Staff Accountant

Aston Carter; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical, Dental, Vision

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Staff Accountant in Santa Barbara, CA, offering a hybrid work arrangement and opportunities for professional growth. The role focuses on journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting within a collaborative accounting team.

The position supports month-end close, banking activities, fixed assets, and audit-related tasks, with clear path toward more senior roles. Competitive benefits are provided in a stable, growing organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Experience with journal entries and reconciliations.
• Understanding of month-end close processes.
• Experience with financial reporting and audit support.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and post monthly journal entries to the general ledger.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly financial statements.
• Perform variance and trend analysis on financial results.
• Compile monthly financial reporting packages for internal stakeholders.
• Maintain fixed asset depreciation system and related entries.
• Support internal and external audit processes.
• Reconcile cash deposits and banking activity.
• Prepare and maintain tax, regulatory, and reporting documentation.

Skills

Journal entries

Account reconciliations

Financial reporting

Variance analysis

Audit support

Intercompany

Excel

ERP systems

GL accounting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Relevant accounting experience

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

GL software

Job description

Job Title: Staff Accountant

Job Description

The Staff Accountant performs a broad range of accounting duties that support the monthly close and financial reporting processes for a large, growth-oriented organization. Working under the direction of the Controller and accounting leadership, this role focuses on journal entries, account reconciliations, banking activities, tax reporting, fixed assets, audit support, and general ledger accounting. This position is ideal for someone with a solid accounting foundation who is detail-oriented, organized, and eager to continue developing their technical skills and professional experience. The Staff Accountant collaborates closely with other members of the accounting team and receives guidance and support on assigned responsibilities, with clear growth potential into more senior roles over time.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and post monthly journal entries to the general ledger in support of the month-end close.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly financial statements, including balance sheet and income statement.
• Perform variance and trend analysis on financial results and help research unusual or unexpected activity.
• Assemble monthly financial reporting packages for internal stakeholders, including branch leadership and the board.
• Prepare and maintain supporting documentation for financial statements, journal entries, and account activity.
• Provide coverage and support for assigned accounting and cash management functions as needed.
• Perform routine banking activities using the banks online platforms, including monitoring transactions and balances.
• Reconcile daily cash deposits and investigate discrepancies to ensure accurate recording of cash activity.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet account reconciliations and maintain organized supporting documentation.
• Prepare and maintain required tax, regulatory, and industry-related reports and filings in a timely manner.
• Compile assigned schedules and supporting documentation for the annual audit and ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist external auditors by responding to requests, providing documentation, and clarifying account activity.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset depreciation system, including additions, disposals, and depreciation entries.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance accounting processes and procedures.
• Perform other related accounting and finance duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the department.

Essential Skills

• Foundational accounting experience in roles such as Staff Accountant, Accounting Assistant, Accounting Clerk, or similar position.
• Hands-on experience with journal entries and account reconciliations in a general ledger environment.
• General understanding of accounting principles and standard month-end close processes.
• Exposure to financial statement preparation, including balance sheet and income statement.
• Experience supporting financial reporting and audit activities is helpful, even if not extensive.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to accuracy in all accounting work.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in reviewing account activity and variances.
• Ability to research discrepancies, investigate issues, and seek guidance when needed.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and external auditors.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team-oriented accounting department.
• Comfort working with accounting, ERP, and financial systems and learning new tools as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Windows, including working with spreadsheets and basic data analysis.
• Experience with general ledger (GL) accounting, including posting and reconciling transactions.
• Ability to support intercompany transactions and reconciliations as part of the close process.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field is preferred; equivalent education and relevant accounting experience may be considered.
• Experience with ERP systems and data analysis tools used in accounting and manufacturing environments.
• Comfort working in a larger organization with significant revenue and multiple reporting locations.
• Ability to prepare and assemble financial reporting packages for internal stakeholders.
• Interest in process improvement and willingness to contribute ideas to enhance accounting procedures.
• Desire for professional growth, with the potential to assume more senior responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

This is an onsite Staff Accountant position within a large organization of approximately $300M in revenue, offering a stable environment with clear opportunities for advancement. The role reports into the Assistant Controller and is part of a collaborative accounting team that values accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement. Typical schedules are flexible within standard business hours, with options such as 6:00 AM 3:00 PM, 7:00 AM 4:00 PM, or 8:00 AM 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The team uses Microsoft Excel, Windows, and ERP/accounting systems to manage general ledger, financial reporting, and manufacturing-related accounting activities. The position is a direct placement opportunity with benefits and growth potential, including the possibility of progressing into the Assistant Controller role within approximately 35 years. The interview process typically includes two rounds, starting with a virtual conversation that may be conducted onsite, followed by an in-person meeting during regular weekday hours.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Barbara, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $80000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k etc.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Santa Barbara,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.