Staff Accountant

San Mateo County Event Center • San Mateo, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The San Mateo County Event Center (SMCEC) is a premier public assembly facility that hosts a diverse range of events, produces the annual San Mateo County Fair, operates the Jockey Club (horse racing satellite wagering facility), and manages a full-service catering and food service operation. The Staff Accountant is responsible for a broad range of accounting functions, with primary responsibility for payroll administration, fixed asset accounting, culinary fiscal management, and financial reporting. This position also supports general ledger activities, account reconciliations, month-end and year-end close processes, and annual audit preparation. Reporting directly to the Controller, the Staff Accountant plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department and serves as a backup to the Controller when needed. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, analytical, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Experience processing payroll and maintaining payroll tax compliance preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience with accounting software systems, financial reporting, budgeting, inventory management, and fixed asset accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, dependability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships across departments and all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to learn operational aspects of the event industry, including admissions, ticketing, carnival reconciliation, food service audits, exhibitor programs, and credentialing processes.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the organization’s accounting systems, financial reporting processes, and general ledger structure.
• Assists with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities, including accruals, journal entries, account reconciliations, depreciation schedules, variance analysis, and supporting documentation.
• Assists in preparing accurate and timely financial reports and responds to financial information requests from management.
• Assists the Controller in preparing annual budgets, forecasts, special projects, and process improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and maintain key internal controls to ensure compliance, accountability, and operational integrity.
• Administer bi-weekly payroll processing, pension contributions, payroll tax filings, and related reporting requirements.
• Maintain fixed asset records and oversee inventory control processes, particularly for culinary and food service operations.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and applicable tax laws.
• Support annual financial audits and assist in preparing audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Provide cross-functional accounting support and serve as backup for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing, Revenue Accounting, and Cash Handling functions.
• Work extended or irregular hours during the annual San Mateo County Fair and select events as required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and EAP
• chiropractic and acupuncture benefits
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• commuter benefits
• retirement benefits, including a voluntary 403(b) plan and a profit-sharing plan upon meeting eligibility requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level