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Professional Sports Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Position Golden State is looking for a Director to lead the accounting team for our professional sports franchises and related business entities. This is a pivotal role responsible for ...

Senior Accountant

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a ... This role is primarily responsible for the accounting operations of MSG Sports including ...

Director, Accounting

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Tickets.com is looking for a Director of Accounting to manage the organization's accounting ... Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic of the major professional sports leagues in the ...

We specialize in ACMI and wet-lease charters for VIP, professional sports, entertainment passengers ... GlobalX is seeking an experienced accounting professional with a strong understanding and or ...

Staff Accountant

Spring Lake, NJ · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Requirements: · BS in Accounting Required · 3+ years of Public Accounting Experience preferred ... We run our company like a "professional sports team" with a High-Performance Culture. If this is ...

Manager Finance

New York, NY · On-site

$83K - $130K/yr

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a ... Collaborate with and support the Accounting team during month end close by reviewing P&L ...

Staff Accountant

Spring Lake, NJ · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Requirements: · BS in Accounting Required · 3+ years of Public Accounting Experience preferred ... We run our company like a "professional sports team" with a High-Performance Culture. If this is ...

Accounting Clerk 1

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

ACCOUNTING CLERK 1 ONSITE 5 DAYS A WEEK - OWATONNA ABOUT YOU: This position entails utilizing the ... and Professional Sports. Through the utilization of best-in-class technical software, such as ...

Accounting Clerk 1

Owatonna, MN · Hybrid

$17 - $18/hr

ACCOUNTING CLERK 1 ONSITE 5 DAYS A WEEK - OWATONNA ABOUT YOU: This position entails utilizing the ... and Professional Sports. Through the utilization of best-in-class technical software, such as ...

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Professional Sports Accounting information

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How much do professional sports accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional sports accounting in the United States is $36.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is professional sports accounting?

Professional sports accounting involves managing the financial activities and records for sports organizations, teams, or athletes. Accountants in this field handle tasks such as budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, tax planning, and compliance with league and government regulations. Their work ensures financial transparency, helps maximize revenue, and supports the long-term financial health of sports entities. They may also analyze contracts, manage sponsorship deals, and oversee expenses related to player acquisitions and facilities.

How much do NFL accountants make?

NFL accountants typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Senior or specialized accountants may earn higher salaries, especially with certifications like CPA. Compensation can also include benefits and bonuses related to team or league performance.

What are the unique challenges faced by accountants working in professional sports organizations?

Accountants in professional sports organizations often handle complex financial transactions related to player contracts, sponsorship deals, and league revenue sharing. The fast-paced nature of the industry requires adaptability, particularly during high-activity periods such as drafts or playoffs. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with league regulations and reporting standards, which can differ from typical corporate accounting. Collaboration with legal, operations, and management teams is frequent to coordinate budgets, manage salary caps, and support strategic decision-making.

Do professional sports teams hire accountants?

Yes, professional sports teams hire accountants to manage financial records, budgeting, payroll, and compliance with tax regulations. These accountants often work closely with team management and may use accounting software to ensure accurate financial reporting and analysis.

What is the difference between Professional Sports Accounting vs Sports Finance Analyst?

AspectProfessional Sports AccountingSports Finance Analyst
Required CredentialsAccounting certifications (CPA), finance degreesFinance degrees, certifications like CFA beneficial
Work EnvironmentSports teams, leagues, accounting firmsSports organizations, consulting firms, financial institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in sports organizations for financial record-keepingAnalyzing financial data to inform sports business decisions

Professional Sports Accounting focuses on managing financial records, compliance, and reporting within sports organizations, requiring accounting credentials. Sports Finance Analysts interpret financial data, forecast budgets, and support strategic decisions, often with finance certifications. While both roles operate within the sports industry, their core functions differ: one handles accounting tasks, the other financial analysis and planning.

How much do accountants for sports teams make?

