Bookkeeper

Overview

This role supports an accounting and bookkeeping practice based in Tauranga, New Zealand. The practice is building its offshore bookkeeping team and needs a first offshore hire to take ownership of routine client bookkeeping and GST preparation, reducing the day-to-day workload on the practice owners.

Responsibilities focus on Xero bookkeeping and NZ GST return preparation, with additional straightforward income tax support added gradually as competency is demonstrated.

Responsibilities

Bookkeeping

• Manage day-to-day Xero bookkeeping for an assigned client portfolio (primarily sole traders and small companies), including:
  • Transaction coding
  • Bank reconciliations
  • AP/AR
  • Month-end and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare NZ GST returns for review, including investigating unusual transactions and resolving routine reconciliation issues independently.
• Follow up missing information and ensure items are addressed before submission for review.

Income tax support (added over time)

• From month 6 onward:
  • Assist with straightforward rental property accounts by gathering information, preparing basic schedules, and entering approved year-end journals in Xero.
• From month 12 onward (subject to demonstrated competency and available capacity):
  • Gradually assist with simple IR4 preparation and supporting workpapers.
• Bookkeeping and GST always take priority.

Client support

• Support new-client onboarding as capacity allows, including system set-up and information gathering (particularly from months 4–6 onwards).
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients about routine queries and missing information, following agreed approval and escalation guidelines.

Practice processes

• Maintain and improve agreed process notes, checklists, and client documentation; suggest practical streamlining ideas to reduce manual tasks.
• Keep SharePoint and practice records organised, following document retention and access procedures.
• Obtain approval before deleting or sharing sensitive material.
• Self-review work before submission; investigate routine issues, ask focused questions when needed, and escalate complex or uncertain matters promptly.

Tools and systems

• Use Xero (primary platform for bookkeeping and GST) and Xero Practice Manager / Xero Tax as responsibilities develop.
• Use Microsoft 365 (including Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint).
• Use ClickUp, WorkflowMax, and Jotform; use approved AI and other workflow tools as introduced.

Compliance and scope

• Not in scope:
  • Providing tax advice
  • Independently approving or filing GST/tax returns
  • Signing off accounts
• Use only approved AI tools and never enter confidential client information into unapproved services.

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or Commerce.
• At least 2 years of practical bookkeeping experience.
• Strong hands-on Xero skills, including:
  • Bank reconciliations
  • AP/AR
  • Month-end and GST-related coding
• Sound accounting fundamentals and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn NZ GST requirements and the practice’s processes quickly.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong self-review habits and accuracy.
• Ownership of deadlines and independent problem-solving, with an understanding of when to escalate.
• Proactive, adaptable, and quick to learn new tasks.
• Tech-savvy with cloud software, Microsoft 365, and digital workflows.
• Basic familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, with responsible use and strong confidentiality practices.
• Reliable working arrangements and connectivity as agreed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior NZ or Australian bookkeeping experience, especially NZ GST and small-business clients.
• Xero Advisor certification and strong practical Xero troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with rental property accounts, year-end journals, fixed asset registers, or basic company tax workpapers.
• Experience in a small accounting practice, including client onboarding or practice administration.
• Experience with SharePoint, workflow automation, or approved AI-assisted productivity tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• PHP 8,000 referral reward via GCash for every successful hire (if applicable through an employee referral).

Location

• Open to Philippine citizens currently based in the Philippines.
• Work supports a practice based in Tauranga, New Zealand.