We are experts in shaping a strategy from the unique stories you bring to the table.

About Us

Ascend Consulting was founded on the belief that there is a better way to do accounting. We are committed to building meaningful and lasting connections with our clients. This is why we center our practice around people. We work diligently to create a culture within our organization where empathy and curiosity are seen as essential strengths and skills needed to help our clients grow with integrity. By cultivating these qualities, we develop the ability to collaborate and connect on a level that facilitates a lasting impact together.

  • Growth Mindset

    We believe that innovative solutions only arise when we broaden our perceptions of what is possible. That is why we encourage our clients to always make a point to share their biggest dreams, boldest ideas, and greatest goals with us––nothing is out of reach. Our clients’ courage and ambition motivate us to always bring a growth mindset to the work we do each day.

  • Technology Forward

    We believe it is our responsibility to provide clients with the right technology solutions that they need to scale successfully. That is why we consistently educate ourselves on new platforms that can help our clients’ businesses operate with increased ease and efficiency. Because we are systems thinkers, we are always ready to help our clients evaluate the right technology to help them optimize and automate key areas of their business in an integrated fashion that boosts their bottom line.

  • Professional Experience

    We know that we must thoroughly demonstrate the depth of our professional skill set for our clients to feel fully confident in our accounting abilities. That is why we center all of our work around strategy and advisory, to bring forth and showcase our breadth of professional experience spanning across industries and companies of all shapes and sizes. By bringing this level of knowledge and experience to each of our engagements, we bolster our clients’ confidence that we’re equipped to handle so much more than just the numbers.

  • Empathy & Curiosity

    We believe that to truly support our clients to the fullest, our team must bring a deep level of inquiry and care to the work we do. This is why we work diligently to create a culture within our organization where empathy and curiosity are seen as essential strengths and skills needed to help our clients grow with integrity. By cultivating these qualities, we develop the ability to collaborate and connect on a level that facilitates a more lasting impact together.

  • Relationship Driven

    We are committed to building meaningful and lasting connections with every single one of our clients. That is why we center our practice around people; whether itʼs who we hire or who we do business with. We believe there is deep value in taking the time to check in with our clients and team regularly to forge relationships rooted in intention and trust.

  • JACOB SCHROEDER, CPA

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Jacob founded Ascend Consulting in 2017 with the mission of helping small businesses succeed. His experiences, from working in Fortune 500 companies and small businesses to being managing partner of an accounting firm, give him the knowledge to help businesses scale, grow and mature. Jacob currently resides in Bellefontaine, OH and loves meeting other business owners and entrepreneurs. Jacob is a Certified Quickbooks Online ProAdvisor and a member of the 2017-2018 Intuit Accountants Council.

  • KENNEDY SCHMIDGALL, CPA

    TAX MANAGER

    Kennedy joined Ascend in 2021 and is an IRS Enrolled Agent. She has a Master of Accounting degree with a focus in taxation. Kennedy spent the first several years of her career working with the tax team on a variety of Fortune 100 clients. She lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband and daughter.

  • MEGAN O'CHOCKE, M.S.A

    ACCOUNTING MANAGER

    Megan joined Ascend Consulting in 2021 as a bookkeeper but her skill set allowed her to quickly move into an accounting roll. Her background from growing up with parents owning a small business to her experience working for a Fortune 100 company gives her the knowledge to help our clients navigate a wide variety of situations. Megan resides in Bellefontaine, Ohio

  • WYATT WILCOXON

    BOOKKEEPER

    Wyatt joined Ascend in 2020 while finishing his high school career. Now that high school is over Wyatt has elected to stay on and gain experience in bookkeeping and tax preparation while going to college. Wyatt resides in West Liberty, Ohio

  • WHITNEY SCHRADER

    CHIEF OF STAFF

    Whitney joined Ascend in November 2021. Prior to joining Ascend, she spent 6 years in fashion retail where she worked for Express at the Corporate office in Columbus. She recently moved back to her hometown of Indian Lake where she is happy to be home and is looking forward to supporting the clients and team at Ascend.

  • OBED MAURICE

    CPA, CA, CFP®

    Obed is a successful entrepreneur and brings a wealth of experience in finance and strategic consulting. Holding CPA certifications in Canada and the US, as well as being a Certified Financial Planner, he has a track record of establishing virtual CPA firms and providing top-notch client support. His strengths lie in identifying cutting-edge business opportunities, particularly in fractional CFO services and executive coaching, tailored to address client requirements adeptly.

Entrepreneurship is not always smooth and simple—sometimes it is raw and sharp. Our clients’ courage to walk this path motivates us to offer premium support at every step of their journey.