Bookkeeper #9014

Position Summary
JZ Bookkeeping & Tax Services is a locally owned firm in Lincoln, Ontario, providing personal tax filing and business tax and bookkeeping services to small and medium-sized enterprises across the Niagara Region. We are seeking a detail-oriented and client-focused Bookkeeper to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for a portfolio of clients, supporting the preparation of personal and corporate tax filings, and ensuring all bookkeeping and compliance work is completed accurately and on schedule.

This role is well suited to someone who takes pride in precision, enjoys working directly with small business owners, and thrives in a fast-paced environment during peak tax season.

Hours of Work and Travel Requirements
• This is a part-time, in-office position based at the JZ Bookkeeping & Tax Services office in Lincoln, Ontario, typically 10–20 hours per week (depending on business needs), Monday to Friday.
• Full-time hours, including some evenings and weekends, should be expected during peak personal and corporate tax season (approximately February through June) to meet CRA filing deadlines.
• This role does not require regular travel. Occasional local travel within the Niagara Region (e.g., to pick up client documents or attend an in-person client meeting) may be required from time to time; access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s licence is an asset.

Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping & Financial Records
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date books for a portfolio of small and medium-sized business clients, including data entry, accounts payable/receivable, and bank and credit card reconciliations.
• Prepare month-end and year-end working papers and financial statements (income statement, balance sheet) for client review.
• Identify and correct discrepancies in client records, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Maintain organized, well-documented digital and physical client files in line with firm procedures and confidentiality standards.

Payroll & Regulatory Filings
• Process client payroll, including remittances and year-end T4/T4A preparation.
• Prepare and file GST/HST returns and other regulatory filings in accordance with CRA deadlines.
• Stay current on relevant CRA regulations, tax law changes, and bookkeeping best practices.

Tax Preparation Support
• Assist with the preparation of personal (T1) and corporate (T2) tax returns under the direction of the owner/senior preparer.

Client Communication & Service
• Communicate directly with clients to collect documentation, clarify transactions, and answer routine bookkeeping questions in a professional and timely manner.

General & Administrative Support
• Support the owner with general administrative and office tasks as needed, particularly during peak season.

Other Duties as Assigned
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the owner to support the needs of the firm and its clients.

Skills & Competencies
• Strong working knowledge of cloud-based accounting software, particularly QuickBooks Online (QuickBooks Desktop and/or Sage experience an asset).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable learning new software tools.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail when working with financial data.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple client files and competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills for client-facing interactions.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial and personal information.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
• Comfortable working under pressure during high-volume tax season periods.

Education & Experience Requirements
• Diploma or certificate in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of relevant bookkeeping experience, ideally within a public accounting, tax preparation, or bookkeeping firm serving multiple clients.
• Working toward, or holding, a Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation is considered an asset.
• Prior experience with personal and/or small business tax return preparation is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with CRA remittances and filings (GST/HST, payroll) is preferred.

Key Performance Indicators
• Accuracy of bookkeeping work, measured by the rate of post-review corrections or client-reported errors.
• On-time completion of monthly bookkeeping cycles and reconciliations for assigned client files.
• On-time filing of GST/HST returns and payroll remittances.
• Timely turnaround on client document requests and query responses (e.g., within 1–2 business days).
• Number and quality of client files managed concurrently, and client satisfaction/retention for the assigned portfolio.
• Successful, on-time contribution to personal and corporate tax filing deadlines during tax season.