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Cpa Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAMEE VOHRA CPA TAX AND ACCOUNTANCY CORP.

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

About the Role We are looking for an experienced CPA to prepare individual and small business tax returns. The right candidate is accurate, efficient, and confident with federal and California tax ...

AM Advisors

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Oakland, CA · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

CPA We are looking for a highly-analytical certified public accountant (CPA) to join our talented team at AM Advisors. To accomplish your goal of successfully managing our company's tax and financial ...

AM Advisors

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Oakland, CA

$86K - $118K/yr

CPA We are looking for a highly-analytical certified public accountant (CPA) to join our talented team at AM Advisors. To accomplish your goal of successfully managing our company's tax and financial ...

AM Advisors LLC

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Oakland, CA · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

CPA We are looking for a highly-analytical certified public accountant (CPA) to join our talented team at AM Advisors. To accomplish your goal of successfully managing our company's tax and financial ...

ImpactSearch Partners

CPA

Calabasas, CA · On-site

As a CPA, you will play a critical role in providing audit and assurance services to their clients, including financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations. You will work closely with our ...

ImpactSearch Partners

CPA

Calabasas, CA

As a CPA, you will play a critical role in providing audit and assurance services to their clients, including financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations. You will work closely with our ...

Robert Half

CPA

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$90 - $95/hr

We are looking for a CPA to support a construction company in Rancho Cordova, California on a Contract engagement. This role will focus on preparing the organization for an upcoming audit by ...

CPA Firm

Tax Accountant or CPA

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

Fantastic opportunity for a Tax Accountant or a CPA to work in a prominent CPA firm in Los Angeles! This opportunity could be FT or PT. The Tax Accountant or CPA will review and prepare Income Tax ...

Herbert Financial Group

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Tax & Business Advisory

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Herbert Financial Group is seeking a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to join our growing team. This position is ideal for a professional who wants to work in a dynamic environment serving small to ...

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All JobsCpa JobsCpa Trainee JobsCpa Trainee Jobs in California

Cpa Trainee information

What is a CPA trainee?

CPA trainees are individuals who are in the process of completing the practical experience and educational requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). They typically work under the supervision of licensed CPAs in accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as auditing, tax preparation, and financial reporting. During this period, trainees often study for and take the CPA exam while developing the skills and competencies needed for full licensure. Successfully completing a CPA traineeship is a key step toward becoming a fully qualified CPA.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CPA trainee?

To thrive as a CPA Trainee, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, analytical thinking, and a relevant degree in accounting or finance, often while pursuing a CPA qualification. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, Excel, and knowledge of ERP systems are commonly expected, along with progress toward CPA exam completion. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and eagerness to learn set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are essential for accurate financial reporting, compliance, and developing expertise needed for advancement in the accounting profession.

What are some common challenges faced by CPA trainees during their first year on the job?

CPA trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced work environment, balancing multiple client deadlines, and quickly learning new accounting software and procedures. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the volume of information and the need to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. However, most firms provide structured training, mentorship, and regular feedback to help trainees adjust and develop the necessary skills for success.

What is the difference between Cpa Trainee vs Cpa Associate?

AspectCpa TraineeCpa Associate
CertificationsTypically pursuing CPA license, may have completed some examsUsually has CPA license or is fully qualified
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised tasksMore independent, client-facing responsibilities
Employer UsageEntry-level, training position in accounting firmsFull-time professional role in accounting firms or corporations

The main difference between a Cpa Trainee and a Cpa Associate is that the trainee is in the learning phase, working under supervision while pursuing CPA certification. The associate is a fully qualified professional handling more complex tasks independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cpa jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cpa jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cpa Trainee jobs in California?

For Cpa Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cpa Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cpa Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cpa Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cpa Trainee job openings:

Cpa Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cpa Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

SAMEE VOHRA CPA TAX AND ACCOUNTANCY CORP.

San Pedro, CA • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

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After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced CPA to prepare individual and small business tax returns. The right candidate is accurate, efficient, and confident with federal and California tax rules, and comfortable managing a range of filings independently.


What You'll Do

•       Prepare individual tax returns (Forms 1040, Schedules A, C, and E), including multi-state filings

•       Prepare small business returns (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, and partnership)

•       Prepare sales tax returns and support payroll reporting

•       Review client documents and identify missing or inconsistent information

•       Perform bookkeeping work that supports accurate returns: bank and credit card reconciliation, month-end and year-end close support, and chart of accounts maintenance

•       Enter and reconcile tax data in Lacerte, QuickBooks, and Midas GI

•       Review financial statements and general ledgers for accuracy

•       Analyze income and expenses to support tax planning

•       Respond to and resolve notices from the IRS, FTB, and other agencies

•       Stay current on changing tax regulations and identify planning opportunities for clients

•       Build long-term client relationships through consistent, reliable, professional communication

•       Support other firm processes during peak season as needed


What You'll Need

•       CPA with 2+ years of hands-on experience preparing individual (1040) and small business returns

•       Current working knowledge of federal and California tax law

•       Experience preparing sales tax returns and a working understanding of payroll reporting

•       Experience resolving notices from taxing authorities

•       Strong analytical and time-management skills, with a track record of meeting filing deadlines

•       Ability to work independently and manage multiple client engagements at once

•       Clear, professional communication with both clients and colleagues

•       Ability to commute reliably to our San Pedro office five days a week, including during peak season


Nice to Have

•       Prior experience at a small or boutique firm

•       Hands-on experience with Lacerte, Midas, and QuickBooks


Hours and Season

This is a full-time, on-site role. Outside of tax season, hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. From January through April, expect extended hours and some Saturdays — we want to be upfront about that so there are no surprises.


Benefits

Medical, dental, retirement plan, paid time off, continuing education or CPE reimbursement, licensing fee coverage


How to Apply

Apply through this posting with your resume. Add a brief message describing your tax preparation experience. We review applications on a rolling basis and will reach out to candidates we'd like to speak with.


Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Company Description

We are a boutique, family-owned tax accounting firm with over 40 years of service in San Pedro, CA. We place an emphasis on excellent client service, responsiveness, and long-term relationships. Our clients include small business owners, medical professionals, hospitality businesses, and high-net-worth individuals.
Because we are a small team, the person in this role works directly with clients and sees engagements through from documents to filing — not a narrow slice of the process.