Bookkeeper – Small Business Financial Records

HR Service Jobs; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

HR Service Jobs is seeking a detail-oriented Bookkeeper to manage and maintain accurate financial records for small businesses. The role involves recording transactions, reconciling bank statements, managing invoices, and preparing essential reports.

You will collaborate with business owners, accountants, and finance teams to ensure timely and accurate financial information. Ideal candidates have strong numerical skills, integrity, and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Basic bookkeeping knowledge and proficiency with debits/credits.
• Familiarity with AP, AR, GL maintenance, and expense tracking.
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets with basic formulas.
• Experience with bookkeeping software such as QuickBooks/Xero is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies.
• Good numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Record daily financial transactions and ensure accurate entries.
• Monitor supplier invoices, payment details, and schedules.
• Prepare and issue customer invoices; track payments and aging.
• Perform bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Maintain organised expense records and prepare summaries.
• Assist in producing basic financial statements and cash flow reports.
• Support payroll records and coordinate with payroll where needed.
• Post transactions to general ledger and correct errors.
• Organise financial documents for tax professionals and audits.
• Track cash flow and notify stakeholders of unusual activity.
• Use bookkeeping software and spreadsheets to manage data.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Collaborate with business owners and accountants to resolve queries.

Skills

Basic bookkeeping

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

General ledger maintenance

Expense tracking

Excel / Google Sheets

Attention to detail

Numerical reasoning

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Integrity / confidentiality

Independent work

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Diploma/degree in Accounting or related

Tools

QuickBooks

Xero

Zoho Books

Tally

Job description

1. Job Summary

HR Service Jobs is seeking a detail-oriented, organised, and reliable Bookkeeper to manage and maintain accurate financial records for small businesses. The successful candidate will support day-to-day accounting operations by recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, tracking income and expenses, managing invoices, and preparing essential financial reports.

This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys working with numbers, maintaining accurate documentation, and helping businesses understand their financial position. The Bookkeeper will work closely with business owners, accountants, finance teams, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure financial information is recorded accurately and available when needed.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong numerical skills, professional integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential financial information responsibly. Familiarity with bookkeeping software, spreadsheets, and standard accounting practices will be beneficial.

Candidates who are organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple financial tasks are encouraged to apply. Depending on the specific business requirements, suitable opportunities may be available for experienced professionals as well as entry-level candidates with relevant accounting knowledge.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Maintain Financial Records: Record daily financial transactions, including sales, purchases, payments, receipts, and business expenses, ensuring that all entries are accurate and properly categorised.
• Manage Accounts Payable: Monitor supplier invoices, verify payment details, maintain payment schedules, and help ensure that outstanding bills are settled within agreed timelines.
• Manage Accounts Receivable: Prepare and issue customer invoices, track incoming payments, maintain receivables records, and follow up professionally on overdue accounts.
• Perform Bank Reconciliations: Compare bank statements with internal accounting records, identify discrepancies, investigate unusual transactions, and ensure that balances are reconciled regularly.
• Track Business Expenses: Maintain organised expense records, review receipts, categorise expenditures, and support the preparation of expense summaries for business owners.
• Prepare Financial Reports: Assist in producing basic financial statements, income and expense reports, cash flow summaries, and monthly bookkeeping reports to support business decision‑making.
• Support Payroll Administration: Where required, maintain payroll‑related records, track employee payments, record approved deductions, and coordinate with payroll specialists to support accurate processing.
• Maintain General Ledger Entries: Post transactions to the appropriate accounts, review ledger balances, and assist with correcting errors or inconsistencies.
• Assist with Tax Documentation: Organise financial records, invoices, receipts, and supporting documents required by tax professionals. Help ensure that bookkeeping records are maintained in accordance with applicable local requirements.
• Monitor Cash Flow: Track incoming and outgoing funds, update cash flow records, and notify the appropriate stakeholders about potential payment delays or unusual financial activity.
• Maintain Digital Documentation: Organise accounting files, electronic receipts, invoices, bank statements, and supporting documents so that financial information can be retrieved efficiently.
• Use Accounting Software: Enter, update, and review financial information using appropriate bookkeeping platforms and spreadsheet tools.
• Support Month‑End and Year‑End Activities: Assist with account reconciliations, transaction reviews, financial summaries, and the preparation of records required for period‑end reporting.
• Identify and Resolve Discrepancies: Investigate duplicate entries, missing invoices, incorrect amounts, and other bookkeeping issues, escalating complex matters to the relevant accountant or manager.
• Protect Financial Information: Maintain confidentiality, follow approved data‑handling procedures, and ensure that financial records are accessible only to authorised individuals.
• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Communicate with business owners, suppliers, customers, accountants, and internal teams to clarify transactions and resolve routine financial queries.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent qualification is required for entry‑level consideration.
• A diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles, debit and credit entries, financial transactions, and account reconciliation.
• Familiarity with accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and expense tracking.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, including basic formulas, sorting, filtering, and spreadsheet organisation.
• Experience with bookkeeping or accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books, Tally, or similar platforms is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify inconsistencies in financial records.
• Good numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow established procedures.
• Professional integrity and a strong commitment to confidentiality.
• Willingness to learn new accounting tools, systems, and business processes.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.

4. Experience

Candidates with different levels of experience may be considered based on their qualifications and the requirements of the position.

Entry‑Level Candidates: Applicants with basic accounting knowledge, relevant coursework, bookkeeping training, or practical spreadsheet skills may be considered for junior opportunities. Training and supervision may be provided where available.

Experienced Candidates: Applicants with approximately one to three years of bookkeeping, accounts administration, or small business accounting experience will have an advantage.

Preferred Experience:

• Maintaining financial records for small businesses, freelancers, or independent professionals.
• Reconciling bank accounts and credit card transactions.
• Managing invoices, receipts, supplier payments, and customer collections.
• Preparing monthly financial summaries and expense reports.
• Using accounting software and spreadsheet applications.
• Organising documentation for accountants, auditors, or tax professionals.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate accuracy, accountability, and a practical understanding of routine bookkeeping processes. Specific experience requirements will depend on the assigned position.

5. Working Hours

• Working hours will depend on the employment arrangement and the operational needs of the business.
• Full‑Time: Typically 35–40 hours per week.
• Part‑Time: Reduced working hours based on an agreed schedule.
• Remote or Hybrid Work: May be available depending on the position, business policies, and access to secure accounting systems.
• Flexible Scheduling: Certain positions may offer flexibility around agreed deadlines and core working hours.
• Month‑End Requirements: Additional availability may occasionally be needed during month‑end, quarter‑end, or year‑end reporting periods.
• Candidates should be comfortable managing deadlines, maintaining consistent communication, and completing assigned tasks within agreed working hours.
• The final work schedule, time zone requirements, and employment terms will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

6. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Accounting Knowledge

Understanding of basic accounting principles and bookkeeping procedures.

Knowledge of financial transaction recording, account classifications, and reconciliation methods.

Familiarity with cash flow tracking, expense management, and financial reporting.

Awareness of applicable recordkeeping requirements and basic tax documentation practices.

Technical Skills

Ability to work with accounting software and digital financial management tools.

Proficiency in spreadsheet applications for calculations, reporting, and data organisation.

Ability to manage digital invoices, receipts, and financial documents.

Willingness to learn new software platforms and adopt improved workflows.

Analytical Abilities

Ability to review financial information and identify errors or inconsistencies.

Strong numerical reasoning and attention to transaction‑level details.

Ability to compare financial records, investigate discrepancies, and suggest appropriate corrections.

Capability to prepare clear and accurate financial summaries.

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate professionally with business owners, customers, suppliers, and accounting professionals.

Confidence in requesting missing documentation and clarifying transaction details.

Ability to explain routine bookkeeping issues in clear, straightforward language.

Personal Attributes

Honest, dependable, and accountable.

Highly organised and methodical.

Self‑motivated and comfortable working independently.

Capable of prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

Discreet when handling sensitive financial and business information.

Adaptable to changing business requirements and accounting procedures.

7. Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on qualifications, experience, responsibilities, and work location.
• Potential remote or hybrid working opportunities for eligible positions.
• Full‑time or part‑time employment options where available.
• Opportunities to develop practical accounting and bookkeeping skills.
• Exposure to small business financial management and reporting processes.
• Professional development through relevant training and software familiarisation.
• Opportunities to strengthen spreadsheet, reconciliation, and financial analysis skills.
• Supportive collaboration with business owners, finance professionals, and administrative teams.
• Potential for increased responsibilities as experience and performance develop.
• Opportunities to build transferable skills for future accounting and finance positions.
• Specific benefits, paid leave, insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, and other employment provisions will depend on the applicable contract, employer policies, and local employment regulations. Benefits are not guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in the offer.

8. Why Join HR Service Jobs?

Joining HR Service Jobs for a Bookkeeper – Small Business Financial Records opportunity can provide a valuable pathway for individuals interested in accounting, financial administration, and business operations.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the financial organisation and day‑to‑day efficiency of a small business. Accurate bookkeeping helps business owners monitor expenses, understand cash flow, maintain reliable records, and make informed operational decisions.

Successful candidates can develop practical experience in transaction processing, financial documentation, account reconciliation, reporting, and accounting software. These skills can support long‑term career development in bookkeeping, accounting assistance, payroll administration, accounts management, and other finance‑related functions.

The position may also suit professionals who prefer structured, detail‑focused work and enjoy solving practical problems. Depending on the specific vacancy, candidates may have the opportunity to work independently, collaborate with experienced professionals, and build confidence using modern digital accounting systems.

HR Service Jobs welcomes applicants who value accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, continuous learning, and dependable service. Candidates who are motivated to contribute to reliable financial operations are encouraged to submit their applications.