Frequently Asked Questions

General

How long does it take to fully implement your services?
The timeline for implementing an Ascend Management Partners solution varies based on your organization's needs and required services, but it can be expedited. We tailor the implementation timeline to fit your company’s specific requirements.
What services does your firm offer?
Our firm provides a range of services including tax preparation, bookkeeping, auditing, payroll services, and business consulting.
How can I contact your firm for services?
You can reach us by phone, by email, or through our website’s  contact form. We are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Where is your firm located?
Our office is located at 1110 Market St, Suite: 306, Chattanooga, TN 37402. We also offer virtual consultations for clients who prefer remote services.

PEO

What is a PEO?
Professional employer organizations (PEOs) provide HR services for small businesses, handling wages, taxes, and regulatory compliance. They also offer benefits like 401(k) plans, health, dental, and life insurance.
How does a PEO arrangement with Ascend Management Partners work?
Once contracted with Ascend Management Partners, we become the co-employer of your worksite employees, sharing responsibilities and liabilities, including employment law compliance. We take on much of the business of employment, such as risk management, HR management, and payroll and tax compliance, while you retain sole responsibility for product development, operations, marketing, sales, and service.
What type of businesses use a PEO?
Any type of business can benefit from hiring a PEO. Whether a small office or a large manufacturing unit, businesses across various sectors like hi-tech, retail, manufacturing, and financial services often find PEO arrangements effective for co-employment solutions.
Why would a business use a PEO?
As businesses grow, owners can leverage PEOs to gain expert HR support, payroll and accounting services, regulatory compliance guidance, and comprehensive employee benefits, enabling them to focus on their core operations rather than employment-related tasks.
Do the business owners lose control of their businesses when they work with a PEO?
No, the PEO client retains ownership and control over the company. The PEO and client share employer responsibilities as per the client service agreement, with the PEO handling benefits administration, payroll, and employment taxes, while the client will be responsible for the actual business operations.

HRO

How does partnering with Ascend HR experts help their clients control costs and grow their bottom line?
Our economy of scale helps clients reduce employment costs and boost their business’s profitability. By relying on Ascend Management Partners, clients can streamline or eliminate in-house HR infrastructure, reduce hiring overhead, and gain critical compliance support to mitigate liability risks.
What HR functions can be outsourced?
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Training and Professional Development
  • Performance Management
  • Employee inquiries and support
  • Regulatory compliance
Basically, all of your current administrative HR responsibilities can be managed by an outsourced HR firm, which saves you both time and money.
What is an HRO?
HRO stands for Human Resources Outsourcing. With an HRO agreement you are contracting with HR Strategies to facilitate one or more of your human resource functions, under your own FEIN, and not under a co-employment model.
How can HR outsourcing help my business attract and retain top talent in a competitive market?
HR outsourcing providers offer services such as recruitment, onboarding support, performance management, and employee engagement programs, all of which enhance the employee experience and contribute to building a strong company culture, improving retention and attracting new talent.
How is your HRO pricing structured?
Ascend Management Partners offer three types of HRO plans, each with a fixed monthly cost of $250, $500, or $750. These plans involve ongoing partnerships paid through monthly installments based on a mutually agreed scope of service with no minimum commitment, making them ideal for companies with diverse HR needs and limited or no internal HR support.

Marketing

How can Ascend's marketing services benefit my small business in Chattanooga, TN?
Ascend's marketing services are tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses in Chattanooga and surrounding areas. By leveraging deep local expertise and comprehensive marketing strategies, we help businesses improve their visibility, attract more customers, and increase revenue. Our integrated approach ensures that all marketing efforts are aligned with your business goals, providing measurable results and a strong return on investment. Visit the Ascend marketing services page to learn more.
What marketing services does Ascend offer to small and mid-size businesses?
AMP provides a comprehensive suite of marketing services, including Social Media Management (SMM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Content Marketing, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising, Email Marketing, Brand Identity and Strategy, Web Design and Development, Graphic Design and Event/Local Collaborations. Each service is designed to help small businesses enhance their online presence, engage with their audience, and drive growth. Visit the Ascend marketing services page to learn more.
Are Ascend's marketing packages customizable?
Yes, Ascend’s marketing packages are highly customizable. We understand that each business has unique needs and goals, so we offer flexible packages that can be tailored to include additional services such as advanced SEO, additional social media profiles, extra blog posts, custom marketing projects and more. This allows you to create a marketing plan that fits your specific needs, budget, timeline and goals. Visit the Ascend marketing services page to learn more.
How does Ascend measure the success of its marketing campaigns?
Ascend uses a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of our marketing campaigns, including website traffic, lead generation, conversion rates, cost per lead, return on investment (ROI), social media engagement, email marketing performance, search engine rankings, and content performance. We provide detailed and customized monthly reports to track progress and make data-driven adjustments to optimize results.Visit the Ascend marketing services page to learn more.
What sets Ascend’s marketing services apart from other local marketing agencies?
Ascend stands out by offering an integrated approach that combines comprehensive PEO, HR, Marketing, Finance, and Accounting solutions, so all your business management efforts are aligned to achieve your goals. Our local expertise, personalized service, and data-driven strategies ensure that our clients receive tailored support that drives growth and success. We focus on building strong, personal, and lasting relationships with our clients, providing them with the tools and insights they need to thrive in the local market and beyond. Visit the Ascend marketing services page to learn more.

Finance

What finance and accounting services does Ascend offer to small and mid-size businesses?
Ascend Management Partners provides a wide range of finance and accounting services, including bookkeeping, accounts receivable, accounts payable, monthly financial statements, tax preparation and filing, financial data analytics, cash flow assessments, and compliance support. Our comprehensive solutions are designed to help businesses manage their finances efficiently and make informed decisions.
How can Ascend’s finance and accounting services benefit my small business?
Ascend’s finance and accounting services help small businesses streamline their financial operations, ensure compliance with regulations, and gain valuable insights into their financial health. By outsourcing these tasks to Ascend Management Partners, businesses can focus on their core operations, reduce administrative burdens, and improve financial accuracy and efficiency, ultimately leading to better financial performance and growth.
Are Ascend’s finance and accounting packages customizable?
Yes, Ascend’s finance and accounting packages are highly customizable. We understand that each business has unique financial needs, so we offer flexible packages that can be tailored to include additional services such as advanced financial reporting, risk management, planning and budgeting, and more. This allows businesses to select the services that best meet their specific requirements and budget.
How does AMP ensure the accuracy and compliance of its finance and accounting services?
AMP employs a team of experienced financial professionals who are well-versed in the latest accounting standards and regulations. We utilize advanced accounting software and tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Additionally, our services include regular audits, reviews, and reporting to ensure that all financial practices meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
What sets AMP’s finance and accounting services apart from other providers?
AMP differentiates itself by offering integrated business solutions that combine finance, accounting, HR, PEO, and marketing services. Our local expertise, personalized approach, and commitment to data-driven strategies ensure that our clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs. By partnering with AMP, businesses benefit from a holistic approach that aligns financial management with overall business objectives, driving growth and success.