We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning.

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

Ascend Learning leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Ascend Learning is hiring a Vice President (VP) of Tax. As Ascend Learning’s VP of Tax, you will oversee all tax-related activities, including planning, compliance, and reporting, ensuring they align with our business objectives and adhere to legal requirements. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams and external advisors to develop and execute effective tax strategies. Your role is pivotal in maintaining seamless communication with Ascend's leadership, board members, and financial advisors, providing expert guidance on transactions. This position will report to Ascend Learning’s Chief Financial Officer.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS office or Burlington, MA office location.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Develop and implement tax strategies to optimize the company's tax position, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.
• Manage the company's tax planning and forecasting processes, including evaluating the tax implications of proposed business initiatives and providing recommendations to senior management.
• Oversee the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns, including income tax, sales tax, property tax, and other applicable tax filings.
• Oversee all tax accounting in the general ledger. Maintain SOX-compliant internal controls related to the Company’s tax accounting.
• Lead and oversee a team of external tax advisors who provide support on certain tax filings and complex technical matters.
• Collaborate with external tax advisors and consultants to support tax audits and resolve any tax-related issues.
• Monitor changes in tax laws and regulations to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for tax savings or incentives.
• Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on tax-related matters, including assisting with tax implications of business transactions and advising on tax-efficient structures.
• Maintain effective relationships with tax authorities, proactively managing tax audits and inquiries.
• Develop and maintain tax policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accurate and reliable tax reporting.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. A master’s degree in taxation or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is highly preferred.
• 15+ years of proven experience in tax planning and compliance, preferably in a leadership role with partnership tax experience and technology enabled education or services industry or a related field. Private equity and IPO experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations relevant to partnerships and the education technology/education services industry.
• Strong experience with ASC 740.
• Experience with transfer pricing and tax planning strategies is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of building and developing high-performing tax teams.
• Proficient in tax software and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to align tax strategies with overall business objectives.

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• Hybrid work
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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