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External Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The role will transition into a supervisory capacity over our external accounting team, while taking on additional high-level technical areas, such as Leases (ASC 842), Revenue Recognition (ASC 606 ...

Senior Accountant

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

The role will transition into a supervisory capacity over our external accounting team, while taking on additional high-level technical areas, such as Leases (ASC 842), Revenue Recognition (ASC 606 ...

Senior Accountant

Glenview, IL · Hybrid

$73K - $91K/yr

Coordinate with external accountants and support tax reporting (K‑1s, estimates) * Process wires, checks, and intercompany transactions * Deliver ad hoc reporting and analysis as a hands‑on ...

Senior Accountant

$95K - $120K/yr

You will work closely with our CFO/COO, FP&A team, and external accounting partners in a high volume, multi-channel payment environment. If you want to put your stamp on how a finance function is ...

Senior Accountant

Portland, OR · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Partner with finance and leadership, accounting leadership, and external accounting partners on technical accounting questions, controls, close tasks, and reporting needs. * Maintain an extremely ...

Senior Accountant

Portland, OR

$78K - $98K/yr

Partner with finance and leadership, accounting leadership, and external accounting partners on technical accounting questions, controls, close tasks, and reporting needs. * Maintain an extremely ...

Senior Accountant

Glenview, IL · Hybrid

$73K - $91K/yr

Coordinate with external accountants and support tax reporting (K‑1s, estimates) * Process wires, checks, and intercompany transactions * Deliver ad hoc reporting and analysis as a hands‑on ...

Senior Accountant

Portland, OR · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Partner with finance and leadership, accounting leadership, and external accounting partners on technical accounting questions, controls, close tasks, and reporting needs. * Maintain an extremely ...

Senior Accountant

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$125K - $135K/yr

This role will partner closely with accounting leadership, external auditors, tax, treasury, and operational teams to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance in a fast-paced environment.

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Accountant/Bookkeeper

Hialeah, FL · On-site

$62K - $74K/yr

Support external accountants during tax preparation. * Monitor financial data accuracy and maintain organized records. * Assist with budgeting and inventory planning activities. Administrative ...

Accountant

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Research and resolve internal and external accounting inquiries * Maintain organized accounting records, including scanning, filing, and document distribution * Assist with audits and ensure ...

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Senior Accountant / Controller

Ontario, CA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Liaise with external accountants, auditors, banks, and government agencies. * Act as the primary on-site accounting and finance representative. * Gather and communicate operational and financial ...

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Showing results 1-20

External Accountant information

See salary details

$34.5K

$65.8K

$98K

How much do external accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for external accountant in the United States is $65,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are external accountants?

External accountants are professionals who provide accounting services to businesses or individuals from outside the organization, rather than being employed directly by them. They typically work for accounting firms or as independent consultants and are responsible for tasks such as auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, and offering financial advisory services. Their objective perspective helps ensure financial accuracy and compliance with regulations. Companies often hire external accountants to bring specialized expertise and maintain impartiality in financial reporting.

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

To thrive as an External Accountant, you need strong analytical skills, accounting knowledge, and a relevant degree or certification such as CPA or ACCA. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, and proficiency in Excel are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and ethical integrity are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and high-quality service for clients.

What is the difference between External Accountant vs Bookkeeper?

AspectExternal AccountantBookkeeper
CredentialsCPA or accounting degree often requiredHigh school diploma or associate degree typically sufficient
Primary RoleFinancial analysis, tax planning, and reportingRecording daily financial transactions
Work EnvironmentConsults with clients periodically, often remotelyHandles daily bookkeeping tasks, often on-site or remotely
Employer & Industry UsageAccounting firms, corporations, small businessesSmall businesses, freelance, and small accounting firms

External Accountants focus on high-level financial analysis, tax strategies, and compliance, often working with multiple clients. Bookkeepers handle daily transaction recording and data entry, providing the foundational financial data. While both roles are essential for financial management, External Accountants typically require advanced credentials and offer strategic insights, whereas Bookkeepers focus on accurate record-keeping.

How does an External Accountant typically interact with client teams and internal stakeholders during an audit or financial review?

