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Graduate Accountant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or ... Possess a combination of specialized experience as described above AND graduate education as ...

Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or ... Possess a combination of specialized experience as described above AND graduate education as ...

Staff Accountant

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

Crown Medical has an exciting opportunity to participate as a Staff Accountant. As a new hire for ... If you are a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional looking to change careers we are ...

Staff Accountant

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$30.66 - $40.89/hr

Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required. * Must have knowledge of computer operations and spreadsheet applications

Accountant

Monterey, CA

$4.8K - $5.6K/mo

Accountant Apply now Job no: 558784 Work type: Staff Location: Monterey Bay Categories: Unit 9 - ... and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement , CSUMB is part of the ...

Accountant

Monterey, CA · On-site

$4.8K - $5.6K/mo

Accountant Job no: 558784 Work type: Staff Location: Monterey Bay Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU ... and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement , CSUMB is part of the ...

Accountant

Monterey, CA

$4.8K - $5.6K/mo

Accountant Apply now Job no: 558784 Work type: Staff Location: Monterey Bay Categories: Unit 9 - ... and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement , CSUMB is part of the ...

Staff Accountant

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$62K - $82K/yr

... graduate with Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance • Prior experience in a multi-entity or international organization is a plus. Technical Skills • Proficiency in ERP systems required ...

New

Senior Tax Accountant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

To qualify, candidates must have a bachelor's degree or graduate degree and 3 years of experience in public accounting. In addition, a successful candidate will possess the following skills and ...

$81K - $93K/yr

Senior Accountant I Reports To : CFO FLSA Classification : Exempt, 12 Month, 220 day calendar ... and the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, offering professional development ...

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Graduate Accountant information

See California salary details

$14

$25

$41

How much do graduate accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate accountant in California is $25.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate accountant?

A graduate accountant assists clients or a business in handling tax issues or day-to-day accounting needs. As the name implies, graduate accountants have typically earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a major in accounting and can begin finding work at a firm. Daily job duties include speaking with clients through phone and email, analyzing accounts, and providing information to clients based on this data. In this role, you also continuously undergo training to keep up with new rules and regulations as they apply to the business of managing accounts. To succeed in this career, you need strong interpersonal and organizational skills as well as knowledge of tax activities. Some graduate accountants partake in an internship at a firm to gain experience and then land a job once they’ve earned the educational qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate accountant, and why are they important?

To excel as a Graduate Accountant, a solid understanding of accounting principles, a relevant degree in accounting or finance, and strong analytical skills are essential. Familiarity with accounting software such as MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks, and working towards or holding certifications like CPA or CA is highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accuracy in financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and effective collaboration within finance teams.

What are some common challenges new graduate accountants face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Graduate Accountants often encounter challenges such as adapting to professional accounting software, balancing multiple client deadlines, and understanding complex regulatory requirements. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in training sessions, and maintain organized work habits. Proactively asking questions and regularly reviewing technical accounting updates can also help ease the transition and build confidence in the role.

What is the difference between Graduate Accountant vs Junior Accountant?

AspectGraduate AccountantJunior Accountant
Required CredentialsTypically a recent degree in accounting or financeOften holds a degree or is in early career stage
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused roles in accounting firms or corporate financeSupport roles in accounting departments, assisting with basic accounting tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by firms hiring recent graduates for training programsCommonly used in companies for entry-level accounting support
Comparison Search IntentLooking to start a career in accountingSeeking an entry-level accounting position

The main difference between a Graduate Accountant and a Junior Accountant lies in experience and career stage. Graduate Accountants are typically recent graduates entering training programs, while Junior Accountants are early-career professionals supporting accounting functions. Both roles serve as stepping stones in the accounting industry, with Graduate Accountants focusing on learning and development, and Junior Accountants handling more routine tasks.

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

The most popular types of Graduate Accountant jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Accountant jobs in California?

For Graduate Accountant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Accountant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Accountant jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Accountant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,032 per year, or $26 per hour.

2026-27AY Quarterly Lecturer - Accounting (Pool)

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$10K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

2026-27AY Quarterly Lecturer - Accounting (Pool)

Position Type:

Temporary

Salary Range:

Starting at $10,230 per 4-unit undergraduate course

Purpose:

The Accounting Department at the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic University in Silicon Valley, is seeking to identify individuals interested in teaching positions for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. We offer both undergraduate and graduate accounting courses that vary from introductory to advanced and span the sub-disciplines of accounting.

This pool is refreshed annually to address short-term teaching needs in the Leavey School of Business. Quarterly Lecturers are appointed on a course-by-course basis for a fixed term of one quarter.

Basic Qualifications:

Applicants must have a graduate degree in a related field or a CPA certification. College-level teaching experience is desirable.

Responsibilities:

Teach undergraduate and/or graduate accounting courses:

  • Developing syllabi, assignments, and readings that align with course learning outcomes

  • Conducting and appearing on time for all scheduled class meetings

  • Using appropriate measures of student performance and providing timely feedback

  • Assigning grades that are an accurate and fair evaluation of student work by quarterly deadlines

  • Maintaining regular office hours at times convenient to students

Required documents:

Curriculum Vitae and contact information for three references.

Questions can be directed to: accounting@scu.edu

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please note that your employment is subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 ("Local 1021"; see https://www.scu.edu/provost/faculty-affairs/cba-ntt/).

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team athraccommodations@scu.eduor by phone at (408)554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.

Work Authorization:

SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.