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Associate Accountant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LTD GLOBAL, LLC

Be Seen First

Associate Accountant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

About the Role We are seeking an Associate Accountant to support accounting and financial operations within our Intellectual Property Office. Reporting to the Principal Accountant, this role is ...

ZimVie US Corp LLC

$55K - $75K/yr

Cash and debt accounting * International accounting (daily sales, invoicing, etc) * Intercompany accounting (loans, invoicing, etc) * Prepare monthly journal entries * Performs monthly account ...

LTD Global

Temp Associate Accountant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

About the Role We are seeking an Associate Accountant to support accounting and financial operations within our Intellectual Property Office. Reporting to the Principal Accountant, this role is ...

LTD Global

Temp Associate Accountant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

About the Role We are seeking an Associate Accountant to support accounting and financial operations within our Intellectual Property Office. Reporting to the Principal Accountant, this role is ...

Mitchell 1 Group

Associate Accountant-3774

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$48K - $66K/yr

Overview The Associate Accountant is responsible for calculating, analyzing, and processing sales commissions accurately and timely. This role partners closely with Sales, Finance, and HR to ensure ...

Mitchell 1 Group

Associate Accountant-3774

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$48K - $66K/yr

The Associate Accountant is responsible for calculating, analyzing, and processing sales commissions accurately and timely. This role partners closely with Sales, Finance, and HR to ensure commission ...

Mitchell 1 Group

Associate Accountant-3774

San Diego, CA · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Overview The Associate Accountant is responsible for calculating, analyzing, and processing sales commissions accurately and timely. This role partners closely with Sales, Finance, and HR to ensure ...

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All JobsAssociate Accountant JobsAssociate Accountant Jobs in California

Associate Accountant information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$56K

$79.9K

How much do associate accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate accountant in California is $56,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $63,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the lowest level of accountant?

The lowest level of accountant is typically an entry-level or junior accountant position, which requires basic accounting knowledge and may involve tasks like data entry, bookkeeping, and assisting senior staff. These roles often require a high school diploma or an associate degree and may lead to higher positions with experience and additional certifications such as the CPA.

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

To thrive as an Associate Accountant, you need a strong grasp of accounting principles, attention to detail, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is typically required, and some roles may prefer candidates with CPA certification or progress toward it. Strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication help you manage tasks efficiently and collaborate with colleagues. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the accounting team.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Associate accountants typically earn lower salaries, with most reaching six-figure incomes only after many years of experience, advanced certifications, or senior roles such as senior accountant or financial controller. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon for entry- or mid-level accountants and usually requires executive-level positions or ownership in accounting firms.

What is the difference between Associate Accountant vs Staff Accountant?

AspectAssociate AccountantStaff Accountant
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; certifications like CPA are a plusSame as Associate Accountant, often with CPA or CPA candidate status
Work EnvironmentEntry-level accounting department, corporate or public accounting firmsSimilar environment, often with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for entry-level roles in accounting teamsCommonly used interchangeably with Associate Accountant in many firms

Associate Accountants and Staff Accountants often have overlapping roles, requiring similar education and certifications. The main difference is often in job titles used by employers, with both roles serving as entry points into accounting careers. Both positions involve supporting financial reporting, reconciliations, and audit preparations, making them comparable in responsibilities and work environment.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Associate accountants typically earn less than $100,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized accountants with certifications like CPA can reach or exceed this salary level, especially in high-cost areas or with advanced skills. Entry-level positions generally offer lower compensation, and reaching a $100,000 salary often requires several years of experience and professional development.

What is an accountant associate?

An accountant associate is an entry-level accounting professional responsible for supporting financial record-keeping, data entry, and basic accounting tasks. They often work under the supervision of senior accountants and may use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel. This role typically requires a relevant degree or certification such as an associate degree in accounting or bookkeeping skills.

What are Associate Accountants?

Associate Accountants are entry-level professionals who assist with the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of financial records in organizations. Their duties typically include bookkeeping, processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and supporting audits. They work under the supervision of senior accountants or accounting managers and play a key role in ensuring financial accuracy and compliance. This position is often a stepping stone to more advanced accounting roles as individuals gain experience and professional certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Accountants in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

In their first year, Associate Accountants often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex accounting software, managing tight deadlines during month-end close, and balancing multiple tasks. Building strong organizational skills and proactively seeking guidance from senior team members can help ease the transition. Regular communication with colleagues and participating in team meetings also support knowledge sharing and problem-solving, making it easier to adjust to the fast-paced environment.

What Does an Associate Accountant Do?

An associate accountant manages payments and accounts receivables at a company. In this career, your duties and responsibilities include reviewing invoices, audits, fund requests from various departments within the business, and financial records. You also perform data entry and file accounting data from the different departments and analyze the information. You may also be responsible for checking the work of other accountants to ensure it is mathematically and factually accurate. As an associate accountant, you are required to follow all state and federal compliance laws.

More about Associate Accountant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Accountant jobs in California? The most popular types of Accountant jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Accountant jobs in California? For Associate Accountant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Accountant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Accountant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Accountant jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Accountant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Accountant jobs in CA? For Associate Accountant jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Accountant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,040 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Associate Accountant

Associate Accountant

LTD GLOBAL, LLC

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Temporary

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

About the Role
We are seeking an Associate Accountant to support accounting and financial operations within our Intellectual Property Office. Reporting to the Principal Accountant, this role is responsible for accounting and financial operations functions in compliance with applicable policies, contract requirements, regulations, and laws. The position covers a broad range of activities including payments, invoicing, banking, monthly close, general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, internal and external reporting, audit preparation, process improvements, and financial analysis.
This is a great opportunity for an early-career accounting professional looking to build hands-on experience across the full accounting cycle in a mission-driven organization.
What You'll Do
Accounting, Operations & Reporting (90%)

  • Process patent invoices for payment, and create, send, and track rebilling invoices sent to licensees
  • Manage cash receipts and accounts receivable
  • Prepare various general ledger account reconciliations
  • Support annual royalty distribution calculations and analysis as assigned
  • Handle monthly and year-end close activities, including journal preparation, accruals, and reclasses
  • Research, analyze, and correct complex irregularities and reconciling items in system outputs and reconciliations
  • Support development, oversight, execution, and monitoring of financial transactions, processes, and systems
  • Use financial database systems to obtain and analyze complex financial information; work with programmers to design and develop reports
  • Take on additional department tasks/projects as requested (planned or ad hoc)

Financial Policy Interpretation (5%)

  • Develop, evaluate, and implement work methods and transaction documentation to improve efficiency, and recommend process improvements
  • Participate in end-user acceptance testing of new system functionality prior to implementation

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

  • Provide general accounting support to the Principal Accountant


What You Bring
Required:

  • 0–1 years of related professional-level experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • Experience developing and maintaining complex financial spreadsheets and databases with advanced functions, and using commercial and/or institutional financial tools
  • Experience in financial and/or cost accounting
  • Knowledge of interpreting and applying financial policies and procedures, including GAAP and related methodologies
  • Experience with financial functions such as preparing and posting journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement analysis, financial report preparation, and variance analysis
  • Ability to independently research, interpret, analyze, compile, and present data and information
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver financial briefings, documentation, reports, and financial advice to internal and external stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain, negotiate, persuade, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders

Preferred:

  • Experience in Federal accounting
  • Auditing experience
  • Knowledge of PeopleSoft financial applications

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines, including occasional work outside normal hours as needed
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods
  • Ability and flexibility to travel between office sites as needed

Company Description

Great Organization!