Tax Associate Jobs in California
Tax Associate jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in public accounting, corporate tax departments, and financial services firms from entry-level staff through senior associate. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose lead hiring volume, with major employers like Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers maintaining large California practices. The most in-demand specialties are state and local tax, international tax, and tax compliance for technology and entertainment clients. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 256+ Tax Associate jobs
INTRODUCTION
CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ) is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses nationwide. With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers actionable insights to help clients anticipate what is next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 9,500 team members across 23 major markets coast to coast.
CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.
Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree required
- Must have completed at least one "busy season"
- Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally
- Proficient use of applicable technology
- Must be able to travel based on client and business needs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY DUTIES
- Complete all aspects of accounting, tax and audit engagements for clients
- Execute solid understanding of accounting and auditing principles, general tax regulation, general quality control auditing standards, technology implementation procedures, etc. relative to individual client assignments
- Adhere to engagement budget constraints and complete assigned tasks within the time requested
- Strive to attain charge hour goals
- Practice in early practice development activities such as: memberships in qualified organizations capable of referring potential engagements
- Execute administrative duties as assigned
- Additional responsibilities as assigned
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation or related field
INTRODUCTION
CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ) is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses nationwide. With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers actionable insights to help clients anticipate what is next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 9,500 team members across 23 major markets coast to coast.
CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.
Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree required
- Must have completed at least one "busy season"
- Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally
- Proficient use of applicable technology
- Must be able to travel based on client and business needs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY DUTIES
- Complete all aspects of accounting, tax and audit engagements for clients
- Execute solid understanding of accounting and auditing principles, general tax regulation, general quality control auditing standards, technology implementation procedures, etc. relative to individual client assignments
- Adhere to engagement budget constraints and complete assigned tasks within the time requested
- Strive to attain charge hour goals
- Practice in early practice development activities such as: memberships in qualified organizations capable of referring potential engagements
- Execute administrative duties as assigned
- Additional responsibilities as assigned
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation or related field
See All 256+ Tax Associate Jobs in California
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Find Tax Associate JobsTax Associate Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Tax Associate Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- KPMG36
- Ascend Partners Services13
- CohnReznick11
- Alvarez & Marsal7
- EisnerAmper7
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing110
- Consulting & Professional Services43
- Investment & Asset Management28
- Technology & Software24
- Banking & Financial Services18
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in tax associate jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required
- CPA license or active progress toward California CPA licensure preferred
- Proficiency with tax preparation software such as Thomson Reuters or CCH
- One to three years of experience in public accounting or corporate tax
- Strong understanding of federal and California state tax codes and regulations
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to manage multiple client deadlines
Tax Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a tax associate in California?
Most tax associates in California start with a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field, then pursue CPA licensure through the California Board of Accountancy, which requires passing the Uniform CPA Exam and completing supervised experience hours. A master's in taxation is not required but strengthens candidacy at large public accounting firms. Many candidates enter directly from college into staff associate roles at regional or Big Four firms before advancing.
How much do tax associates make in California?
Tax associates in California earn a median of about $70,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $38,910 for the lowest 10% to over $104,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire tax associates in California?
Employers hiring tax associates in California right now include KPMG, Ascend Partners Services, and CohnReznick, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology companies, entertainment studios, and multinational corporations also creates steady demand for tax associates inside in-house corporate tax departments alongside public accounting firms.
Which California cities have the most tax associate jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most tax associate openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its entertainment and media industry headquarters alongside large regional accounting firms, while San Francisco and San Jose reflect the dense concentration of technology companies and venture-backed firms that require ongoing tax compliance and planning support.
Are there remote tax associate jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many finance roles. About 24% of tax associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves document review, research, and software-based return preparation. Tax research, compliance review, and client correspondence are the functions most commonly performed remotely, while client-facing advisory work and onboarding reviews tend to remain in-office.
How can I get hired as a tax associate in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a public accounting firm's campus recruiting program, which most Big Four and large regional firms in Los Angeles and San Francisco run for new graduates each fall. Candidates who have passed at least one section of the CPA Exam stand out at this stage. Internships at accounting firms or in corporate tax departments at California technology or entertainment companies also convert frequently into full-time offers, and bookkeeping or accounts payable roles at those same companies provide a lateral entry point.
Where can I find and apply to tax associate jobs in California?
You can find and apply to tax associate jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one without needing to sign up or create a profile first.
See All 256+ Tax Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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