About Ascend Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential. com .

As of May 2026, Jackson Thornton has joined the Ascend network. Find Your Home with Jackson Thornton! Jackson Thornton, an accounting and consulting firm, was established in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 3, 1919.

From our beginning, the firm has operated with personal integrity and professional excellence while evolving and expanding to provide more of what businesses need- whether strategic planning, business consulting, technology consulting or specialized industry services. Jackson Thornton has grown to serve clients in six locations throughout Alabama with a team of more than 200 professionals and is looking to welcome more driven, client-focused individuals to the firm. Jackson Thornton is looking for an Audit Manager to be responsible for the overall management of audit engagements within the utility industry practice and serve as a trusted advisor to utility clients, providing guidance on accounting, compliance, and regulatory matters.

This role oversees multiple engagements simultaneously, manages client relationships, ensures technical accuracy, mentors audit supervisors and staff, and requires advanced technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to balance quality, efficiency, and client service. As an Audit Manager , you will: Manage audit engagements from planning through report issuance for utility clients Serve as the primary client contact for management, boards, and audit committees Review audit plans, work papers, internal control documentation, and financial statements Apply and interpret RUS and FERC Uniform System of Accounts Oversee and review Single Audits, including risk assessment and compliance reporting Identify and resolve complex accounting and auditing issues related to utilities Mentor, coach, and evaluate audit supervisors and staff Coordinate with partners on engagement strategy, budgeting, and staffing Assist with proposals, client retention, and practice development The ideal candidate will have: CPA with 5+ years of public accounting audit experience Significant utility industry experience (electric, telecom, water/wastewater, natural gas) Strong background working with cooperatives and municipal utilities Advanced knowledge of RUS and FERC USOA Single Audit experience Proven engagement management and client leadership skills Experience mentoring and developing audit teams Jackson Thornton offers a comprehensive, competitive benefit package to all of our professionals, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, long term and short term disability plans, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, paid time off plan, and a 401(k) plan with a match. How to Apply Submit your information in the application section directly below!

Compensation

Voluntary demographic self-ID questions For further questions or inquiries

About The Role

, please reach out to Olivia Riley, Sr. com .

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.