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Associate Accountant Jobs in Spring Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Staff Accountant

La Mesa, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Staff Accountant (StarGard) is responsible for performing a variety of accounting tasks ... Associates who perform this duty will receive a minimum of two (2) hours of overtime pay for each ...

Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred. * 1-3 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience, preferably in hospitality or multi-unit ...

Jr. Staff Accountant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $33.25/hr

Associates (or higher) degree in accounting a plus. * Detail oriented , highly organized, & able to multi-task * High-level verbal and written communication skills. * Strong administrative and ...

Jr. Staff Accountant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $33.25/hr

Associates (or higher) degree in accounting a plus. * Detail oriented , highly organized, & able to multi-task * High-level verbal and written communication skills. * Strong administrative and ...

Identify and communicate accounting matters to senior associates, managers and partners. * Interact with clients to help ensure flow of information from clients to the engagement team is efficient ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Accountant information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

$33.3K

$58.1K

$82.9K

How much do associate accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate accountant in Spring Valley, CA is $58,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $66,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

What is the lowest position in associate accountant?

The lowest position in the accounting field related to associate accountant roles is typically an entry-level position such as accounting clerk or junior accountant. These roles often require basic accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and sometimes an associate degree or relevant certification. Advancement usually involves gaining experience and additional certifications like CPA or CMA.

What is an associate accountant?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Accountant jobs in Spring Valley, CA? The most popular types of Accountant jobs in Spring Valley, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Accountant jobs in Spring Valley, CA? For Associate Accountant jobs in Spring Valley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Associate Accountant jobs? Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Associate Accountant job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Accountant job openings in Spring Valley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,099 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Staff Accountant

Protective

La Mesa, CA • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Protective Life rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 304 rated insurance


Job description

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.
We help protect our customers against life's uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you'll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.

The Staff Accountant (StarGard) is responsible for performing a variety of accounting tasks, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in financial transaction processing, reporting, reconciling, and auditing.
 
 
This full-time career opportunity requires onsite work daily, Monday- Friday at Protective's La Mesa, CA office location. 
 
Ideal candidates will have strong Microsoft Office Suite skills and working knowledge of accounting software applications.
Essential Functions:
  • Ensures compliance with accounting standards and internal controls
  • Collaborates with team members and other departments to resolve accounting matters and improve processes and systems
  • Performs bank and account reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepancies
  • Creates invoices (via import and manual) for all incoming contracts received
  • Deposits check payments to the bank
  • Applies payments to invoices in accounting system
  • Audits contracts, DMS sales and invoice transactions
  • Supports month-end and year-end close processes
  • Adds Customers and Item Codes into accounting system as needed
  • Runs Monthly Statements once contracts are balanced
  • Prints all Monthly Statements, sorts, and reviews
  • Prepares and processes commissions
  • Monitors and analyzes data to identify trends and variances
  • Emails/mails out monthly statements to Agents and Dealers
  • Strives to enforce and live Portfolio's Philosophy each and every day
  • Takes ownership of changes and personally responsible for managing change in an upbeat positive manner
  • Supports budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
  • Completes Ad hoc analysis projects
  • Performs various non-essential duties outside of primary job responsibilities as part of a cross - functional and lean team member
  • Assists wiith After-Hours Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Periodically assist in the recovery of stolen vehicles outside of regular business hours. This responsibility is expected to occur infrequently and will be scheduled or requested on an as-needed basis. Associates who perform this duty will receive a minimum of two (2) hours of overtime pay for each occurrence, in accordance with California labor laws
  • Performs various non-essential duties outside of primary job responsibilities as part of a cross - functional and lean team member
Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • N/A
Education and Qualification Requirements:
  • Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Accounting Software
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of experience in finance or accounting
Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Some college, bachelor's degree preferred
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Well-developed organizational skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple issues and demands
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Previous accounts receivable or accounts payable experience
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
  • Vision acuity required to include close vision, color vision, distant vision, and the ability to adjust focus
  • Ability to grasp objects such a telephone or computer mouse, finger dexterity to use a keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment
  • Ability to walk, stand, reach with hands and arms; stoop kneel, crouch, and lift up to 25 pounds
  • Ability to frequently sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to hear and talk, both in person and by phone
  • Ability to spend extended hours in front of a computer screen
$70,000 - $80,000 a year
Protective's targeted compensation for this position is $70k-$80k. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective's total compensation package for employees. This position also offers additional incentive opportunities through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance. 
Employee Benefits:  
We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health.  Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective's platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.   

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company's benefit plans.

Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability:
If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.

Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation.  General employment questions should not be sent through this process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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