Bookkeeper / Office Manager at Landscape Architecture Firm

Job Overview
CJM::LA is seeking an organized, detail-oriented Office Manager/Bookkeeper to support our well-established collaborative landscape architecture studio in downtown Santa Barbara. You’ll play a key role in keeping our day-to-day operations on track while supporting a creative, dynamic team. This is a great opportunity to bring structure, clarity, and a positive energy to help our growing practice thrive!

This position requires 15-25 hours per week in person at our downtown Santa Barbara office. This role provides end-to-end bookkeeping and office management for our small, design-focused practice. The ideal candidate will operate with a high degree of independence in managing day-to-day financial and administrative functions, while coordinating with firm leadership on cash flow, budgeting, and operational decisions.

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records, including general ledger, A/P, A/R, and monthly reconciliations
• Prepare and issue client invoices based on time and expense data; track and follow up on receivables
• Coordinate payroll and manage routine tax and regulatory filings (e.g., 1099s, sales tax)
• Produce monthly financial reports (P&L, cash flow summaries) for leadership review
• Manage office operations: vendor coordination, supplies, insurance tracking, file systems, and basic HR
• Support project setup and contract administration from an accounting perspective

Experience

• 5 years post-graduate professional experience in bookkeeping and office administration at a small professional services or design firm.
• Fully proficient in QuickBooks (desktop and online), Excel, and project-based billing workflows; able to independently manage full-cycle bookkeeping
• Demonstrated ability to own and manage financial processes with minimal supervision; knows when to escalate issues to leadership
• Comfortable preparing and explaining basic financial reports; understands cash flow management in a small business context
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and maintain reliable systems without heavy oversight
• Professional and concise communication with clients and vendors, particularly around billing and collections
• Experience handling sensitive financial and personnel information

Pay: $28.00 - $36.00 per hour

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Bookkeeping: 5 years (Required)

Location:

• Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person