Executive Assistant, CEO & Partners

Ascend Partner Firms • Chapel Hill, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This role serves as the operational right hand to firm leadership while creating an exceptional experience for clients and visitors. It combines executive-level support with front-of-house leadership in a highly collaborative professional services environment. The Executive Assistant will manage complex executive calendars, coordinate travel and leadership meetings, oversee confidential communications, and act as a trusted partner to the CEO and Partner group. Simultaneously, they will be the welcoming face of the firm, ensuring clients and staff experience a polished, organized, and professional office. This position is designed for a seasoned Executive Assistant who thrives on ownership, variety, and building trusted relationships with senior leaders. The first year will focus on mastering core responsibilities with opportunities to expand scope as the firm grows.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in a professional services environment as an Executive Assistant or administrative professional supporting C-suite or senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, competing calendars and travel for multiple executives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a polished, professional presence.
• Demonstrated discretion and mature judgment when handling confidential information.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including data entry, formatting, formulas, and basic reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build positive relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to anticipate needs, prioritize effectively, and follow through without prompting.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Warm, polished, and professional demeanor in client-facing situations.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a CPA or public accounting firm.
• Experience with CCH Axcess, CCH Workflow, or similar practice management software.
• Notary Public certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex calendars for the CEO and Partner group, exercising independent judgment to balance competing priorities.
• Serve as a trusted liaison between firm leadership, clients, Ascend, ownership, and external stakeholders.
• Analyze scheduling needs and recommend improvements to leadership cadence and reporting.
• Coordinate and support special projects for the Executive Leadership Team, Head of People, and Chief Growth Officer.
• Arrange executive travel, expense reporting, and meeting logistics.
• Prepare agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and meeting documentation.
• Manage confidential correspondence while acting as a discreet gatekeeper for firm leadership.
• Coordinate CEO, Partner, and firm-wide leadership meetings, including quarterly and annual planning sessions.
• Manage Partner scheduling preferences, including calendar visibility and no meeting days.
• Support service line teams during periods of increased workload as business needs require.
• Welcome clients and visitors while creating an exceptional first impression of the firm.
• Manage incoming calls, mail, deliveries, and daily office operations.
• Prepare conference rooms for meetings and maintain professional common areas.
• Order and manage office, kitchen, and coffee supplies within budget.
• Coordinate catering and food orders for Partner meetings, staff meetings, and busy season events.
• Assist with office meetings, celebrations, and internal events.
• Coordinate facilities maintenance requests and vendor relationships as needed.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Bonus Opportunities
• 12 Paid Holidays Off
• Off-season Flex Fridays
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Overtime compensation is available during peak periods (tax season and extension season).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed