Senior Accountant

GHJ
Fullerton, CA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Geared toward public accounting professionals comfortable with client accounting and tax compliance, this role favors candidates with experience in small-firm settings and a focus on long-term partnership potential.

Best fit for

  • Public accounting professionals with 3+ years of experience and interest in partnership growth
    — “Opportunity for long-term growth and potential partnership”
  • Candidates who thrive in collaborative, client-facing environments
    — “Work closely with experienced partners in an established CPA practice”
  • Individuals seeking manageable workloads and direct client engagement
    — “Manageable busy-season hours, direct client relationships”

Things to consider

  • Onsite presence is mandatory, with a 25-mile radius restriction for commuting
    — “Ability to work onsite in Fullerton, CA, five days per week”
  • The role involves a mix of bookkeeping, tax compliance, and client communication
    — “Manage accounting and bookkeeping responsibilities for a diverse portfolio of business clients”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with client communication and direct relationship-building in your resume
    — “Communicate directly with clients regarding accounting and tax matters”
  • Emphasize your ability to manage multiple client responsibilities independently
    — “Ability to independently manage client responsibilities and deadlines”
  • Showcase technical skills in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax preparation
    — “Strong hands-on experience with bookkeeping, business accounting, and financial reporting”
  • Mention any prior experience with CCH Axcess, Lacerte, or comparable tax software
    — “Experience with CCH Axcess; candidates with Lacerte or comparable tax software will also be considered”
  • Demonstrate interest in long-term career growth and partnership opportunities
    — “Interest in long-term professional growth and potential partnership”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • accurate financial statements
  • timely tax filings
  • client satisfaction
Typical background
accounting degreepublic accounting experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Public AccountingBookkeepingTax PreparationFinancial ReportingClient Communication

Preferred

CPA LicenseCCH AxcessLacerte Tax Software

Stack & domain

Public AccountingBookkeepingFinancial ReportingTax PreparationTax PlanningTax ComplianceCCH AxcessLacertePayroll Tax Returns1099sBusiness/trust AccountingCommunicationOrganizationClient-serviceAccountingTax

About the role

Original posting from GHJ via Lever

Senior Accountant – Public Accounting

Fullerton, CA | $35.00 –$50 an hour + OT | Onsite | Partnership Potential

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an established, locally owned CPA firm in Fullerton, CA, seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join its growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a public accounting professional who enjoys a combination of client accounting, bookkeeping, and tax and wants to build a long-term career with a smaller, collaborative firm.

Unlike many traditional public accounting environments, this firm offers manageable busy-season hours, direct client relationships, and the potential for future partnership.

Key Responsibilities

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Manage accounting and bookkeeping responsibilities for a diverse portfolio of business clients.

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Prepare and maintain financial records, reconciliations, and financial statements.

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Handle payroll tax filings, 1099 reporting, and related compliance requirements.

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Assist with individual, business, and trust tax return preparation.

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Support tax planning, projections, and compliance engagements.

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Communicate directly with clients regarding accounting and tax matters.

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Collaborate with partners and team members to ensure timely, accurate client deliverables.

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Take increasing ownership of client accounting engagements while developing additional tax expertise.

Qualifications

Required:

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Minimum 3 years of recent public accounting experience.

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Strong hands-on experience with bookkeeping, business accounting, and financial reporting.

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Working knowledge of individual and business taxation.

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Ability to independently manage client responsibilities and deadlines.

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Strong communication, organization, and client-service skills.

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Ability to work onsite in Fullerton, CA, five days per week.

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Must reside within approximately 25 miles of the office.

Preferred:

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5–7 years of public accounting experience.

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Active CPA license or CPA candidate pursuing licensure.

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Experience with CCH Axcess; candidates with Lacerte or comparable tax software will also be considered.

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Experience with payroll tax returns, 1099s, and business/trust accounting.

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Interest in long-term professional growth and potential partnership.

Compensation:

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $35–$50 per hour (approximately $73,000–$104,000 annually), depending on experience and technical capabilities.

Work-Life Balance: Approximately 100–125 total overtime hours annually, primarily between January and April.

Health Insurance: Employer-paid employee HMO coverage, with options for additional coverage.

Paid Time Off: 120 hours annually to start, inclusive of vacation and sick time.

Life Insurance: Group life insurance coverage.

Paid Holidays: Standard holidays, including additional holiday scheduling flexibility.

Career Advancement: Opportunity for long-term growth and potential partnership.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Small-Firm Environment: Work closely with experienced partners in an established CPA practice.

Variety of Work: Gain exposure to client accounting, bookkeeping, tax compliance, and planning.

Manageable Busy Seasons: Significantly less overtime than many traditional public accounting firms.

Direct Client Exposure: Develop meaningful relationships with business owners and individual clients.

Long-Term Career Path: Build toward greater responsibility and potential partnership.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced public accounting professional looking for a stable, collaborative environment with excellent work-life balance and meaningful career advancement, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

All inquiries and applications will be handled confidentially.

#GHJSS #LI-KG1

Source: GHJ careers (Lever)

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