Human Resources Business Partner

Position Summary

HRBPs at Ascend play a critical role in building, and sustaining, the best places to work for the best people in the accounting industry. The HRBP will be responsible for holistic execution and oversight of people operations, programs and strategy within the Partner Firm, including implementation and adoption of the Ascend People First Program. As each regional partner firm grows, so too will the responsibility of the HRBP - foremost by serving as the responsible person for ensuring smooth cultural integration of tuck-in acquisitions and managing the firms through technology adoption and new ways of working. Given our model and strategy, HRBPs serve as critical members of the Ascend People Operations team and thus are extensions of the Ascend vision, strategy and execution at the partner firm level.

The Role

This person will partner with 3-4 of our mid-sized accounting firm partners around the U.S and establish first class HR service to accelerate the operational excellence of these firms. This person will work directly with the Partners and CEOs to push forward initiatives related to our People First Program, Performance Management, Culture, Compensation, Benefits, TA and compliance. This person will report to the Director of People Operations but will also work closely with the Regional Vice President. This position has the option to be remote with travel required about 20% of the time.

Key Responsibilities:

PeopleFirst Leadership & Culture

• Serve as the owner of the PeopleFirst Program for your firm(s), collaborating closely withthe CGO and CEO on content development and execution of gatherings/the operatingrhythm

• Architect the experience and content of renewals to drive a winning culture; ensure theteam has ample time to: reflect on the last period, work ON the business, andconnect/celebrate/recognize/award/build culture

• Administer semiannual eNPS survey and maintain an eNPS score of 70+ through targetedculture initiatives

• Work with Ascend to certify firms as Great Places to Work (via Accounting Today rankings &GPTW)

• Serve as a role model for upholding and promoting the desired firm culture

• Work with the CGO to ensure firm goals are cascaded throughout the organization, makingsure that managers are equipped with the respective resources needed to attain them

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Maintain compliance in all areas of people operations

• Stay apprised of changes in regulations, policies and industry practices that impactbenefits, compensation and employee relations

• Proactively address and mitigate any potential talent-related risks while enhancing thefirm's brand as an employer of choice

• Develop and implement programs and policies that promote equal opportunities andrespect for all employees, regardless of background or identity

• Implement training programs and communication strategies that emphasize adherence toaccounting ethics and professional standards

Performance Management

• Develop career ladders within the firm, collaborating closely with Ascend's CPO and Head of Professional Development

• Implement a semiannual performance evaluation system with the Ascend People team thatprovides actionable feedback and developmental action items

• Ensure managers are equipped and held accountable for developing an individualized professional development plan for each employee, including a comprehensive career path

• Deliver performance management training; Ensure reviews are unbiased and centered around scorecard performance

Compensation and Benefits

• Partner with the Director of People Operations to ensure competitive compensation structure while managing costs and budgeting with the finance team

• Lead benefits open enrollment at your firm(s)

• Serve as the POC for all benefits questions and help troubleshoot employee benefits or ben admin issues

• Leverage accounting and region-specific compensation data through Mercer to ensure we remain above the 25th percentile in total compensation for every position, and ideally at the 50th percentile base, with a 75th percentile bonus

Other Responsibilities include:

• Ensure the accuracy of the data in our HRIS and Ben Admin platform. Act as an expert in the system to help firms take full advantage of its features

• Build a team of 90%+ A players through successful partnership with the Ascend talent acquisition team, as well as effective performance management

• Proactively raise issues to the Director of People Operations at Ascend

• Develop visually neat, accurate communications and plans to ensure all firm stakeholders are onboarded effectively and understand firm culture, policies, processes

• Proactively address and mitigate any potential talent-related risks while enhancing the firm's brand as an employer of choice

Values

Ascend holds a high bar for building a team that lives the values that we have defined. The simplicity in it all is that we want people that are going to make a difference in the accounting industry and have fun doing it. This person can make that difference! We want an HRBP who can:

Bring the sunshine: HR like accounting has a bad rep. Let's make this journey fun and bring some shine back to the people who are so important

Serve whole-heartedly: We love our people and serve them with positivity and kindness

Own it: We seize growth opportunities with the passion, speed and accountability of an entrepreneur

Win together: We stay in sync, achieve as a team and celebrate each other

Be excellent: We set a high bar because our mission matters

We want people who can relate and own these values tried and true.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree is required and a master's degree in relevant fields is preferred

• SHRM-CP or similar certification

• Minimum of 6+ years of progressive human resources experiences

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Experience managing the HR function for 200+ Ees

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications (Excel,PPT,Word)

• Advanced proficiency in HRIS, Ben admin, ATS, performance management, engagement systems

• Advanced understanding of HR-related federal and state laws and regulations

• Advanced attention to detail

• Experience with creating and conducting training programs

• Experience in an extreme growth environment

• Advanced project management skills

• Strategic mindset

• Bias for action

Compensation and Other

• Highly competitive compensation package, including attractive benefits

• Start date is as soon as practicable

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs