Looking for a change this December? California’s job market has some interesting opportunities for finance analysts. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, there are roles out there that pay well. We’ve rounded up some of the top jobs for finance analyst positions across the state to give you a head start on your search.
Key Takeaways
- Senior Financial Analyst roles in California often involve supporting sales and marketing, focusing on profitable growth.
- Staff Financial Analyst positions require strong modeling skills and the ability to present financial insights clearly.
- Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst roles combine accounting duties with financial analysis, often involving grant management.
- Finance Manager positions focus on strategic financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
- Several roles mention the use of tools like Pigment, Looker, and Excel for analysis and reporting.
1. Senior Financial Analyst
The Senior Financial Analyst role is a key position within many California-based finance departments. These professionals are responsible for more than just crunching numbers; they interpret financial data, build complex models, and provide insights that guide strategic business decisions. Think of them as the financial detectives of a company, uncovering trends and potential issues before they become major problems.
A Senior Financial Analyst typically handles a wide range of responsibilities, often involving detailed forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. They work closely with various departments, translating operational activities into financial projections. This requires a solid grasp of accounting principles and a knack for communicating financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Key duties often include:
- Developing and maintaining financial planning models.
- Collaborating with business leaders to create forecasts.
- Analyzing monthly financial reports and explaining deviations from the plan.
- Preparing financial data for executive and board-level presentations.
- Identifying opportunities for process improvements within financial operations.
Companies often look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with several years of relevant experience. Advanced degrees or certifications like the CFA can also be advantageous. The ability to use financial software and advanced Excel skills is usually a must.
The financial landscape is always shifting, and a Senior Financial Analyst needs to be adaptable. They must stay informed about market changes and economic factors that could impact the company’s financial health. This proactive approach is what sets them apart.
In California, this role can command a competitive salary, reflecting the significant impact these analysts have on a company’s financial strategy and performance. For those looking to advance their careers in finance, becoming a Senior Financial Analyst is a significant step, often leading to management positions or specialized roles within areas like investment analysis.
2. Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst is a core role in any company’s finance department. They’re the ones who dig into the numbers, figure out what they mean, and then explain it to others so smart decisions can be made. Think of them as the translators between raw financial data and business strategy.
In California, especially in December 2025, these roles are in demand. Companies need analysts to help them understand their current financial health and plan for the upcoming year. This often involves looking at past performance, current trends, and future possibilities.
What does a Financial Analyst actually do day-to-day? It can vary, but here are some common tasks:
- Analyzing financial information: This means looking at things like revenue, expenses, and cash flow to spot patterns or problems.
- Creating financial models: Building spreadsheets or using software to predict future financial outcomes based on different scenarios.
- Preparing reports: Putting together clear summaries of financial data for management, investors, or other departments.
- Budgeting and forecasting: Helping departments plan their spending and predicting how much money the company will make or spend.
- Supporting decision-making: Providing the financial data and insights needed for big choices, like launching a new product or expanding into a new market.
The ability to communicate findings clearly is just as important as the analytical skills themselves. You might be great at crunching numbers, but if you can’t explain what they mean to someone who isn’t a finance expert, your impact will be limited.
Financial Analysts often work with large amounts of data. They need to be comfortable using tools like Microsoft Excel, and sometimes more specialized software, to manage and interpret this information effectively. Accuracy and attention to detail are key.
Salaries for Financial Analysts in California can differ based on experience, the company’s size, and the specific responsibilities of the role. Entry-level positions might start around $60,000-$70,000 per year, while those with a few years of experience could earn $75,000-$95,000. More senior or specialized roles can go even higher.
3. Staff Financial Analyst
A Staff Financial Analyst role often acts as a key player in a company’s financial operations, bridging the gap between day-to-day financial tasks and higher-level strategic planning. These professionals are typically responsible for detailed financial analysis, building complex models, and providing insights that help guide business decisions. Think of them as the analysts who really dig into the numbers to figure out what’s working and what’s not.
In California, particularly in areas like San Francisco, you might find Staff Financial Analyst positions that involve a broad range of duties. This can include managing financial forecasts, preparing reports for leadership, and sometimes even helping to automate reporting processes. They often work closely with other departments, like accounting, to make sure financial data is accurate and consistent.
