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Financial Accounting Associate Jobs in California

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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:

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.

Associate Director of Accounting - Property Accounting

Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$139K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

TITLE: Associate Director of Accounting - Property Accounting
REPORTS TO: Controller
DEPARTMENT: Accounting
STATUS: Regular, full-time
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WAGE RANGE: $139,603 - $151,920/year
GRANT FUNDED: No
UNION POSITION: No
LOCATION: 145 Taylor Street, San Francisco CA 94102
SCHEDULE: Hybrid work arrangement with in-office presence determined by management and business needs, including meetings and travel requirements. All other work may be performed remotely.
SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Accounting - Property Accounting reports directly to the Controller and oversees property accounting staff. This position is responsible for supporting the Property Management department through oversight of rental transactions, property month-end closings, financial reporting, account reconciliations, external financial statement preparation, staff supervision, and other accounting and finance-related functions. The Associate Director ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, effective internal controls, and collaboration across departments to support TNDC's affordable housing portfolio.
This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Supervision:
  • Supervisor Responsibility: Exercises independent judgment in the interest of the Employer to supervise and direct staff, including hiring, scheduling, assigning and prioritizing work, evaluating performance, and effectively recommending personnel actions such as salary increases, promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, demotions, and termination decisions.
  • Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and support to property accounting staff; establish priorities; monitor workloads and accounting workflows; and ensure month-end and year-end reporting requirements are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
  • Deliver coaching, guidance, training, and performance management support to property accounting staff to strengthen technical skills and promote professional development. Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and address performance or training needs proactively.

Property Accounting:
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the property accounting function, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while establishing effective controls, optimizing accounting processes and workflows, developing staff capabilities, and ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting across the property portfolio.
  • Lead accounts receivable and tenant charge activities, ensuring tenant charges, receipts, payments, adjustments, credits, and other receivable transactions are accurately recorded, properly classified, and appropriately supported.
  • Coordinate the reconciliation of tenant accounts receivable sub-ledgers to the general ledger, research discrepancies, and direct timely corrective action.
  • Lead the reconciliation of tenant rental accounts and move-out activity, including final account balances, security deposit-related transactions, charges, credits, and outstanding amounts. Ensure tenant balances are accurate and appropriately documented.
  • Prepare, review, and distribute delinquency and accounts receivable reports to Property Operations and collaborate with property teams to identify collection issues, establish follow-up strategies, and resolve outstanding balances.
  • Direct, review, and approve rent rolls, month-end and year-end close activities, general ledger accounts, journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy, completeness, proper classification, and compliance with established accounting policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and funding requirements. Identify unusual, incomplete, or inconsistent activity; investigate significant variances; and direct corrective actions as necessary.
  • Establish self as primary accounting liaison to Property Operations, providing timely financial guidance, resolving accounting questions, and facilitating effective communication between departments, and translating accounting policies and requirements into practical, effective processes that support property-level operations and financial accountability.
  • Partner with Property Operations and other stakeholders on the implementation, administration, and effective utilization of property management systems.
  • Help define accounting requirements, workflows, and controls. Identify system limitations, data issues, and process gaps and collaborate with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
  • Lead the review and reconciliation of cash receipt journal postings, ensuring and verifying receipts are accurately classified, recorded, and allocated and applied to the appropriate properties and accounts. Investigate discrepancies, identify errors or unusual activity, coordinate corrections, and ensure adjustments are completed promptly and properly documented.
  • Review monthly financial reports for completeness and accuracy, evaluating account balances, variances, and supporting schedules before distribution. Ensure reports accurately reflect property activity and meet internal and external reporting requirements.

External Financial Reporting:
  • Prepare and coordinate timely external financial statements and reports for lenders and other external stakeholders, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and supported by appropriate documentation.
  • Monitor reporting deadlines and coordinate necessary reviews and approvals to ensure timely submission.
  • Collaborate with internal departments to gather, validate, and provide financial data needed to satisfy lender, regulatory, and other external reporting requirements. Follow up on outstanding information and resolve data discrepancies to maintain reporting accuracy.

