Finance & Administrative Lead

Rutke Search Group.; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutke Search Group client is a highly technical startup building specialized software, expanding their finance team. They seek a hands-on bookkeeper to own the books, payroll, AR/AP, and month-end close, in Ottawa with a hybrid schedule.

You’ll work directly with leadership and the CFO, manage QuickBooks Online, client billing, payroll for ~30 employees, and prepare concise financial reports for senior leaders. Compensation is $80,000–$100,000 CAD, with a 3-day in-office hybrid model.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on bookkeeping experience, including payroll, reconciliations, AR, and AP.
• Experience with government funding programs is a big plus.
• Critical thinking and ownership mindset; notice when something looks off and follow through.
• Sound judgment about what you know and what you don’t, and when to bring in the accountant or CFO.
• Absolute discretion with confidential financial and employee information.
• Comfort in a start-up environment where you’ll wear a few hats.
• Clear, confident communication, including when chasing a late payment.
• An accounting or bookkeeping designation or education is an asset, not a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Managing day-to-day bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online, including AP, AR, bank and credit card reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Owning client billing and collections, so invoices go out promptly and outstanding balances get followed up.
• Running biweekly payroll for a team of about ~30, including remittances.
• Preparing financial reports and summaries for leadership.
• Supporting office administration, onboarding, and employee records.

Skills

Hands-on bookkeeping

Payroll

AR & AP

Ownership mindset

Discretion

Startup environment

Communication

Accounting knowledge

Education

Accounting or bookkeeping designation/education

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Job description

Our client is a highly technical start-up building specialized software for a fast-growing industry. As the business scales, they’re growing their finance team. They need someone who will own the books and keep the business running smoothly.

You’ll join a small, ambitious team, working directly with the leadership team and CFO. This isn’t a “process the paperwork” role: you’ll be trusted to run the numbers end to end, spot what needs fixing, and make sure clients are billed and cash comes in on time.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing day-to-day bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online, including AP, AR, bank and credit card reconciliations, and month-end close
• Owning client billing and collections, so invoices go out promptly and outstanding balances get followed up
• Running biweekly payroll for a team of about ~30, including remittances
• Preparing financial reports and summaries for leadership
• Supporting office administration, onboarding, and employee records

What we’re looking for

• 2+ years of hands-on bookkeeping experience, including payroll, reconciliations, AR, and AP
• Experience with government funding programs is a big plus
• Critical thinking and a real ownership mindset. You notice when something looks off, and you follow it through.
• Sound judgment about what you know and what you don’t, and when to bring in the accountant or CFO
• Absolute discretion with confidential financial and employee information
• Comfort in a start-up environment where you’ll wear a few hats
• Clear, confident communication, including when chasing a late payment
• An accounting or bookkeeping designation or education is an asset, not a requirement

Compensation: $80,000 – $100,000, depending on experience

Location: Ottawa (hybrid, in office 3 days per week)

Use of AI in Recruitment: This organization may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in reviewing applications, screening candidates, or scheduling interviews. AI will only support human decision-making and will not be the sole determinant in hiring decisions.

Your experience matters.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations or support at any stage of your application, please let us know. We’ll ensure you have what you need to participate fully and comfortably.