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Entry Level Financial Analyst Jobs in Merced, CA

California State University

Accountant I

Turlock, CA · On-site

$4.5K/mo

The incumbent is responsible for performing entry-level professional accounting work requiring ... Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial reports, statements, and records. * Make financial ...

WME Group

Staff Accountant

Merced, CA · On-site

$65K/yr

Perform monthly financial close responsibilities for Licensing * undefined Knowledge and Experience ... Accurate and Analytical * Ability to work under pressure * Ability to delegate and manage * Ability ...

All JobsFinancial Analyst JobsEntry Level Financial Analyst JobsEntry Level Financial Analyst Jobs in Merced, CA

Entry Level Financial Analyst information

See Merced, CA salary details

$14

$29

$57

How much do entry level financial analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level financial analyst in Merced, CA is $29.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Financial Analyst vs Financial Associate?

AspectEntry Level Financial AnalystFinancial Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Finance, Economics, or related field; often some internship experienceBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; may require some certification
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance departments, investment firms, or banks; analytical and reporting tasksFinancial services firms, banks, or accounting firms; client-facing and support roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in finance, banking, and investment industriesUsed across banking, asset management, and financial services sectors

The main difference between an Entry Level Financial Analyst and a Financial Associate lies in their focus and responsibilities. Financial Analysts primarily analyze data, prepare reports, and support investment decisions, while Financial Associates often handle client interactions, support financial transactions, and assist with account management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their day-to-day tasks and career paths differ slightly, with Analysts more focused on analysis and Associates on client support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Financial Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Financial Analyst, you generally need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with strong analytical and quantitative skills. Familiarity with Excel, financial modeling software, and sometimes experience with databases or ERP systems are typically required, and pursuing certifications like CFA Level I can be advantageous. Attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering accurate financial insights, supporting business decision-making, and ensuring reliable reporting within a fast-paced environment.

Is AI replacing financial analysts?

AI is automating certain tasks performed by financial analysts, such as data analysis and reporting, but it is not replacing the role entirely. Financial analysts still rely on critical thinking, industry knowledge, and judgment that AI cannot replicate, making their skills valuable in interpreting data and making strategic decisions.

What is the best entry-level finance job?

An entry-level financial analyst role is a common starting position in finance, involving data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting. It typically requires strong Excel skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related fields. This role provides foundational experience for advancing into more senior finance positions.

Can I be a financial analyst with no experience?

Entry level financial analyst positions often require little to no professional experience, focusing instead on relevant skills such as Excel, financial modeling, and analytical thinking. Internships, coursework, or certifications like CFA Level 1 can help demonstrate your capabilities to employers. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles can improve your chances of securing a financial analyst position.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level financial analysts during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level financial analysts often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of data, meeting tight deadlines for reports, and quickly learning company-specific financial systems. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from senior analysts, participate in training sessions to sharpen technical skills, and stay organized with task lists and calendar reminders. Building strong relationships with colleagues in finance and related departments can also provide valuable support and insight, making the transition smoother and more productive.

What do entry-level financial analysts do?

Entry-level financial analysts gather and analyze financial data to support business decision-making. They prepare reports, create financial models using tools like Excel, and assist with budgeting, forecasting, and market research under supervision.

What Is the Job of an Entry-Level Financial Analyst?

Entry-level financial analysts compile budget and income statement forecasts into reports. In this role, you analyze the information for a business and provide advice on how to improve the financial health of the company. As part of your duties, you may look at investments and stocks and provide information on their performance and how the company could better use their assets. You might also provide information on how to reduce operating costs. The entry-level financial analyst presents these findings to company decision-makers, who may not understand the nuances of accounting. Because of this, you may be required to explain your findings at a basic level.

What does an Entry Level Financial Analyst do?

An Entry Level Financial Analyst is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting financial data to help their organization make informed business decisions. They typically prepare reports, assist with budgeting and forecasting, and evaluate financial performance under the supervision of senior analysts or managers. This role often involves using spreadsheets, financial modeling, and various analytical tools to assess trends and identify opportunities or risks. Entry level analysts may also support the preparation of presentations and participate in meetings with other departments or clients. It's a foundational role that provides exposure to different aspects of finance and helps build essential analytical skills.
More about Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Analyst jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Financial Analyst jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs in Merced, CA? For Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Entry Level Financial Analyst job openings:
Entry Level Financial Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Financial Analyst job openings in Merced, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,997 per year, or $29.3 per hour.
Accountant I