Key responsibilities for a Staff Financial Analyst can include:
- Leading the monthly forecasting process and presenting findings.
- Overseeing consolidated planning and maintaining financial models.
- Creating reports for executives, such as dashboards and presentations.
- Collaborating with accounting during financial close cycles.
- Analyzing financial data to identify trends and variances.
This role requires a solid understanding of financial principles and strong analytical skills. While the exact salary can vary based on experience and the specific company, positions in California can range significantly, often falling between $103,000 and $164,000 annually, according to recent data.
The Staff Financial Analyst position is vital for companies looking to maintain financial health and make informed strategic moves. They are the ones who translate raw data into understandable information, helping management see the bigger financial picture and plan for the future effectively.
4. Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst
This role is a bit of a hybrid, blending the detailed record-keeping of an accountant with the forward-looking analysis of a financial analyst. In California, a Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst often finds themselves managing the day-to-day financial operations while also contributing to strategic planning. Think of it as keeping the books tidy and accurate, but also using that information to help the company make smarter decisions about where it’s headed.
These professionals are key to maintaining the integrity of financial data and translating it into actionable insights. They might be responsible for overseeing the general ledger, making sure all the numbers add up correctly, and preparing for audits. On the analyst side, they could be involved in assessing cost allocation methods or even helping to implement new software systems that improve how the company tracks its finances.
Here’s a look at some common responsibilities:
- Overseeing monthly closing processes and reconciliations.
- Managing grant reporting and funding requests, especially in organizations that deal with external funding.
- Analyzing and refining cost allocation strategies.
- Participating in projects to improve financial systems and processes.
- Assisting with tax filings and audit preparations.
The dual nature of this position means you’ll need a solid grasp of accounting principles alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It’s a role that requires attention to detail but also the ability to see the bigger financial picture.
Salaries for this type of position can vary, but you might see hourly rates ranging from around $38 to $44, depending on the specific company and the scope of responsibilities. This role is often a stepping stone, offering a chance to grow within a finance department.
5. Finance Manager
Moving up the ladder, the Finance Manager role is a significant step for many finance professionals. In California, these positions often involve overseeing a company’s financial health and guiding its strategic direction. This role requires a blend of analytical skill and leadership capability. You’re not just crunching numbers; you’re interpreting them to make informed business decisions.
Finance Managers are typically responsible for a wide range of duties. These can include:
- Developing annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
- Creating and maintaining financial models to predict outcomes.
- Monitoring company performance against financial goals.
- Preparing detailed financial reports for stakeholders.
- Analyzing variances and identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborating with other departments on financial matters.
Salaries for Finance Managers in California can vary based on experience, company size, and location. For instance, a Finance Manager in Walnut Creek might see a yearly salary range from $110,000 to $130,000, depending on the specific responsibilities and the company’s needs. This figure reflects the increased responsibility and strategic input expected at this level.
The day-to-day work of a Finance Manager involves a lot of communication. You’ll be working with teams across the organization, explaining financial concepts, and helping them understand the financial implications of their actions. It’s about making finance accessible and useful for everyone.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving and has a knack for seeing the bigger financial picture. It’s a challenging but rewarding career path for those looking to make a substantial impact on a company’s success.
6. Portfolio Operations Analyst
A Portfolio Operations Analyst plays a key part in managing and supporting investment portfolios. This role is all about making sure the day-to-day operations run smoothly, which helps the finance team focus on bigger picture strategies. You’ll be working with a lot of data, helping to track investments, prepare reports, and support the teams that handle deals and marketing.
The core of this job involves bridging the gap between financial analysis and the practical execution of investment strategies. It’s a position that requires a good eye for detail and the ability to organize information effectively.
Here’s a look at what you might do:
- Analyze Portfolio Performance: This includes gathering financial data from various sources, helping to figure out the value of investments, and putting together reports that show how the portfolio is doing. This information is vital for making smart decisions.
- Support Marketing and Fundraising: You’ll help create materials for investors, manage online data rooms where important documents are stored, and assist with branding efforts to attract new investment.
- Manage Deal Pipelines: Keeping track of new investments and making sure the process for closing deals goes smoothly is another big part of the job. This often means working closely with legal and accounting teams.
Typical responsibilities might also include managing cap tables, keeping insurance details up-to-date, and assisting with recurring valuations. You might also draft content for newsletters or help maintain website information.
This role is great for someone who likes to keep things organized and ensure that financial processes are efficient. It’s about making sure the operational side of investments is solid so that the firm can grow and perform well.
7. Accounting Analyst
An Accounting Analyst plays a key role in keeping financial records accurate and organized. Think of them as the people who make sure all the numbers add up correctly, especially when dealing with a lot of transactions. Their main job is to analyze financial data and help prepare reports. This often involves working with large amounts of information, so being good with tools like Excel is a big plus.
What does an Accounting Analyst actually do day-to-day? Well, it can vary, but here are some common tasks:
- Managing Financial Records: This includes things like processing invoices, tracking payments, and making sure everything is coded properly. They apply accounting principles to keep records tidy.
- Reconciliations: A big part of the job is comparing different sets of financial data to find and fix any differences. This could be reconciling bank statements or accounts.
- Reporting: They help put together financial reports that show how a company or a specific project is doing. This information is used by managers to make decisions.
- Data Analysis: Working with large datasets is common. They use software, especially Excel, to sort, analyze, and present this data in a way that makes sense.
This role requires a sharp eye for detail and the ability to spot errors or inconsistencies in financial information. It’s about maintaining the integrity of the company’s financial picture.
For example, an Accounting Analyst might be responsible for processing employer data for benefits plans, which can involve thousands of records each month. They’d prepare these files, upload them to the company’s financial system, and then reconcile the payments received against bank statements. If there are any issues, like missing payments or incorrect amounts, they’re the ones who investigate and resolve them. They also communicate with employers to sort out billing questions or outstanding balances. It’s a position that demands precision and good communication skills.
8. AR Accounting Analyst
An AR Accounting Analyst focuses specifically on the accounts receivable side of a company’s finances. This role is all about making sure the money owed to the company is tracked, collected, and recorded correctly. It’s a position that requires a sharp eye for detail and a good grasp of accounting principles, especially when dealing with invoices and payments.
The core responsibility involves managing the inflow of cash from customers. This means processing incoming payments, applying them to the right customer accounts, and keeping a close watch on any outstanding balances. You’ll be working with large amounts of data, often using advanced Excel functions to keep everything organized and accurate.
Key tasks for an AR Accounting Analyst often include:
- Processing customer payments and ensuring they are applied to the correct accounts.
- Generating invoices and sending them out to clients.
- Monitoring accounts receivable aging reports to identify overdue payments.
- Reconciling customer accounts to ensure accuracy.
- Communicating with customers regarding billing inquiries or overdue accounts.
- Assisting with month-end closing procedures related to accounts receivable.
This role is quite hands-on with financial data and plays a direct part in a company’s cash flow. It’s a great position for someone who enjoys detailed work and wants to build a solid foundation in accounting.
Working as an AR Accounting Analyst means you’re on the front lines of managing a company’s incoming revenue. Accuracy and timely follow-up are key to keeping the company’s financial health in good shape. It’s a role that demands diligence and a systematic approach to financial record-keeping.
9. Sr. Financial Analyst – Sales & Marketing
This role focuses on supporting the sales and marketing departments, which is a pretty big deal for any company looking to grow. You’ll be working closely with these teams to figure out what’s working and what’s not, financially speaking. The main goal is to help drive profitable growth by making sense of all the numbers.
What does that actually look like day-to-day? Well, you’ll be digging into things like sales performance, how much money is being spent on marketing, and the overall profit margins. It’s about spotting trends, understanding why they’re happening, and then suggesting ways to make things better.
Here are some of the typical tasks you might be doing:
- Analyzing monthly sales figures and figuring out why they went up or down.
- Looking at how effective marketing campaigns are and if the money spent is worth it.
- Helping to plan out sales targets and marketing budgets for the year.
- Working with teams to make sure spending stays on track and meets financial goals.
