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Accounting Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Accounting Department. Duties & Responsibilities * Review subcontractor certified payroll records for compliance with prevailing wage rates, fringe benefits, apprenticeship requirements, worker ...

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... Accounting Department. Duties & Responsibilities * Review subcontractor certified payroll records for compliance with prevailing wage rates, fringe benefits, apprenticeship requirements, worker ...

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Track employee classifications, apprenticeships, and wage determinations * Respond to audits and labor compliance inquiries * Coordinate with project managers, HR, and accounting team * Assist with ...

Track employee classifications, apprenticeships, and wage determinations * Respond to audits and labor compliance inquiries * Coordinate with project managers, HR, and accounting team * Assist with ...

... Apprenticeship Programs, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Job Corps, Climate Corps). You must meet the ... statistics, accounting or calculus. OR B) A combination of education and experience - courses ...

... Apprenticeship Programs, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Job Corps, Climate Corps). You must meet the ... statistics, accounting or calculus. OR B) A combination of education and experience - courses ...

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Showing results 21-40

Accounting Apprentice information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do accounting apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for accounting apprentice in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get a job in accounting as an accounting apprentice?

To become an accounting apprentice, you should look for entry-level apprenticeship programs offered by accounting firms or companies, which often require a high school diploma or equivalent. Gaining basic skills in bookkeeping, Excel, and accounting software, along with relevant certifications like AAT or ACCA, can improve your chances. Applying through job boards, career centers, or directly to employers that offer apprenticeships is also recommended.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an accounting apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Accounting Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of accounting principles, attention to detail, and typically a relevant qualification or enrollment in an accounting program. Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Sage, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, are commonly required technical skills. Strong organizational abilities, a willingness to learn, and effective communication help apprentices stand out in team environments. These skills and qualities ensure accuracy in financial tasks, support professional development, and contribute to the smooth operation of accounting functions.

What is the difference between Accounting Apprentice vs Accounting Clerk?

AspectAccounting ApprenticeAccounting Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may pursue accounting certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, often in accounting departments or firmsAdministrative setting, handling data entry and record keeping
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as an entry-level training position in accounting firms and departmentsCommon administrative role across various industries
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding entry-level training roles in accountingLooking for clerical or administrative accounting positions

The main difference between an Accounting Apprentice and an Accounting Clerk is that the apprentice is in a training or learning phase, often working towards certifications, while the clerk performs routine administrative tasks. The apprentice role emphasizes skill development, whereas the clerk focuses on data entry and record keeping. Both roles are essential in accounting but serve different career stages and responsibilities.

Can you become an accounting apprentice through an apprenticeship?

Yes, accounting apprenticeships are structured training programs that allow individuals to gain practical experience while working towards industry-recognized certifications. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with classroom learning and are available to those meeting minimum age and educational requirements. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a full-time accounting role and help develop skills in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and accounting software.

What are some typical challenges accounting apprentices face when transitioning from academic studies to a professional environment?

Accounting Apprentices often find that adapting to the fast-paced, real-world work environment can be challenging after academic studies. Unlike classroom assignments, workplace tasks require strict adherence to deadlines, accuracy under pressure, and the ability to navigate multiple software platforms and company-specific processes. Apprentices must also quickly learn to communicate effectively with colleagues across different departments and respond proactively to feedback. However, most firms offer structured training, mentorship, and gradual increases in responsibility to help apprentices adjust smoothly.

What is an accounting apprentice?

An Accounting Apprentice is an entry-level professional who is learning the basics of accounting through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced accountants, assisting with tasks such as bookkeeping, preparing financial documents, and processing invoices. This role enables individuals to gain practical experience while studying toward relevant qualifications, such as an AAT or CPA certification. The apprenticeship typically lasts one to two years and is designed to prepare individuals for a career in accounting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Accounting jobs in California? The most popular types of Accounting jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Accounting Apprentice jobs in California? For Accounting Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Accounting Apprentice jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Accounting Apprentice jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Accounting Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Accounting Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Accounting Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


