ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Side Accounting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Virata Group

Be Seen First

Finance Manager (Manufacturing Cost Accounting Required)

Buellton, CA · On-site

$114K - $142K/yr

Prepare journal entries hands-on for the investment side of the business, working closely with the company's CPA * Work directly with external auditors on audit support across multiple LLCs ...

New

Urgent

Regal Executive Search

Staff Accountant

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$56K - $74K/yr

... accounting firm looking for an ambitious staff accountant Whether it's a new business who needs ... the side The position REQUIRES experience working at a CPA or Bookkeeping firm with multiple ...

Regal Executive Search

Accountant Senior Tax

CA · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Do you desire well-rounded experience with exposure to both the tax and audit side of public accounting? If you are looking for the opportunity to take your career in the direction you want with a ...

Addison Group

Staff Payroll Accountant

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This position is focused on the accounting and reconciliation side of payroll operations rather than payroll processing. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a large, fast-paced ...

IPsoft Inc.

Accountant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... accounting policies, rules, regulations, and laws. Administering payroll for US, UK and AUS locations. Issue checks for accounts payable and apply payments on the accounts receivable side. Record ...

ChipAgents

Accountant & Bookkeeper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

This is a high-ownership seat for someone ready to step out of public accounting and build deep ... Experience supporting a financial audit from the client side. Compensation Base salary depends on ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSide Accounting JobsSide Accounting Jobs in California

Side Accounting information

What is side accounting?

Side Accountants are professionals who provide accounting services on a part-time, freelance, or contract basis, often alongside a primary job or other commitments. They help businesses and individuals with bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reporting, and other accounting tasks, typically working remotely or on a flexible schedule. This arrangement allows clients to access expert accounting support without hiring a full-time staff member, and provides accountants with extra income or work-life balance.

What are side jobs in accounting?

Side jobs in accounting involve part-time or freelance positions for accountants who provide advice and various financial services for clients. As a part-time or freelance accountant, you work with each client or account to provide services such as financial tracking and goal setting, budgeting, tax filing, and financial file organization. Part-time positions for accountants may also entail short-term data entry and bookkeeping responsibilities. For example, you may be hired to only manage QuickBooks software for a client. In this role, you may be able to carry out your duties remotely, or you may be asked to work part-time in an office.

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

To thrive as a Side Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and bookkeeping, often supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Excel, and sometimes certifications such as CPA or CMA, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication skills help you manage multiple clients and deadlines efficiently. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and successful client relationships in a flexible or freelance setting.

What are some common challenges faced by accountants working in a side or part-time capacity, and how can they be managed?

Accountants working in a side or part-time capacity often face challenges such as balancing multiple clients, staying updated on regulatory changes, and managing their time effectively alongside other commitments. Communication is key, as you may need to coordinate with clients who have varying schedules and expectations. To manage these challenges, it's important to set clear boundaries, use accounting software to streamline workflows, and regularly update your professional knowledge to provide accurate and timely services.

What is the difference between Side Accounting vs Bookkeeping?

AspectSide AccountingBookkeeping
CredentialsOften requires accounting certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA)Typically requires basic financial or accounting knowledge, no certification needed
Work EnvironmentCan be part-time or freelance, working with clients or businessesUsually performed in-office or remotely for small to medium businesses
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries for financial managementCommonly employed in small businesses and accounting firms

Side Accounting involves more comprehensive financial management and often requires professional certifications, whereas Bookkeeping focuses on recording financial transactions. Both roles are essential in financial operations but differ in scope and complexity.

More about Side Accounting jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Side Accounting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Side Accounting job openings:

Side Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Side Accounting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Finance Manager (Manufacturing Cost Accounting Required)

The Virata Group

Buellton, CA • On-site

Urgent

$114K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Finance Manager | Santa Barbara County, CA

Posted by The VIRATA Group

We're partnering with a well-established, diversified investment organization overseeing a portfolio of operating companies spanning manufacturing, real estate, and investment management. They are seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to serve as a key financial partner across their portfolio — someone who rolls up their sleeves on the accounting itself, not just oversees it, and brings deep manufacturing/cost accounting expertise.

The Role

This is a hands-on, individual contributor role — not a management or purely strategic position. You'll be directly involved in the accounting work across a portfolio of operating companies, while also providing financial oversight, reporting, and strategic support. You'll act as a key liaison between portfolio company leadership and a centralized finance function, with broad visibility into cash management, financial planning, audit, and investment reporting. Growth potential is uncapped for the right person.

What You'll Do

  • Perform cost accounting directly for manufacturing operations — standard costing, inventory analysis, and day-to-day financial operations on the production side (this is a MUST, not a nice-to-have)
  • Prepare journal entries hands-on for the investment side of the business, working closely with the company's CPA
  • Work directly with external auditors on audit support across multiple LLCs, including hands-on coordination of documentation and compliance
  • Oversee cash flow positions, borrowing needs, and available investment funds
  • Monitor and evaluate financial and operational performance across portfolio companies — identifying trends, risks, and opportunities
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning alongside business leadership
  • Partner with management teams to track KPIs and value-creation initiatives
  • Develop standardized reporting packages, dashboards, and analysis for internal stakeholders
  • Conduct benchmarking and scenario modeling to support acquisitions and strategic planning
  • Manage treasury and banking activity, including fund movements, settlements, and third-party investment account monitoring
  • Review and facilitate financial reporting from portfolio subsidiaries
  • Evaluate enterprise contracts for financial terms and conditions
  • Support real estate finance analysis, including asset performance reporting
  • Contribute to special projects, including new acquisitions and exit readiness initiatives

What We're Looking For

  • Hands-on cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment — required (MUST-have). Candidates must have direct, practical experience performing standard costing, inventory analysis, and financial operations in a manufacturing setting — not just exposure to it
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
  • CPA not required — active CPA, CPA candidate, expired CPA, or never having held a CPA license are all welcome; accounting depth matters more than the credential
  • Comfortable working directly with external auditors and with the company's CPA
  • Direct experience preparing journal entries, including for investment-side transactions
  • 7+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience, ideally including manufacturing and/or real estate
  • Strong financial modeling, valuation, and data visualization skills
  • Proficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, Cognos, Anaplan, Power BI)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to varied stakeholders
  • Local to Santa Barbara County or open to relocation — strongly preferred

Compensation

$114,289 – $142,861 annually, commensurate with experience

Location

Santa Barbara County, CA (25% onsite, 75% remote)

Growth

Upward mobility in this role is uncapped for the right candidate.

To Apply: Interested candidates should apply directly through this posting or reach out to Patrick Wacks, CEO, The VIRATA Group, for a confidential conversation.