Accountant I

California State University

Turlock, CA • On-site

$4.5K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Accountant I
Job no: 558223
Work type: Staff
Location: Stanislaus - Turlock
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
    • Position Summary
    • Full-time temporary position available on or after August 3, 2026 for Financial Services. Appointment will be made for one year from date of hire with the possibility of reappointment and/or becoming permanent based on budget, department needs, and job performance.
      This position's responsibilities are carried out under the direction of an experienced accountant, within the Post-Awards Grants department. The incumbent is responsible for performing entry-level professional accounting work requiring general knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices. Assignments are designed to expand practical experience and develop professional judgment in applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GMP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards. Work is performed with close supervision and review, with increasing independence as experience and proficiency are gained.
    • Job Duties
    • Duties include but are not limited to:
      • Examine financial documents for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established policies and procedures and general accounting standards.
      • Reconcile reports and financial data with financial statements on file.
      • Correct and reconcile account balances to external data.
      • Prepare journal entries.
      • Resolve problems associated with incorrect entries, deviations from established procedures, and other inconsistencies with accounting principles.
      • Provide routine financial reports and statements.
      • Assure the proper recording and documentation of financial transactions and contribute to audit process.
      • Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial reports, statements, and records.
      • Make financial projections.
      • Examine documents for conformance to established policies and procedures and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
      • Identify actual or potential problems and recommend corrective action.
      • Compute and estimate the effect of proposed changes on operating programs or accounting operations.
      • Provide initial troubleshooting of financial systems problems and participate in the design and installation of financial systems upgrades and required testing and verification of results.
      • Conduct extensive financial data compilation, querying and drilling large volumes of financial data.
      • Use integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.
      • Document and maintain business processes, standards, and procedures.
      • Provide input to the documentation and maintenance of business processes, standards, and procedures.
      • May be required to obtain additional training and/or certification as part of professional development, based on department and/or campus needs, to stay current with industry standards.
      • The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.
      • At the direction of appropriate administrator, may provide support to other areas/departments withing functional area/departments as needed.
      • Other duties as assigned.
    • Minimum Qualifications
    • Education & Experience: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field. Relevant education and/or experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
    • Preferred Qualifications
      • Prior experience working in accounting, finance, auditing, or a related field such as general ledger, financial reporting, or fund accounting.
      • Experience with fiscal record keeping, and practices of organization and administration.
      • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel.
      • Experience with PeopleSoft, ERP or related systems.
      • Experience preparing and analyzing reconciliations and journal entries.
      • Experience with research grant funds management or related complex funds.
      • Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance.
    • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
      • General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GMP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB); office methods and procedures; and statistical and mathematical presentation of data.
      • Ability to apply appropriate accounting treatment to financial transactions.
      • Advanced proficiency with current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.
      • Ability to interpret policy guidelines and follow instructions.
      • Ability to analyze financial and statistical data and draw conclusions.
      • Ability to utilize problem solving techniques.
      • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-Accountants.
    • Physical Requirements
    • The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    • Salary Range
    • Anticipated starting salary will be $4,570 (step 1) - $4,947 (step 5) per month plus excellent paid benefits. Future increases, including step advancement, are subject to contract negotiations. Full range Salary will depend on the qualifications of the successful finalist. Full $4,570 (step 1) - $6,658 (step 20) per month.
    • Compensation & Benefits
    • Commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, outstanding vacation, health, dental, and vision plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. Link to (Bargaining Unit: 9) Benefits Summary: CSU Employee Benefit Summary
    • How to Apply
    • To be considered, qualified candidates must submit a completed Stanislaus State online employment application, cover letter, and resumé. Applications are accepted electronically only. Please note that failure to completely fill out each section of the online application may result in your application not receiving consideration. To apply online, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.
      Applications will be processed in accordance with Article 9.3 of the CSU/CSUEU Memorandum of Understanding. Preference will be given to qualified individuals currently employed at CSU Stanislaus in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 except when it is determined that it is necessary to appoint outside applicants to meet the best interest of the campus by obtaining specialized skills and abilities not available from current employees.
    • Application Deadline
    • OPEN UNTIL FILLED; SCREENING TO BEGIN ON OR AFTER June 22, 2026 (Applications received after the screening date will be considered at the discretion of the university.)
    • Criminal Background Clearance Notice
    • Satisfactory completion of a background check (which includes checks of employment records, education records, criminal records, civil records; and may include motor vehicle records, professional licenses, and sex offender registries, as position requires) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
    • Additional Information
    • Campus & Area
      California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion - one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.
      Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as one of the best 384 colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The University was one of 12 public universities in the nation to be recognized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for demonstrating exceptional performance in retention and graduation rates. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanislaus State in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West's No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
      Clery Act Disclosure
      Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the annual security report (ASR), is now available for viewing at https://www.csustan.edu/annual-campus-security-report. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Stanislaus State for the previous three years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the office of the Clery Director located at One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.
      Equal Employment Opportunity
      The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised 7/21/17, as a condition of employment.
      Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact the Human Resources Department at (209) 667-3351. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. As a federal contractor, we are committed to attracting a diverse applicant pool. Please consider completing the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form (your response will not be shared with the search committee) at: Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability PDF Form.
      CSU Stanislaus hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
      The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.
    • The individuals who appear to be the best qualified for this position will be contacted by telephone or email for an interview.
      INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Advertised: Jun 05 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US

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