Accounting Associate Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA (NOW HIRING)

Location: Carlsbad, CA, 92008

Department: Finance

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Controller / Accounting Manager

Payroll Schedule: Bi-Weekly

Location: On-Campus

Compensation: $26 – $33.65/hour DOE

The Payroll amp; Accounting Associate supports the Academy’s mission by ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations within a nonprofit private school environment. This position’s primary responsibility is the full administration of bi-weekly payroll, with additional duties in general accounting, reconciliations, and financial recordkeeping. This role works closely with Human Resources to ensure accurate payroll. The role requires exceptional accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism in a school environment. The individual in this role must understand and follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure the integrity and reliability of the Academy’s financial information.

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on schedule for all employee classifications, including exempt, non-exempt, hourly, salaried, stipends, and supplemental pay.
• Review and validate timekeeping entries, pay rate changes, stipends, supplemental pay, and other payroll-related adjustments.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state (California), and local wage and hour laws, as well as nonprofit and school-specific requirements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, including earnings, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and leave balances.
• Partner with Human Resources on new hires, separations, employment status changes, leaves of absence, and other payroll-impacting events.
• Respond to employee payroll questions with professionalism, clarity, and confidentiality.
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and audit documentation as needed.
• Ensure all payroll actions follow established internal controls and approval workflows.

• Assist with payroll-related general ledger entries and account reconciliations.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including nonprofit-specific reporting needs.
• Maintain organized, auditable payroll and accounting documentation in accordance with Academy policies and nonprofit best practices.
• Assist with additional accounting tasks such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, journal entries, and financial reporting as assigned.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee payroll and compensation information.
• Follow internal control procedures, documentation standards, and approval requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, including nonprofit compliance reviews.
• Assist with updates to payroll and accounting procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Provide general administrative and financial support to the Finance Department.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Administration, and other departments to support school operations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of payroll processing experience, preferably with bi-weekly cycles.
• Knowledge of payroll principles, wage and hour compliance, and basic accounting practices.
• Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems, plus strong Excel skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

• Experience in a nonprofit, educational, or independent school environment.
• Familiarity with California wage and hour regulations.
• Experience with integrated HR/payroll/finance systems (SAGE 100 amp; Paycor preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Professional, collaborative, and service-oriented approach.

• Office-based role with extensive computer and data-entry work.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Regular interaction with faculty, staff, and administrators in a school setting.

The Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.