Account Reconciliation:
  • Oversee and lead monthly bank account reconciliations, ensuring cash balances are accurately reconciled to the general ledger and reconciling items are identified and resolved promptly. Review supporting documentation and monitor outstanding items through resolution.
  • Review and approve journal entries as required, ensuring entries are accurate, properly supported, and recorded in accordance with accounting policies and internal controls. Provide guidance on complex or unusual transactions and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.
  • Lead inter-fund reconciliations and related general ledger activity, ensuring transactions between funds and entities are accurately recorded and balanced. Investigate discrepancies, coordinate corrections, and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
  • Ensure internal year-end financial statements agree to the annual audited financial statements, coordinating the review of balances, adjustments, and disclosures. Identify and resolve differences and ensure final records accurately reflect the audited results.

Audit and Tax Filing:
  • Coordinate with the Controller to establish and manage audit timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities, ensuring the property accounting team is prepared to meet audit requirements. Track progress, communicate deadlines, and escalate potential issues or delays as appropriate.
  • Oversee the preparation of year-end trial balances and audit request lists, including PBC schedules, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and submitted according to established deadlines. Review supporting schedules and documentation before providing materials to auditors.
  • Ensure prompt and accurate responses to auditor questions and open items, coordinating with accounting and operational staff to research transactions and provide supporting documentation. Monitor outstanding requests through resolution and communicate significant issues to the Controller.
  • Ensure all audit adjusting entries are properly recorded, reviewed, and documented, maintaining clear support for changes to the financial records. Coordinate with the Controller and auditors to resolve proposed adjustments and ensure the general ledger reflects approved entries.
  • Provide accurate and complete financial documents and supporting schedules for tax return preparation, coordinating with the Controller, tax professionals, and internal departments as needed. Respond to information requests and help ensure tax-related deadlines are met.
  • Prepare and review property-level and consolidated financial reports, ensuring financial information is accurate, consistent, and appropriately supported. Analyze results and provide relevant explanations or insights to the Controller and other stakeholders.

Other Duties:
  • Partner with Property Operations to provide accounting information, analysis, and guidance on property-level financial matters. Proactively identify accounting issues, explain financial impacts, and recommend solutions that support sound property operations.
  • Ensure appropriate internal controls are established, maintained, and consistently applied across property accounting activities. Evaluate processes for control gaps, recommend improvements, and monitor compliance with established policies and procedures.
  • Prepare and provide compliance reporting as required, ensuring submissions are accurate, complete, and delivered within established deadlines. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather required information and address reporting issues.
  • Perform additional finance and accounting duties as assigned by the Controller, taking ownership of special projects, analyses, process improvements, and other priorities. Support the Controller in strengthening financial operations and achieving departmental objectives.
  • Perform other related duties as requested, adapting to changing organizational needs and priorities. Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and provide support to the Finance and Accounting team as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS
Knowledge and skills:
  • Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the ability to apply accounting standards, policies, and procedures to property-level and consolidated financial transactions and reporting.
  • Strong knowledge of account analysis, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation, including the ability to analyze general ledger activity, identify variances or discrepancies, and resolve issues accurately and efficiently.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial information, investigate unusual transactions, identify trends, and develop practical solutions to complex accounting issues.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain accounting concepts and financial information to both accounting and non-accounting staff, including Property Management and external stakeholders..
  • Demonstrated ability to meet established deadlines and manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with a commitment to maintaining complete, reliable, and well-documented financial records and reports.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, priorities, and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, while adapting to changing organizational needs and maintaining appropriate follow-through.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, including assigning work, establishing expectations, providing feedback, building technical skills, and supporting employee growth and performance.
  • Proficiency with PC-based accounting software and Microsoft Excel, including the ability to use spreadsheets and accounting systems to analyze data, prepare reconciliations, support financial reporting, and improve accounting processes.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage schedules, deadlines, documentation, and workflow across multiple properties and accounting activities.
  • Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and directions while exercising sound independent judgment, knowing when to resolve issues independently and when to escalate matters to the Controller or appropriate leadership.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Property Management, Finance and Accounting staff, auditors, lenders, consultants, and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment when handling sensitive financial, employee, tenant, and organizational information.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, with the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen accounting processes, internal controls, reporting practices, and operational efficiency.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to operate office equipment such as personal computers, calculators, and related office technology.
  • Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, and fingers in performing word processing, writing, reading, and similar tasks.
  • Ability to lift 15-20 pounds.
  • Visual acuity necessary to review financial documents and reports.
  • Hearing acuity sufficient to use telephone and communicate effectively with staff and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to perform sedentary to light physical work involving sitting for extended periods.

Environmental Adaptability:
  • Ability to work in an office environment.
  • Ability to travel to various work sites as needed.

Mathematical Ability:
  • Advanced accounting and financial a