McCarthy Building Companies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Accountant will interact with a variety of project staff at all levels in an ever-changing environment, remaining flexible, resourceful, proactive and efficient with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. This position requires strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and effective collaboration to ensure success of our construction projects. The ideal candidate will provide accounting, analysis, compliance and financial partnership to a project team, and perform various accounting tasks to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. This role is based on a project site in Lancaster, CA. 
RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Report to the project manager at the project site. Daily location is subject to project needs and will be determined on a week to week basis.
  • Start/end times for this position reflect typical, regular project working hours
  • Understand and implement the construction contract requirements
  • Assist project manager preparing and reconciling project budget, change orders, budget transfers to align with contractual agreement and customer SOV  
  • Assist the project manager with job cost maintenance and reporting including regular reviews with project leadership and prepare associated expenditure transfers or budget transfers 
  • Provide assistance in complying with various other contract requirements, i.e., labor compliance, certified payroll reporting, minority participation reporting:
    • Labor Compliance Oversight
      • Lead labor compliance for federal, state, and local prevailing wage regulations.
      • Serve as the primary point of contact for owner, agency, and third-party labor audits.
      • Responsible for internal controls.
      • Manage subcontractor payment status, holding payment if noncompliant.
    • Certified Payroll Administration
      • Oversee submission, review, and audit of certified payroll reports.
      • Validate wage determinations, fringe calculations, classifications, and apprenticeship ratios.
      • Identify discrepancies, enforce corrective actions, and mitigate risk exposure.
      • Ensure full documentation integrity and retention in accordance with state and federal regulations.
    • LCPtracker & Compliance Systems Management
      • Manage and audit LCPtracker, including subcontractor onboarding, data validation, discrepancy resolution, and reporting.
      • Provide compliance training/guidance to project teams and subcontractors.
      • Implement process improvements for reporting accuracy
  • Prepare lump sum, cost plus, cost-plus GMP contract billings, ensuring all allowable costs are billed in a timely manner to ensure positive cash flow for the project
  • Work with the project team to assure timely payment receipt
  • Elevate awareness of financial implications that can be addressed or reversed
  • Process and/or supervise payables processing with an accurate application of the sales and use tax requirements for the jurisdiction of the project
  • Provide new vendor set-up information, coordinate payments, and daily issuances as needed
  • Track subcontractor payments, lien waivers and account balances. Oversee timely receipt of pay applications with subcontractors and suppliers.  Process subcontractor applications when appropriate
  • Ensure all project costs (equipment, material, supplies, misc.) are processed
  • Conduct project cost, other analyses, and reporting for the project team, Operations and Finance Leadership
  • Understand what is impacting the project costs, identify anything that is improperly impacting an assigned project
  • Assist with preparation of financial, ad hoc, and/or specialized reporting requested by group leaders or joint venture partners
  • Understand the relevant components of labor cost in the geographic area of the project
  • Oversee project time keeping from Project staff
  • Represent McCarthy’s best interests in working with project auditors
  • Assist with annual and special audits as necessary
  • Assist Project Administrators on trade-contractor invoice holds caused by non-compliant insurance, inconsistent contract values, and incorrect software entry (Oracle/CMiC) 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Oracle, CMiC and job costing experience is a plus
  • Large project experience desired
  • Experience with Joint Ventures
  • Accounting degree strongly preferred
  • Ability to understand increasingly more complex construction business concepts
  • Must be able to multitask, meet critical deadlines with detail orientation and organizational skills sufficient to support multiple concurrent projects
  • Must have excellent computer skills and be able to demonstrate proficiency with MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) typing 50+WPM.
  • Effective communication and active listening skills with those of diverse organizational levels and backgrounds  

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $70,000-$87,000, depending on experience and location. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors. 
NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.


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About McCarthy Building

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McCarthy Building, headquartered in Saint Louis, MO, US, is a leading construction company primarily offering general contracting, design-build and construction management services throughout the United States. Its prominent industry presence can be explored in detail on its official website, mccarthy.com. Founded in 1864, the company has built a robust legacy marked by significant contributions to the U.S. construction industry. McCarthy Building engages a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1864

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