Staff Accountant

Atherton & Associates, LLP; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

401(k) + match

Health + childcare FSA

Seasonal flex days

CPA exam perks

Team events

PTO

Dress for Your Day

Volunteer opportunities

Career advancement

Mentorship

Job summary

Atherton & Associates, LLP in Modesto, California, is seeking motivated individuals to join its Client Accounting Services (CAS) Team. The role focuses on monitoring financial processes, preparing client reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting budgeting and setup tasks for diverse clients.

Ideal candidates are pursuing or have a BA/BS in Business Administration with an accounting focus, and have the coursework to sit for the CPA exam.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or holding a BA/BS degree in Business Administration with accounting focus.
• Adequate semesters to sit for the CPA exam.
• Part-time employment while in school is welcome.
• Strong project management and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor financial processes aligned with firm policies.
• Prepare client financial reports weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Reconcile accounts payable and receivable, and sales/inventory reports.
• Process payroll and prepare quarterly payroll, mill, and sales tax filings.
• Assist in budgeting, data migration, and chart of accounts setup; month-end close.

Skills

Leadership

Prioritization

Adaptability

Communication

Client service

Education

BA/BS in Business Administration with accounting focus

Eligibility to sit CPA exam

Tools

Payroll software

Accounting software

Chart of accounts setup

Job description

Description

Located in Modesto, California, Atherton & Associates, LLP is a quality firm founded more than 100 years ago with a strong commitment to providing the highest possible level of service to our clients. We provide a wide variety of services for our clients that include tax planning and preparation, estate planning, accounting, auditing, and general business advisory services. The many large and small family-owned businesses that we serve include agriculture, food processing, cooperative, real estate, transportation, manufacturing, warehousing, medical, and professional industries.

Atherton & Associates, LLP is seeking serious, motivated individuals to join its Client Accounting Services (CAS) Team and contribute to our ongoing growth and continued excellence in service to our clients. As one of the largest, most respected, and established CPA & consulting firms in the San Joaquin Valley, we offer exceptional career opportunities to individuals looking for growth, development, and advancement. Our vision is “Helping the world become more financially savvy, one relationship at a time.”

About the Job:

• Monitor financial processes, ensuring alignment with Firm guidelines and internal financial policies.
• Prepare client financial reports weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Reconcile the clients’ accounts payables and receivables.
• Reconcile sales and inventory reports.
• Assist in creating budgets.
• Work collaboratively with clients’ personnel to help solve financial and clerical issues.
• Create, review, and maintain accounting records as well as keeping a record of business transactions.
• Process payroll using client-provided timekeeping records.
• Prepare quarterly filings for payroll, mill, and sales tax in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Assist clients with accounting setup, including software data migration and setting up chart of accounts.
• Track fixed asset activity & maintain depreciation schedule.
• Reconcile trial balance and other tasks for month-end close.
• Perform special accounting and finance projects as needed.

Requirements

About You:

• Conferred or seeking B.A./B.S. degree in Business Administration, concentration in accounting preferred. Students graduating in Fall 2026 are encouraged to apply.
• Adequate semester units to sit for the CPA exam.
• Will consider part-time employment opportunities for students still in school, junior and senior status.
• Ability to lead, prioritize, thrive, and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Superior client service with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Has a strong conviction and upholds the Firm’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Innovation, and Teamwork.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary starting at $60,000 for entry-level positions
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• 401(k) + employer match
• Health + childcare FSA
• Seasonal flex days
• CPA exam perks
• Team events
• Vacation, sick + holiday PTO
• “Dress for Your Day” policy
• Volunteer opportunities
• Career Advancement Paths
• Mentorship