, remote work options, and opportunities for career advancement and professional training.

Role Summary

The Accounting and Payroll Specialist is integral to supporting the financial operations at Ascend Healthcare by implementing accurate and timely accounting and payroll processes while ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards. This position partners closely with Human Resources, Operations, and executive leadership to maintain trustworthy financial data and enhance operational efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and ensure the accuracy and promptness of customer invoicing, while identifying potential workflow improvements.
• Handle accounts payable transactions with correct documentation and proper coding, maintaining strong financial controls.
• Oversee payroll processing with coordination from Human Resources, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including reconciliations and journal entries, focusing on precision and timeliness.
• Maintain up-to-date financial records within accounting systems and help improve reporting procedures.
• Support the preparation for annual audits through thorough documentation and streamlined processes.
• Manage state and local tax registrations, and support new registrations as the company expands.
• Proactively suggest process enhancements to strengthen controls, reduce manual efforts, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Effectively communicate with vendors, team members, and leadership to address inquiries and support daily financial operations.

Candidate Qualifications

• Possess a two- or four-year degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent experience with strong knowledge of GAAP preferred.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in relevant accounting or payroll roles.
• Proven track record of identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with enterprise ERP systems such as NetSuite is preferred.
• Prior general accounting and payroll experience is a plus.
• Demonstrate strong organizational capabilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Keen interest in professional growth and readiness to expand responsibilities alongside organizational development.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• This is a fully remote role; however, occasional in-person presence may be required.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods during the workday.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for effective use of computer and office equipment.
• Sufficient vision to read computer screens and documents.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills appropriate for virtual meetings and correspondence.
• Hearing ability adequate for phone calls and virtual meetings.
• Workspace must be quiet, distraction-free, and have reliable internet access.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range from $60,000 to $70,000.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
• Company 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Annual Continuing Education Unit (CEU) stipend.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment within a remote-first setting.
• Clinician-founded and operated organization ethos.

Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Equal Opportunity and Hiring Practices

Ascend Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming qualified candidates without regard to age, race, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Employment is contingent upon successful background and drug screening checks.