- Putting together reports that show how the sales and marketing efforts are performing.
This kind of analyst role is all about connecting the dots between what the sales and marketing teams do and the company’s bottom line. It requires a good head for numbers, but also the ability to talk to people in different departments and explain financial ideas clearly.
If you’re good with numbers and enjoy helping teams make smarter decisions, this could be a good fit. It’s a chance to really see how your work impacts a company’s success.
10. VC – Senior Fund Operations and Data Analyst
Venture capital firms are always looking for sharp minds to manage their complex operations and data. A Senior Fund Operations and Data Analyst role in California, especially this December, is a great opportunity if you like blending finance with tech. This job is all about making sure the firm’s systems and processes run smoothly, especially as the company grows.
This position is key to keeping the firm’s financial and operational setup accurate, efficient, and able to scale. You’ll be working with financial and operational software, building connections between different systems, and creating reports that help people make smart decisions. It’s a role where you can really make an impact by improving how things are done.
Here’s a look at what you might be doing:
- Evaluating and managing financial and operational software, like CRM and reporting tools.
- Creating and maintaining data flows between various systems to keep information accurate and accessible.
- Developing dashboards and reports that provide useful insights to the team.
- Automating repetitive tasks in finance and operations to save time and reduce errors.
- Handling data transfers and system updates when needed.
- Making sure all operations follow rules and best practices for risk management.
This role sits right where fund operations, technology, and data analysis meet. It requires someone who is good with numbers and also comfortable with technology, data management, and setting up new systems.
In terms of compensation, these roles in places like Palo Alto, CA, can range from $130,000 to $160,000 annually. It’s a permanent, onsite position that offers a chance to be part of a dynamic and growing industry.
Wrapping Up Your California Finance Career Search
So, as December rolls in, it’s clear that California still has a lot to offer for finance analysts. We’ve looked at a bunch of different roles, from senior analyst positions in places like Larkspur and Mountain View to more entry-level accounting analyst jobs in Concord. Whether you’re looking for a permanent spot or a temporary contract, there seem to be options out there, with salaries and hourly rates that vary quite a bit. Keep an eye on these opportunities, and good luck with your job hunt this month!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Senior Financial Analyst do?
A Senior Financial Analyst is like a financial detective. They look closely at a company’s money, figure out where it’s coming from and where it’s going, and then explain what the numbers mean. They help make smart choices about spending and earning more money for the company.
What’s the difference between a Financial Analyst and a Senior Financial Analyst?
Think of it like this: a Financial Analyst is learning the ropes and doing a lot of the number crunching. A Senior Financial Analyst has more experience, can handle bigger projects, and often guides the newer analysts. They have a deeper understanding and make more important suggestions.
What skills are important for these jobs in California?
You’ll need to be good with numbers, of course! Being able to use computer tools like Excel really well is key. It also helps to be a good communicator, able to explain complicated money stuff clearly to others, and to work well with different teams.
Are these jobs mostly in big cities in California?
While many jobs are in well-known areas like the Bay Area (San Francisco, Palo Alto, Mountain View) and Los Angeles, you can also find opportunities in other parts of California. The listings show jobs in places like Walnut Creek and Larkspur too.
What kind of education or experience do I need?
Most of these jobs ask for a college degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Experience is usually important, especially for senior roles. The more years you’ve worked in finance, the better your chances are.
How much do these jobs pay?
The pay can vary a lot! Some jobs pay by the hour, and others pay a yearly salary. Entry-level or less experienced roles might start around $25-$30 per hour, while senior or manager positions can earn anywhere from $100,000 to over $160,000 per year, depending on the company and your skills.
Peyman Khosravani is a global blockchain and digital transformation expert with a passion for marketing, futuristic ideas, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications. He has extensive experience in blockchain and DeFi projects and is committed to using technology to bring justice and fairness to society and promote freedom. Peyman has worked with international organizations to improve digital transformation strategies and data-gathering strategies that help identify customer touchpoints and sources of data that tell the story of what is happening. With his expertise in blockchain, digital transformation, marketing, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications, Peyman is dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital age. He believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change in the world.