Accountants for sports teams typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, team size, and location. Senior or specialized accountants with certifications like CPA can earn higher salaries, especially in larger organizations or major leagues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Sports Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Sports Accountant, you need a strong background in accounting principles, financial analysis, and typically a degree in accounting or finance, often paired with CPA certification. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or specialized sports financial management systems is crucial. Excellent attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help manage complex contracts and collaborate with athletes, agents, and organizations. These skills ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance, and effective financial decision-making in the dynamic sports industry.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Professional sports accountants working with high-profile teams or athletes can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications like CPA. However, most accountants in the sports industry earn less, and reaching this level typically requires advanced expertise, a senior position, or working in a lucrative niche within sports finance.
More about Professional Sports Accounting jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Sports Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Professional Sports Accounting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Accounting jobs? The most popular types of Sports Accounting jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Sports Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Sports Accounting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional Sports Accounting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Sports Accounting jobs are:
Infographic showing various Professional Sports Accounting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,062 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Director, Accounting

Director, Accounting

Golden State

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About the Position

Golden State is looking for a Director to lead the accounting team for our professional sports franchises and related business entities. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the integrity of the GAAP financial statements while navigating the unique complexities of sports accounting, including league-mandated reporting.  

As the primary accounting stakeholder for the sports business, you will drive the monthly close, lead NBA league-mandated reporting, and serve as the subject matter expert for technical guidance. We need a hands-on leader who can move seamlessly between high-level process improvement and granular technical memos. In this role, you will not only manage the numbers, but also translate financial results into strategic narratives for non-technical business partners, ensuring that the accounting function acts as a true partner to the operations and executive teams.

Come share your expertise while joining a growing and exciting sports and entertainment organization that values your initiative, creativity, and dedication.

This is a full-time position based on-site in San Francisco, CA.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Direct all GL activities, ensuring a "no surprises" month-end close; own the accuracy of the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows for the sports entities
  • Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including meticulous account reconciliations and flux analyses to explain variances to prior periods
  • Oversee complex revenue streams unique to sports, including multi-year sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales, ensuring compliance with ASC 606
  • Lead the accounting for fixed assets and the leasing portfolio, ensuring rigorous adherence to ASC 842
  • Direct the preparation of all NBA League Reporting and ensure compliance with league-mandated accounting guidelines and audits
  • Research and author technical accounting memos on complex revenue, customer, and vendor transactions (e.g., media rights, sponsorships, ticketing, concessions, etc.)
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for technical accounting issues, effectively communicating risks and solutions to non-technical business partners and executive leadership
  • Manage the annual external audit process, ensuring all schedules are prepared accurately and delivered on schedule
  • Identify and implement process improvements to streamline the close cycle and enhance internal controls
  • Lead quarterly accounting reviews, providing senior leadership with a clear narrative of financial performance and operational trends
  • Partner with Legal, FP&A, Sales, and Operations to ensure accounting workflows support broader business objectives
  • Mentor, motivate, and manage a team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence
  • Clearly define career paths and performance expectations to ensure the team is set-up for long term success
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Experience and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in Accounting, or equivalent work experience
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification preferred
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience; 1-2 years of people management experience
  • Expertise in US GAAP; familiarity with NBA reporting standards is a plus
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite/Google Suite (particularly in Excel) and  ERP systems (e.g., Netsuite, Oracle, or SAP) and reporting tools
  • Ability to translate accounting data into digestible information for non-accounting stakeholders
  • Ability to operate both strategically and tactically; comfortable defining vision and executing in the details
  • Ability to build positive working relationships with clients and peers at all levels within the organization
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, service and resolution skills
  • Ability to balance multiple projects at once in a fast-paced work environment

Compensation

  • $171,000 - 181,000 + Bonus
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for employees and dependents
  • Employer 401K match
  • Vacation, Summer Half-Day Fridays and a generous paid time off plan for pregnancy and parental leaves
  • Warriors home tickets, team store discount and more!

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

 Golden State is an equal opportunity employer.

We will ensure that qualified applicants with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Want to learn more about who we are and what we value? Visit www.warriors.com/employment

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