If you’re a candidate looking for accounting or finance jobs in San Diego, knowing what the going rate is helps you judge whether you’re being paid what you’re worth or whether an offer is in line with what others are earning. If you’re an employer, this information can help you set salaries to attract the best applicants. The following salaries for San Diego are from the US Department of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of 2015. Actual pay will vary.
Accountants and Auditors
Accountants manage financial records while auditors examine those records to ensure accuracy. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is the minimum entry requirement for the position. However, many companies demand a Certified Public Accountant designation. In the San Diego and Carlsbad area, accountants and auditors average $76,630 a year, or $36.84 an hour.
Area salaries for accounting and finance jobs are generally higher in the local area that they are throughout the rest of the country. For example, accountants and auditors in the US average $75,280 annually, or $36.19 an hour. The lower 10 percent of positions pay under $41,400 a year, or $19.90 an hour, while the top 10 percent receive at least $118,930 a year, or $57.18 an hour.
Budget Analysts
To analyze budgets for accuracy and conformance to industry standards and government regulations, budget analysts require at least a bachelor’s degree with some employers mandating a master’s degree. Those looking for positions in government may find it useful to get a Certified Government Financial Manager credential from the Association of Government Accountants. They are paid a mean $82,760 a year, or $39.79 an hour.
Financial Analysts
Financial analysts advise individuals and businesses on investments by recommending portfolios and studying business and economic trends. A minimum bachelor’s degree is required although advanced positions often demand a master’s. Certification, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute, can increase both salaries and job opportunities. Yearly wages average $94,790 a year, or $45.57 an hour.
Financial Managers
The people responsible for the financial health of a business are financial managers who create financial reports, develop strategies for financial goals, and direct investment activities. The position requires at least a bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience in finance and accounting. Among the credentials available for this position is the Certified Treasury Professional from the Association for Financial Professionals. The mean salary for the job runs $142,670 a year, or $68.59 an hour.
Accounting Clerks
Accounting clerks create financial records for an organization and check them for accuracy. They typically work under the supervision of a higher-level employee. Although some positions only require a high school diploma with on-the-job training, most employers demand postsecondary education. Community colleges and business schools generally have accounting courses, some of which can lead to certificates or diplomas. A Certified Bookkeeper credential from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers shows expertise in performing bookkeeping tasks according to accepted accounting standards. Pay varies according to the job:
- General accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping clerks receive a mean $42,790 per year, or $20.57 an hour.
- Billing and posting clerks record accounting and financial information that is used for billing. They earn a mean $40,100 a year, or $19.28 an hour.
- Payroll clerks handle the data required to pay employees, such as the hours worked and tax deductions. They may also issue payroll checks. They average $44,900 annually, or $21.59 an hour.
- All other financial clerks whose salaries have not been previously described average $38,640 per year, or $18.58 an hour.
These are just averages as compiled by the BLS. Actual pay varies by company, area of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. If you want to know more about accounting and finance jobs in San Diego, are looking for employment, or want to fill a position either temporarily or full-time, please contact us.
