Accounting Assistant

The Patriot Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Patriot Group is a fast-growing utility services company based in San Diego County, providing essential services across California. The Accounting Assistant will support the Finance Department with accounting tasks, payroll administration, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities include processing vendor payments and customer invoicing, reconciling accounts, preparing journal entries, and assisting with month-end close.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of accounting, payroll, or related experience.
• Experience with payroll in multi-employee environments is preferred.
• Knowledge of California payroll regulations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable invoices and vendor payments.
• Generate customer invoices and assist with accounts receivable collections.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit card statements, and general ledger accounts.
• Enter financial transactions and maintain accurate accounting records.
• Prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Process payroll accurately and timely for all employees.
• Review time records and ensure correct wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.
• Maintain payroll records and confidential information.
• Assist with budget tracking and reporting as needed.

Skills

Accounting principles

Payroll processing

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

ADP

Paychex

Job description

****Who We Are

The Patriot Group is a fast-growing utility services company with a focus on supply and logistics, third party utility yard management, and fire safety services. Our company is based in San Diego county and is currently providing utility services throughout the state of California.

Overview:

The Accounting Assistant supports the Finance Department by performing a variety of accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll administration functions. This position is responsible for, maintaining financial records, supporting accounts payable and accounts receivable activities, reconciling accounts, processing payroll and assisting with month-end and year-end close procedures. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of handling confidential financial and employee information with professionalism.

Responsibilities:

• Process accounts payable invoices and prepare vendor payments.
• Generate customer invoices and assist with accounts receivable collections.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit card statements, and general ledger accounts.
• Enter financial transactions and maintain accurate accounting records.
• Prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Maintain electronic and paper filing systems for accounting documentation.
• Assist with audit requests and provide supporting documentation.
• Prepare financial reports and spreadsheets as directed by management.
• Process payroll accurately and timely for all employees.
• Review and verify employee time records and attendance data.
• Ensure proper calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.
• Maintain employee payroll records and confidential information.
• Process payroll tax withholdings, garnishments, benefits deductions, and direct deposits.
• Assist with payroll reporting and annual payroll-related filings.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, promotions, and benefit updates.
• Maintain vendor and employee records.
• Support Finance with special projects.
• Assist with budget tracking and reporting as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and payroll practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience using accounting and payroll software such as QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, or similar systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of financial and employee information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or related experience.
• Experience processing payroll in a multi-employee environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of California payroll and wage-and-hour regulations preferred.
• Experience with ERP, accounting, or payroll systems is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, and telephones.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, vendors, and management.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of files and office materials up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with keyboard use.
• Ability to move throughout the office to access files, equipment, and workstations as needed.