Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Full Charge Bookkeeper

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a detail-oriented and self-motivated Full Charge Bookkeeper to take complete ownership of our accounting functions. In this pivotal role, you will be the backbone of our financial operations, responsible for the day-to-day management of all financial records and reporting. You will work independently to handle everything from accounts payable and receivable to payroll, general ledger entries, and financial statement preparation. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of GAAP and a passion for maintaining accurate, compliant, and transparent financial systems. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Bookkeeper
Staff Accountant
Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

Advancement To:

Accounting Manager
Controller
Senior Accountant

Lateral Moves:

Financial Analyst
Payroll Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage all aspects of the general ledger, including chart of accounts maintenance, journal entries, and reconciliations to ensure data accuracy.
Oversee the entire accounts payable cycle, from vendor onboarding and invoice processing to payment disbursement, ensuring proper coding and approvals.
Execute the full accounts receivable process, including customer invoicing, payment application, diligent collections, and management of aging reports.
Process multi-state payroll for all employees in a timely and accurate manner, managing deductions, benefits, and tax filings in compliance with all regulations.
Perform comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing procedures to facilitate the timely delivery of accurate financial statements.
Prepare and analyze key financial reports, including the Profit & Loss (P&L), Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows for management review and strategic planning.
Conduct meticulous bank and credit card reconciliations on a monthly basis, promptly investigating and resolving any discrepancies.
Maintain and reconcile fixed asset schedules, accurately tracking additions, disposals, and calculating depreciation.
Track and manage company cash flow, providing regular reports and projections to senior management to support critical business decisions.
Handle state and local sales and use tax filings, ensuring accurate calculation, collection, and remittance to the appropriate government agencies.
Monitor and enforce compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) across all financial transactions and reporting activities.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax professionals, preparing schedules and providing all necessary documentation for annual audits and tax returns.

Secondary Functions

Implement and maintain robust internal financial controls and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
Develop and document bookkeeping processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls and streamline operations.
Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts, collaborating with department heads to gather necessary data.
Process and reconcile employee expense reports in accordance with company policy, ensuring proper documentation and authorization.
Onboard new vendors and clients into the accounting system, ensuring all necessary documentation (such as W-9s and credit applications) is collected and filed.
Maintain a highly organized and complete system of financial records, both digital and physical, to ensure a clear and accessible audit trail.
Reconcile intercompany transactions and balances, ensuring all activities are accurately recorded and properly eliminated in consolidated reports.
Generate ad-hoc financial reports and analyses as requested by management to support special projects, grant applications, and business initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in accounting software, particularly QuickBooks Desktop/Online, with experience in NetSuite, Xero, or similar ERP systems being a plus.
Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, complex formulas, and financial modeling.
A thorough and comprehensive understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and full-cycle accounting processes.
Proven experience processing payroll using platforms like ADP or Gusto, including knowledge of related compliance, benefits administration, and tax filings.
Expertise in performing detailed bank, credit card, and balance sheet account reconciliations.
Ability to independently prepare and analyze core financial statements: Profit & Loss (P&L), Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in all work performed.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly articulating financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
A high level of integrity, professional ethics, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Proactive problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a knack for identifying issues, investigating discrepancies, and implementing effective solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Accounting
Finance
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in a full-charge bookkeeping or senior-level accounting role.

Preferred:

Professional certification such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) is highly desirable.
Prior experience within a similar industry (e.g., construction, non-profit, technology, professional services) is a significant advantage.