Accounting Assistant
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Reports To: Office Manager
Location: Santa Maria, CA area (100% on-site)
Pay Range: $25.00 - $30.00/hour, DOE
About This Search
Rising Tide HR is conducting a confidential search on behalf of our client, an established and growing construction/infrastructure services company based in the Santa Maria, CA area. At our client's request, the company name is not being disclosed at this stage.
Position Summary
Our client is a well-established, family-oriented company that has experienced strong, intentional growth in recent years. The Accounting Assistant will support our client's accounting department by processing and reconciling vendor invoices and payments, maintaining vendor and subcontractor compliance records, supporting job costing, and assisting with day-to-day office administration. This role is a great fit for a detail-oriented, organized self-starter looking to grow their accounting experience within a construction office environment.
Core Responsibilities
- Post vendor invoices, credit/debit card transactions, and other payables to the accounting system on a daily basis.
- Match packing slips to vendor invoices and research job or purchase order information to resolve discrepancies.
- Process vendor payments, including cutting checks, reviewing vendor statements, and auditing for billing discrepancies.
- Maintain the monthly recurring payables schedule, ensuring payments are posted and paid on their due dates.
- Set up new vendors and collect required onboarding documentation (W-9, contractor's license, certificate of insurance).
- Maintain subcontractor compliance files, tracking insurance renewals, signed contracts, and required documentation.
- Prepare and distribute weekly accounts payable reports for management review.
- Support billing and accounts receivable functions by providing invoice copies and documentation to the A/R Clerk.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems for accounts payable records.
- Respond to incoming and outgoing accounts payable calls and emails, addressing vendor questions and requests.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the front desk and reception area, managing visitor greetings and meeting schedules and organizing meetings.
- Perform other administrative duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years of accounting, bookkeeping, or accounts payable experience; construction office experience preferred.
- Proficiency with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
- Working understanding of basic accounting principles and standards, with strong mathematical and analytical skills.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional appearance and demeanor, with strong interpersonal and communication skills for vendor and front-desk interactions.
- High level of integrity and discretion, with the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial data.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Physical Requirements
- Primarily a sedentary, office-based role requiring the ability to sit at a desk and work at a computer for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
- Frequent use of hands for typing, data entry, and handling paperwork and files.
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching to file documents, retrieve records, and operate office equipment (printer, copier, scanner).
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry files, paper, or office supplies up to 15-20 lbs.
- Visual acuity sufficient to review financial documents and view a computer screen for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with vendors, staff, and management in person, by phone, and by email.
- Occasional local travel/driving may be required (e.g., bank runs, document delivery, or job site visits); valid driver's license required.
This job description is not all inclusive. Our client reserves the right to change job duties and essential job functions as required by business necessity. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, without the need for sponsorship.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, California, or local laws.
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- This position is 100% onsite in Santa Maria, CA. Do you understand that if relocation is required, it would be at the candidate's expense?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
