Staff Accountant (San Diego)

The Organization:

Reason Financial is a purpose-driven financial services firm that exists to help individuals and business owners pursue financial independence with clarity and confidence. Founded in 2013, Reason Financial brings together tax, accounting, and wealth advisory services under one roof to deliver well-rounded, values-aligned advice. Our name reflects our guiding principle: that reason — the ability to think critically and act with intention — is what drives meaningful impact in our clients’ lives.

We’ve built a reputation for excellence, honesty, and curiosity. Our culture emphasizes thoughtful execution, strong communication, responsibility, and intrapreneurship. Team members are encouraged to pursue personal and professional growth, supported to solve complex problems, and given the flexibility to take ownership of their work — all while being part of a company that supports its local community and values the whole person, not just the role.

The Position:

We’re looking for a Staff Accountant to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone with a strong accounting foundation, ideally developed in a public accounting, Big Four, regional firm, or high-accountability client service environment. The right person will bring 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, strong technical fundamentals, and the ability to support both accounting and tax work for business-owner clients.

In this role, you’ll prepare and maintain accurate accounting records, review financial statements and P&Ls, support tax preparation, communicate with clients, and collaborate with the broader Reason Financial team across accounting, tax, and advisory work. This is a strong fit for someone who is detail-oriented, analytical, client-minded, and energized by a growing firm that values curiosity, clear communication, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and maintain accurate accounting records for a variety of individual and business clients
• Prepare and post journal entries
• Maintain general ledger records and ensure proper account classification
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, payroll, and other balance sheet accounts
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and P&L reports
• Review P&L activity to identify trends, discrepancies, missing information, or areas requiring clarification
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Assist with preparation of individual, partnership, C Corp, S Corp, and trust tax returns by organizing client financials, workpapers, and supporting documentation
• Assist with tax planning, projections, and client reporting as needed
• Communicate with clients to request information, clarify transactions, and support timely completion of work
• Communicate with taxing authorities regarding notices, exams, and other issues as assigned
• Support payroll, sales tax, 1099s, and other recurring client accounting needs as assigned
• Maintain organized client files, documentation, and internal workflow updates
• Collaborate with tax, accounting, and advisory teammates to deliver a coordinated client experience
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows, client processes, and internal systems
• Participate in firm initiatives, including training, technology adoption, and AI-supported workflow improvements
• Efficiently track and manage time while owning assigned work with accuracy, accountability, and follow-through

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience required
• Strong accounting background required; Big Four, regional public accounting, CPA firm, or client accounting services experience strongly preferred
• Enrolled Agent required
• CPA preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, journal entries, general ledger activity, reconciliations, financial statements, and P&L reporting
• Experience supporting individual and business tax work required
• Working knowledge of tax code and tax preparation concepts preferred
• Experience with S Corps, C Corps, partnerships, LLCs, trusts, and business-owner clients preferred
• Proficiency with Excel required
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks required
• Proficiency with Lacerte preferred
• AI experience or openness to using AI-supported tools to improve workflows, accuracy, and efficiency is a plus
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills
• Comfortable managing multiple clients, priorities, and deadlines
• Able to ask thoughtful questions, solve problems, and take initiative
• Flexible and adaptable in a continuously growing firm
• Local to central San Diego or within a 25-minute commute is ideal
• Willing to work in-office full time during onboarding and busy seasons; hybrid eligible after initial training period

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary range: $80,000–$110,000, DOE
• Annual bonus based on firm performance and individual contribution
• Unlimited PTO + paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contribution up to $505/month toward employee premium
• 401(k) + 3% match
• Opportunities for personal and professional development