External Accountants frequently collaborate with both client employees and internal colleagues, such as audit managers or tax specialists, throughout each engagement. You'll often coordinate directly with client finance teams to request documentation, clarify transactions, and discuss findings, requiring clear communication and professionalism. Internally, you'll work closely with your firm's audit or accounting team to share updates, delegate tasks, and ensure compliance with relevant standards. This role demands strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust while managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
More about External Accountant jobs
Infographic showing various External Accountant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,812 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Senior Accountant

$110K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Your Role

This position serves as a critical pillar within the accounting department, owning key month-end close areas, overseeing daily operations and vendor management, and driving innovation through process and technology enhancements. Initially, the role will focus on preparing essential close items-including Fixed Assets, Prepaids, Accruals, and Cash/Credit Card reconciliations-to establish a deep familiarity with core accounting processes. The role will transition into a supervisory capacity over our external accounting team, while taking on additional high-level technical areas, such as Leases (ASC 842), Revenue Recognition (ASC 606), and Retail Revenue Gross-to-Net calculations. Additionally, this position will play a primary role in annual audit procedures, assist in building out internal controls and process documentation, research new accounting pronouncements, and lead technology implementation projects.

The Senior Accountant will report directly to the Senior Manager of Accounting and will work in tandem with the FP&A team and CFO to provide monthly and ad-hoc deliverables. This role also collaborates cross-functionally with Operations, People Ops, and Brand/Marketing to determine the proper accounting treatment for operational spend and to investigate variances via monthly fluctuation analysis. 

Candidates must exemplify a deep knowledge of GAAP, a high attention to detail and the ability to evaluate the downstream impacts of specific transactions and business activities. As a lean team, we require an individual who is eager to take on all types of tasks, big or small, and a willingness to own new projects and accounting areas that may arise as we continue to expand the business. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

  • Month-End Close: Own and prepare monthly close schedules, address review comments, and record relevant journal entries to the General Ledger.
  • Daily Operations: Manage daily accounting functions, including vendor relations, accounting inbox and cash management.
  • AP/AR Management: Oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable and Receivable processes, including leading weekly AP meetings with the FP&A team.
  • Team Leadership: Manage external accounting team and junior team members. 
  • Research & Development: Conduct technical research to account for new business activities and develop robust departmental processes.
  • Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with internal and external stakeholders to validate spending, identify accounting considerations, and ensure operational continuity.
  • Reporting: Prepare monthly financial reporting deliverables and document vendor-level fluctuation analyses.
  • Audit & Tax: Lead annual audit and tax procedures; implement process improvements to address findings or internal control gaps.
  • Systems Innovation: Work with the Senior Manager of Accounting to implement new technologies, such as inventory management software and AI tools, to accelerate close timelines and enhance financial data visibility.
  • Internal Controls: Design and implement process-level and risk-specific controls, including the formal documentation of all accounting functions.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Experience:
    • Education: BA in Accounting.
    • Certification: CPA Certification.
    • Professional: 3-5 years of experience in accounting.
    • Technical: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
  • Interpersonal:
    • Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with external partners and manage complex vendor correspondence.
    • Collaboration: A positive, collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced, in-office environment.
    • Growth Mindset: Willingness to learn and assume increasing responsibility as the department and business scale.
    • Leadership: Proven ability to partner with senior management and mentor junior staff.
    • Problem Solving: Eagerness to identify bottlenecks and articulate innovative solutions to leadership.
  • Additional Preferred Experience and Skills:
    • Big Four accounting experience.
    • 1-2 years of industry experience.
    • Familiarity with QuickBooks Online or comparable ERP systems.
    • Technical knowledge of ASC 606 (Revenue), ASC 842 (Leases), ASC 470 (Debt), ASC 330 (Inventory).
    • Experience with Inventory Management Software and Enterprise AI tools.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Hours and Compensation

The anticipated base compensation range for this role will be $110,000 - $130,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and local market rates. 

  • Job Type: Full-time 
  • Pay based on prior experience
  • Position will be based out of Santa Monica, Los Angeles - in person (Mon-Thurs in office/Friday remote)

Benefits & Perks

  • Flexible PTO, Sick Days, and Wellness Days
  • Monthly Social Hours
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
  • 401K with matching
  • $50/month Fitness Reimbursement + Up to $1,800 in annual wellness benefits
  • An environment of collaboration, high performance, & respect amongst all employees and managers