Bookkeeper - 4-Day Work Week

Overview

This role is for a self-directed Bookkeeper supporting a portfolio of client businesses through a remote, client-advisory workflow. Instead of receiving an ongoing task list, you will own day-to-day bookkeeping for multiple clients, keep their books current and review-ready, and know when issues require CPA controller input.

• Work model: Remote (across Canada)
• Schedule: 4-day work week (four 8-hour days)

Responsibilities

Daily client ownership

• Own a daily portfolio of roughly four to ten client files, keeping each set of books current and review-ready.
• Categorize incoming transactions, clear uncategorized and unmatched items, and follow up with clients on missing documentation.
• Manage the daily inflow to each client’s dedicated accounting email address by sorting messages, taking action where possible, and escalating questions to the CPA controller when needed.
• Where clients maintain part of the bookkeeping in-house, review their entries, correct items before they reach the controller, and coach to prevent recurring issues.
• Set priorities across multiple clients and competing deadlines without day-to-day direction.
• Communicate professionally with client contacts through proactive follow-up and consistent delivery on commitments.

Full-cycle bookkeeping

• Complete full-cycle bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online, including:
  • Transaction categorization
  • Bank and credit card reconciliations
  • Accounts payable and receivable management
  • Month-end close to trial balance
• Prepare GST/HST and provincial sales tax returns before deadlines and process payroll as assigned.
• Use cloud accounting and automation tools to deliver quality work within client fee expectations.
• Support onboarding and setup of new Client Advisory Services clients as the team grows.

Working with your controller

• Prepare working papers and month-end files so the controller reviews quality work rather than rebuilding it.
• Know what requires escalation and batch questions so the controller reviews only items that need CPA judgment.
• Flag process improvements and advisory opportunities as you spot them.
• Perform all duties as assigned.

What to expect in your first 90 days

First 30 days

• Onboarding to systems and QuickBooks Online file conventions.
• Work alongside your controller on live client files while gradually taking on clients.
• Meet client contacts, learn the history of each file, and begin handling daily transaction flow with close review.

Days 30 to 60

• Portfolio grows toward full size.
• Run daily inflow on your own files.
• Complete your first full month-end close cycle.
• Field routine client questions directly rather than passing them up.

Days 60 to 90

• Carry the full portfolio.
• Month-end close, sales tax filings, and client communication are yours to run, with controller review rather than direction.
• Identify and raise process improvements and advisory opportunities you discover.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of full-cycle bookkeeping experience, taking files through to trial balance.
  • Experience limited to accounts payable or receivable alone will not prepare you for this role.
• Hands-on, current proficiency in QuickBooks Online (required).
• Demonstrated ability to manage several clients/entities at once and prioritize independently against competing deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Canadian payroll processing and GST/HST and provincial sales tax compliance.
• Strong written communication.
  • You may work hours ahead of your controller, so clear notes and well-framed questions are important.
• Reliable home office setup and secure, stable internet.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada, with a working day that overlaps substantially with Central Time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public practice, an outsourced accounting/client advisory firm, or a virtual bookkeeping firm serving multiple clients at the same time.
• Experience working with, or having your work reviewed by, a CPA.
• QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification, or Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation completed or in progress (welcome, but not required).
• Familiarity with receipt capture/workflow tools such as Dext, Plooto, Float, or Karbon.
• Exposure to Xero or Sage.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $50,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Full-time pay for fewer hours.
• Vacation: 3 weeks vacation plus a paid week during the December holidays.
• Training & professional development: Firm-funded training and professional development.
• Retirement: RRSP contribution matching.
• Benefits: Prescription, dental, and vision coverage.

Location

• Remote, across Canada
• Winnipeg-based organization; role requires a working day that overlaps substantially with Central Time.