Accountant Jobs in California
Accountant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in finance, technology, entertainment, real estate, and public accounting across entry-level staff positions through senior and director-level roles. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose are the largest hiring metros, home to major employers such as Deloitte, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo that maintain substantial accounting teams year-round. The most in-demand specialties in California include tax accounting, audit, and financial reporting, with strong openings in forensic and cost accounting as well. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Accountant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 506+ Accountant jobs









Position Summary
This role requires an understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and exceptional organizational and time management skills. Will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of the multi-state payroll for our employees.
Position Details
Payroll Processing
- Accurately process multi-state and Union weekly payrolls.
- Handle off-cycle payrolls and payroll adjustments as needed.
- Process payroll for new hires, terminations, and payroll adjustments.
- Calculate and distribute bonuses, commissions, and other special payments as needed.
- Track and deduct garnishments, tax levies, and other special payroll deductions as needed.
- Assist with reconciling payroll prior to transmission and validate reports as needed.
- Conduct regular account reconciliations for assigned area to assure accuracy of records
- Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and irregularities in a timely manner. Elevate more complex issues for resolution.
- Prior experience with processing Union (Collective Bargaining Agreement) payrolls, and Prevailing Wage and Certified payroll reports is a plus.
Data Management
- Maintain and update employee payroll records.
- Ensure accurate entry of working hours and wage calculations.
- Review and resolve timecard exceptions and discrepancies.
Compliance and Reporting
- Follow appropriate policies and procedures to assure that Southland maintains compliance with all state and federal laws, local payroll regulations, as well as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of assigned financial transactions.
- Ensure compliance and required reporting per all applicable Union Collective Bargaining agreements.
- Ensure compliance with required Prevailing wage and Certified payroll reporting.
- Track and deduct garnishments, tax levies, and other special payroll deductions as needed.
- Prepare payroll reports and summaries for management.
- Assist in responding to external/internal audits, government agency requests with relevant data.
Employee Support
- Service oriented mindset.
- Respond to internal and external customer inquiries in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Address and resolve payroll-related inquiries and concerns from employees. Assist in providing guidance on other payroll policies.
- Cross-trains in other areas to broaden knowledge of Southland accounting and financial processes and systems.
Audits and Improvements
- Assist with all External/Internal audits to ensure payroll accuracy and integrity.
- Assist in developing and implementing payroll processes and procedures.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent experience preferred
- 3 years of payroll processing and accounting experience
- Understanding of payroll practices, tax regulations, and wage and hour laws.
- Multi-state payroll experience required.
- Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., Coins, ADP, Dayforce, UKG or In-House/Non Outsourced processing software.)
- Coins ERP software knowledge preferred.
- Basic accounting knowledge.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, and ability to interface with all levels of employees.
- Service oriented mindset.
- Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and maintain/exercise discretion.
- Computer proficiency and technical aptitude of intermediate to advance level abilities to utilize Excel, MS Word, Power Point, etc. preferred…
- Excellent time management skills, and ability to remain flexible in a rapidly changing environment.
Benefits
As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:
- 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
- Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
- Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
- Disability income protection insurance
- Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
- Wellness benefits
About Southland Industries
As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.
To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.
Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For California this ranges from $29.00 - $33.65 an hour, plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.
Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.
External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
See All 506+ Accountant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Accountant JobsAccountant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Accountant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Accounting & Auditing
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in accountant jobs across California.
- Active CPA license issued or recognized by the California Board of Accountancy
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in accounting software such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks
- Experience with financial reporting under GAAP standards
- Strong knowledge of California state tax regulations and compliance requirements
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
Accountant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a accountant in California?
To become a licensed CPA in California, you must meet the education requirements set by the California Board of Accountancy, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and complete the required hours of qualifying work experience under a licensed CPA. California has specific education and ethics course requirements beyond the national standard. Many accountants begin in staff roles without a CPA license and pursue licensure while working, which is a well-accepted path at large firms and corporate employers throughout the state.
How much do accountants make in California?
Accountants in California earn a median of about $97,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,770 for the lowest 10% to over $160,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire accountants in California?
Employers hiring accountants in California right now include CBIZ, Meta, and Intuit, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of technology companies, entertainment studios, healthcare systems, and major financial institutions means that accountants with industry-specific experience in those sectors are especially competitive in the state.
Which California cities have the most accountant jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most accountant openings in California. The distribution reflects California's largest economic centers: Los Angeles draws heavy demand from entertainment, real estate, and healthcare, San Francisco and San Jose are anchored by technology and venture-backed companies, and other metros like Sacramento carry steady public sector and state government accounting volume that keeps demand consistent outside the major coastal hubs.
Are there remote accountant jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 54% of accountant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how well accounting work translates to distributed teams. Roles focused on financial reporting, tax preparation, and management accounting are the most likely to be posted as fully remote, while positions requiring physical access to records, on-site audits, or in-person client service tend to require at least some time in the office.
How can I get hired as a accountant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to staff accountant or accounting associate roles at large California public accounting firms, which run structured new-graduate programs designed for candidates without prior professional experience. Employers such as regional CPA firms and the California offices of the Big Four actively recruit from California state universities and UC campuses each fall. Earning your CPA exam eligibility early and completing an internship through your school's accounting program gives you a meaningful edge, as does targeting roles in accounts payable or payroll as lateral stepping stones into general accounting.
Where can I find and apply to accountant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to accountant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to California employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly from the listing. No sign-up is required to search or view positions.
See All 506+ Accountant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Accountant Jobs