Staff Accountant

We are seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join a growing bank in Irvine, CA. This fully onsite, contract-to-hire role is the engine behind the accounting department's daily operations, owning the full AP cycle alongside broader general accounting responsibilities. The ideal candidate has a strong banking or financial institution background, can independently manage a high volume of transactions, and communicates confidently with vendors, employees, and leadership at all levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the full AP cycle, including verifying, classifying, computing, posting, and recording high-volume invoices
• Audit and process employee travel and expense report reimbursements, ensuring compliance with travel and expense policy
• Follow up with employees on past due expense reports and missing receipts
• Communicate with vendors and internal customers regarding account status, invoice history, and payment inquiries
• Pay vendors by monitoring discount opportunities, verifying federal ID numbers, scheduling and preparing checks, and resolving purchase order, contract, invoice, or payment discrepancies
• Prepare daily bank reconciliations across multiple accounts
• Prepare various monthly reconciliations and assist with month-end close activities
• Prepare journal entries to fund corporate card accounts and accrue for monthly charges
• Prepare and input departmental wires
• Assist in gathering documentation for audit requests
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities to support efficiency

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive accounting and accounts payable experience
• Experience working at a bank, credit union, or financial institution required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, practices, standards, laws, and regulations
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to confidently interact with all levels of staff and leadership
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with minimal guidance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word+ years of accounts payable or general accounting experience
• Associates degree or higher - accounting background strongly preferred
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet daily and monthly deadlines
• Excellent communication and customer service skills - comfortable working with vendors, employees, and all levels of leadership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working at a bank or financial institution
• Familiarity with BankTel or similar accounting systems
• Experience with ERP or expense management platforms

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and holidays
• Entrepreneurial, team-oriented culture with a familial feel and room to grow