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Financial Accounting Associate Jobs in California

Lamwork

Accounting Associate

San Jose, CA · On-site

$94.10 - $115.02/hr

Accounting Associate Overview An Accounting Associate keeps a company's financial records accurate and audit-ready by owning the transaction layer that sits between raw data and finished financial ...

J. Perez Associates, Inc.

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Accounting Associate

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are a family owned and operated business searching for an Accounting Associate to join our team ... This position ensures accurate financial recordkeeping, compliance with accounting policies, and ...

Nongshim USA

Accounting Associate

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$81.66/hr

Accounting Associate Full Time Rancho Cucamonga, CA, US Salary Range: $28.50 to $29.07 hourly ... Preparing weekly, monthly, and yearly financial reports to senior leadership and Korea headquarters

Artemis Professionals, LLC

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Accounting Associate

Compton, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Accounting Associate - Temp-to-Hire Location: Compton, CA 90220 I Onsite Pay: $26.00 to $28.00 per ... Previous experience working in a small accounting or finance department If you're dependable ...

Da Vinci Schools

Accounting Associate I

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

Accounting Associate I Accounting Associate for a fast-growing charter management organization with ... Assisting with the year-end financial audit * Assist with financial activities/fundraising for ...

Hans Biomed

Accounting Associate

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

Accounting Associate Hans Biomed USA Hans Biomed USA is a leading global bio-company specializing ... The Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial ...

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Financial Accounting Associate information

What is a financial accounting associate?

Financial Accounting Associates are entry-level professionals who support the accounting and finance departments of an organization. They are responsible for tasks such as preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, managing invoices, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations. These associates often assist with audits, budgeting, and the implementation of accounting controls. Their work helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data, which is crucial for business decision-making and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges financial accounting associates face when managing month-end closing processes?

Financial Accounting Associates often encounter tight deadlines and high volumes of data during month-end closing, which can make accuracy and time management critical challenges. Coordinating with multiple departments to gather and reconcile financial information can also be demanding, especially when discrepancies arise. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail are essential to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Over time, developing efficient workflows and leveraging accounting software can help streamline these processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial accounting associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Accounting Associate, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and typically a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, and familiarity with Excel are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure accurate financial records, compliance with regulations, and clear collaboration within finance teams.

What is the difference between Financial Accounting Associate vs Accounts Payable Clerk?

AspectFinancial Accounting AssociateAccounts Payable Clerk
Primary ResponsibilitiesPreparing financial statements, journal entries, and reconciling accountsProcessing invoices, managing payments, and maintaining vendor records
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in accounting or finance; CPA or similar certifications are a plusHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer accounting or finance coursework
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance departments, accounting firms, or finance divisionsAccounts payable departments within organizations, accounting firms
Common Industry UsageUsed across various industries including corporate, non-profit, and governmentPrimarily in corporate finance, retail, and manufacturing sectors

The Financial Accounting Associate focuses on broader financial reporting and account reconciliation, while the Accounts Payable Clerk specializes in processing vendor invoices and payments. Both roles require accounting knowledge and are essential in maintaining accurate financial records, but they differ in scope and daily tasks.

Can I get a good job with a financial accounting associate's in accounting?

A Financial Accounting Associate role can lead to good job opportunities in accounting and finance, especially with relevant skills in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel. Advancement often requires additional certifications such as CPA or CMA and experience in the field.

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

The most popular types of Financial Accounting jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Financial Accounting Associate jobs in California?

For Financial Accounting Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Financial Accounting Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Financial Accounting Associate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Financial Accounting Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Financial Accounting Associate job openings:

Financial Accounting Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Accounting Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Accounting Associate

Lamwork

San Jose, CA • On-site

$94.10 - $115.02/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Accounting Associate Overview

An Accounting Associate keeps a company’s financial records accurate and audit-ready by owning the transaction layer that sits between raw data and finished financial statements. Day‑to‑day work spans processing accounts payable and receivable, preparing journal entries, reconciling general ledger and subledger accounts, and supporting month‑end close within a GAAP‑compliant framework.

1. What Is an Accounting Associate?

An Accounting Associate handles transaction‑level work—AP and AR processing, journal entries, bank reconciliations—within a structured team. The role is essential for accurate, timely financial records that support management decisions, external audits, and regulatory compliance.

2. Accounting Associate Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare and post monthly journal entries covering accruals, prepaid amortization, and payroll to ensure proper period cut‑off.
  • Reconcile general ledger and subledger accounts each month, resolving open items before close deadlines to maintain accurate financial records.
  • Analyze financial data for variances against forecast or prior‑period balances and communicate findings to Accounting Managers or Finance Business Partners.
  • Manage end‑to‑end accounts payable and receivable cycles, including invoice verification, coding, payment runs, and collections follow‑up.
  • Review and audit employee expense reports for policy compliance, accurate GL coding, and proper supporting documentation.
3. Accounting Associate Required Skills

Proficiency across accounting fundamentals and current ERP tools separates strong candidates from the field.

  • Hard Skills: Core: GAAP Knowledge, General Ledger Reconciliation, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Journal Entry Preparation, Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) | Tools: ERP Platforms (QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP), Bank Reconciliation Workflows, Financial Reporting, Tax Compliance, Account Variance Analysis
  • Soft Skills: Attention to Detail, Time Management, Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills
4. Typical Career Progression for an Accounting Associate
  • Junior Accounting Associate
  • Accounting Associate
  • Senior Accounting Associate
  • Accounting Manager

Reaching the senior level typically takes four to seven years, depending on industry exposure, the pace of close‑cycle responsibility growth, and demonstrated ownership of the month‑end close.

5. Accounting Associate Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – the gold standard credential; maximizes long‑term career mobility.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – strong fit for roles with budget and variance analysis focus.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – valued where internal controls and audit preparation are central duties.

QuickBooks Certified User (QCU) – broadly recognized for small‑to‑mid‑size organization environments.

6. Accounting Associate Salary in the United States

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track Accounting Associate as a separate occupation. Based on the closest related role, Accountants and Auditors, the median annual salary is $81,680 per year.

Top‑paying cities:

  • San Jose, CA – $104,560 per year
  • New York, NY – $103,360 per year
  • San Francisco, CA – $98,640 per year

Compensation in this role moves significantly with seniority level, proximity to CPA licensure, and the complexity of the organization’s close environment—multi‑entity or publicly reported companies typically offer a premium over single‑entity private firms.

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