Accounting Jobs in Los Angeles Opportunities, Salaries, and How to Apply
Los Angeles is one of the largest financial and business hubs in the United States, offering numerous accounting job opportunities across industries like entertainment, healthcare, technology, and finance. Whether you’re an entry-level accountant, CPA, or financial analyst, the city provides a strong job market with competitive salaries.
This guide explores the top accounting jobs in Los Angeles, salary expectations, key employers, and job search strategies to help you land the perfect position.
Why Choose Los Angeles for an Accounting Career?
Los Angeles has a diverse and dynamic economy, making it an excellent location for accountants seeking job stability and career growth. Some key reasons to work in accounting in LA include:
- High demand for accounting professionals โ Every business needs accountants for financial management, tax compliance, and auditing.
- Competitive salaries โ Accounting jobs in LA pay well compared to national averages.
- Diverse industry opportunities โ Work in entertainment, real estate, technology, finance, healthcare, and government.
- Access to global corporations โ Many Fortune 500 companies, including Disney, SpaceX, and Wells Fargo, have offices in LA.
Average Salary for Accounting Jobs in Los Angeles
Salaries for accountants in Los Angeles vary depending on experience, industry, and qualifications. Below is an overview of average annual salaries for different accounting positions:
- Entry-Level Accountant: $50,000 – $65,000
- Staff Accountant: $65,000 – $80,000
- Senior Accountant: $80,000 – $100,000
- Accounting Manager: $95,000 – $120,000
- Financial Analyst: $75,000 – $100,000
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): $85,000 – $130,000
- Controller: $120,000 – $180,000
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): $180,000 – $300,000+
Salaries may be higher in finance, tech, and entertainment industries, where specialized accountants are in high demand.
Top Accounting Jobs in Los Angeles (2025)
Below are some of the latest accounting job openings in Los Angeles, including salary details and application links.
1. Accountant at RUSNAK
- Location: Pasadena, CA
- Salary: Up to $100,000 annually
- Responsibilities: Reconciliations, financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable management.
- Source: Indeed
2. Accounting Associate at Enpramex
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Benefits: Paid vacation, medical insurance, 401(k)
- Responsibilities: Tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial reporting.
- Source: Indeed
3. Staff Accountant at Snapchat
- Location: Hybrid (Los Angeles, CA)
- Salary: $76,000 – $133,000 annually
- Responsibilities: Monthly financial statements, account reconciliations, audit preparation.
- Source: Indeed
4. Sponsored Projects Accountant at UCLA
- Location: Remote (Los Angeles, CA)
- Salary: $68,800 – $141,000 annually
- Responsibilities: Financial reporting, compliance audits, budget management.
- Source: Indeed
5. Government Accounting Positions (Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller)
- Positions Available: Accountant, Accounting Technician, Financial Analyst
- Benefits: Government pension, job stability, paid holidays, and healthcare
- Source: LA County Auditor
Industries Hiring Accountants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a wide range of industries that require accounting professionals. Some of the best-paying industries for accountants include:
- Entertainment & Media (Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros.) โ $80,000 – $130,000
- Technology & Startups (SpaceX, Snapchat, Google) โ $85,000 – $140,000
- Finance & Banking (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, City National Bank) โ $90,000 – $150,000
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals (Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Amgen) โ $75,000 – $130,000
- Real Estate & Construction (CBRE, KB Home, The Related Group) โ $80,000 – $140,000
Working in high-growth sectors like technology and finance often leads to higher salaries and career advancement opportunities.
How to Get an Accounting Job in Los Angeles
If youโre looking to land an accounting job in LA, follow these essential steps:
1. Build a Strong Resume
- Highlight accounting skills such as GAAP compliance, financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation.
- List certifications (CPA, CMA, CFA) to boost credibility.
- Use quantifiable achievements (e.g., โReduced tax liabilities by 15% for corporate clientsโ).
2. Obtain Relevant Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) โ Required for many accounting jobs.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) โ Great for corporate finance roles.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) โ Ideal for investment and banking careers.
- Enrolled Agent (EA) โ Specialization in tax accounting.
3. Use Job Search Platforms
Apply to accounting jobs through:
- Indeed (indeed.com) โ Best for corporate and CPA firm jobs.
- LinkedIn Jobs (linkedin.com/jobs) โ Great for networking and job referrals.
- Robert Half (roberthalf.com) โ Specializes in accounting and finance roles.
- Glassdoor (glassdoor.com) โ Offers salary insights and company reviews.
4. Network with Accounting Professionals
- Join accounting associations like the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA).
- Attend finance networking events in Los Angeles.
- Connect with hiring managers and recruiters on LinkedIn.
5. Prepare for Job Interviews
- Be ready to discuss financial analysis, tax compliance, and auditing experience.
- Research the companyโs financial structure and accounting needs.
- Show expertise in accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite.
Final Thoughts on Accounting Jobs in Los Angeles
With its strong job market, competitive salaries, and industry diversity, Los Angeles is an excellent city for accountants seeking career growth. Whether youโre looking for a staff accountant role, a senior CPA position, or a government accounting job, there are plenty of opportunities in LAโs finance sector.
By following job search strategies, networking with professionals, and earning relevant certifications, you can successfully secure a high-paying accounting job in Los Angeles.