Staff Accountant – Business Services in Woodland Hills, California at Real HR Hero - Thompson HR Consulting

Looking for a firm where relationships matter?

Our client is a thriving CPA firm specializing in Tax Planning & Preparation, Financial and Retirement Planning, and Investment Management. With the backing of a top-tier securities and financial services firm, they provide exceptional service while maintaining a personal touch.

Conveniently located in Woodland Hills, CA, they have built a culture centered on trust, collaboration, and genuine relationships. Their team is friendly, approachable, and committed to supporting both their clients and one another.
They offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as growth opportunities.

Staff Accountant – Business Services
Reports to: Principal/Senior Financial Advisor
Location: Woodland Hills, CA Office
Type: Full-time
Starting Pay Range: $31/hour - $38/hour
Background Check Eligible (Y/N): Y

Staff Accountant – Business Services to support a portfolio of small and mid-sized business clients. This role serves as the primary day-to-day contact for accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax support needs while partnering closely with the firm's Tax Accountant and CPA advisors on higher-level tax planning and business advisory services.

Success in this role means:

• Clients know they can depend on you.
• You manage multiple client accounts with minimal supervision.
• Accounting records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Payroll is processed timely and accurately.
• You proactively identify issues and communicate solutions.
• You enjoy learning and continuously expanding your accounting and tax knowledge.

What You’ll Do
(Responsibilities include, but are not limited to…)Client Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Manage the accounting records and financial activities for an assigned portfolio of business clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely bookkeeping records using QuickBooks Online.
• Review and classify financial transactions.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Prepare and review financial reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify and communicate accounting discrepancies or concerns to management.

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll for small business clients through QuickBooks or Gusto Payroll.
• Review payroll tax filings as required.
• Assist clients with payroll-related questions and issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for assigned clients.
• Respond to client accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax support questions.
• Develop trusted relationships through proactive communication and follow-up.
• Escalate complex accounting, tax, or advisory matters to the Tax Accountant or CPA as appropriate.
• Coordinate client requests and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Meet with clients virtually and in person/in-office.

Tax & Compliance Support

• Assist with individual, business, and informational tax return preparation during tax season.
• Prepare year-end workpapers and supporting tax documentation.
• Support tax planning engagements and ensure client follow-up items are completed.
• Assist clients with IRS, state agency, payroll tax, and sales tax notices.
• Gather and organize tax-related information for review by the firm's CPA and tax professionals.

Process Improvement & Firm Support

• Support internal workflow and client service initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, client experience, and firm processes.
• Assist with maintaining client records and documentation.
• Participate in team meetings, training opportunities, and special projects.
• Contribute to the firm's collaborative and client-focused culture.

Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to organizational success.

BACKGROUND CHECK ELIGIBLE DUTIES
This position will have access to investment records, financial systems, banking information, payroll data, and confidential fiscal records. This role requires access to, tax records, regulatory filings, and sensitive financial records that could impact organizational stability if disclosed. A background check ensures the individual demonstrates the financial integrity, ethical standards, and trustworthiness necessary to safeguard organizational & client assets, maintain accurate financial controls, prevent fraud or misappropriation of funds, and protect confidential financial information from unauthorized access, manipulation, or disclosure that could harm the organization's fiscal health, reputation, or ability to serve its mission.

QUALIFICATIONS
An acceptable combination of education, experience, and skill will be considered.
Education
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years of bookkeeping, accounting support, or similar experience, or similar roles – working for an accounting/tax practitioner firm, is a must.
• Ability to demonstrate accountant-level experience with QuickBooks Online & QuickBooks Desktop – a Must

Preferred:

• Experience with Gusto.
• Experience with QuickBooks Payroll.
• Bookkeeping certification, accounting coursework, or equivalent practical experience.

• Lacerte Tax
• Redtail CRM
• TaxDome or similar

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

JOB-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and clean recordkeeping practices.
• Basic understanding of Federal and California payroll tax rules and reporting

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook.)
• Strong computer literacy and ability to learn new systems quickly.

COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION & TIME MANAGEMENT

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a confident, professional, & friendly tone.
• Ability to respond promptly to clients and internal partners.
• Strong follow-through, prioritization, and task management skills in a remote environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Positive attitude and a collaborative mindset — must be comfortable working with a diverse team.

PROBLEM-SOLVING & ANALYTICAL SKILLS

• Ability to analyze customer data, research, and identify trends.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to improve processes and streamline workflows.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Curious, flexible, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working in a consulting environment with ambiguity and fast-changing needs.
• Demonstrates initiative, independence, and resourcefulness.

LANGUAGE & MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly with various audiences. Ability to perform basic math functions, including calculating totals, percentages, expenses, and simple reconciliations.PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee is frequently required to sit or stand; type; use hands and fingers; view a computer screen for extended periods; use a headset; and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds. Must be able to participate in virtual and in-person meetings.SENSORY DEMANDS
Requires extended periods of concentration and accuracy while managing data, digital tools, and content creation.MENTAL DEMANDS
This role involves multiple competing priorities, deadlines, and interactions with a wide variety of individuals. Must be able to manage pressure, maintain professionalism, and remain flexible.SCHEDULE
Business hours are generally 8am – 5pm PST. Flexibility is available as long as responsibilities, follow-ups, and deadlines are consistently met. Event support may occasionally require availability outside standard business hours.TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employees will be provided with firm-approved computer equipment and must comply with all firm information security and confidentiality policies.
• Secure, password-protected home internet connection, if applicable. Mobile hotspots may not be used as the employee's primary internet connection. Public Wi-Fi is not allowed.
• Ability to connect reliably to firm systems and participate in video conferences during scheduled working hours.
• Firm-issued equipment must be used in accordance with the firm's technology, cybersecurity, and confidentiality policies.

Fair Chance Act, Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance --

As required by law, all qualified candidates will be considered, whether they have arrest or criminal conviction records. A criminal background check may be required for this job, and if the background check is required, you will likely be advised as to why it is required for the job you are seeking as part of the offer process. When required by law, an individual assessment of criminal records will be done to ensure a fair chance for all. This assessment will include but is not limited to reviewing the severity/relationship between the crime and the job, the time that has passed since the offense or conduct and/or completion of the sentence, and whether there is evidence of rehabilitation.

As an outsourced recruiting firm, we are not responsible or liable for the background check process or the response or actions of our clients related to background checks. Please seek guidance from the hiring company.