Senior Bookkeeper-Hybrid Bookkeeping Position

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Bookkeeper serves as a lead technical and compliance-focused member of the bookkeeping team. This role is responsible for higher-level bookkeeping functions, quality control, month-end close, payroll administration, sales tax compliance, and supporting complex client accounts. The Senior Bookkeeper provides oversight to Junior Bookkeepers, helps maintain accuracy across client files, and acts as a key resource for onboarding continuity, client support, and risk management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Review financial reports for accuracy, completeness, and readiness for client delivery.
• Complete month-end close processes across assigned client accounts.
• Own payroll processing and related compliance responsibilities.
• Own sales and payroll tax-related work.
• Identify financial, payroll, or sales tax risks and escalate appropriately.
• Maintain a strong understanding of balance sheet accounts and overall financial statements.
• Provide second-level quality control review for complex or high-risk work.
• Support Junior Bookkeepers through guidance, coaching, and technical oversight.

DUTIES

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Review bookkeeping work completed by Junior Bookkeepers on a weekly basis.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of client books and supporting records.
• Answer bookkeeping questions from Junior Bookkeepers.
• Complete reconciliations review and final adjustments as needed.
• Attend new client onboarding meetings with the Account Manager.
• Attend client meetings for the first 6 months of new engagements to support continuity and backup coverage.
• Provide backup support for Account Manager and client accounts.

PAYROLL DUTIES:

• Onboard new client payroll processors and manage payroll platform transitions/setup.
• Oversee payroll setup for client new hires, including employee onboarding within payroll systems.
• File client payroll reports and required submissions.
• Complete quarterly payroll filings with applicable agencies.
• Maintain working knowledge of PTO, benefits, vacation, and sick leave rules affecting payroll.
• Conduct insurance audits related to payroll.
• Maintain working knowledge of WA L&I and ESD codes and navigate state agency websites.
• Ensure Junior Bookkeeper correctly enters WA sick leave, benefits, and related payroll data.
• Review Junior Bookkeeper payroll data entry for timeliness and accuracy.

SALES TAX DUTIES:

• Review out-of-state sales during onboarding to determine nexus exposure and registration requirements.
• Implement sales tax setup when nexus thresholds are met.
• Monitor multi-state sales activity and nexus thresholds for assigned clients.
• Reassess nexus exposure at least quarterly and upon significant revenue changes.
• Proactively identify missed historical liabilities or filing risks.
• Prepare data for client sales tax submissions.
• Complete client sales tax filings (monthly, quarterly, and year-end).
• Maintain working knowledge of Washington State sales tax requirements.
• Communicate tax liabilities or risks to the Account Manager for client discussion.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong bookkeeping and accounting knowledge.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Knowledge of payroll systems, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Washington State payroll agencies (L&I, ESD) and related processes.
• Understanding of sales tax compliance and multi-state nexus concepts.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to review work, identify errors, and coach others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and recurring filing schedules.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does have functional supervisory responsibilities over Junior Bookkeeper work quality, training, and task oversight, but does not have direct people management responsibilities.

LOCATION & COMMITMENTS

• Employment Type: Permanent
• Employment Status: Full-time
• Working Hours: Standard business hours (8:00am – 4:00pm PST), with flexibility based on client account needs
• Location: Hybrid / Remote with in-person trainings and/or meetings, as needed. In person training 2 days per week for 3-6 months.
• Special Requirements: Ability to manage confidential client information

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in a professional office and remote work environment requiring frequent communication, technology use, deadline management, and collaboration across multiple team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer
• Frequent communication by text, phone, and video conference

TRAVEL REQUIRED

Limited local travel for client meetings, onboarding meetings, or internal team support as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• 3+ years of bookkeeping, accounting support, or related experience in QBO.
• 2+ years of payroll processing and Washington State payroll compliance experience.
• 3+ years of experience with sales tax filings and multi-state nexus review.
• Experience with garnishments, employee/company benefits, and payroll deductions.
• Experience completing reconciliations and month-end close.
• Strong technology aptitude and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Professional communication skills.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a bookkeeping or accounting services firm.
• Experience with at least 2–3 different payroll processors or payroll platforms.
• Experience reviewing and correcting bookkeeping work.
• Experience mentoring or training junior team members.
• Experience with Double, Google Workspace, Loom, QuickBooks Online, and workflow systems.

REQUIRED TRAINING

• Internal Systems Training (Double, Loom, Google Drive)
• Client Onboarding SOP Training
• Confidentiality & Data Security Training
• Ongoing continuing education related to bookkeeping, payroll, and tax changes

WORK AUTHORIZATION

All employees must have legal authorization to work in Washington state.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Pier 52 Bookkeeping offers Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees, and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

How to Apply:
Submit your application with the following:

• A brief summary of your qualifications
• A note that shows us your personality
• Contact Information

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Submit your application with the required info.
• Stage 2: Initial interview to see if we’re a good fit.
• Stage 3: Skills assessment—solve a QuickBooks problem and present the financials (P&L, Balance Sheet, SOCF).

Start Date: Available Now

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bainbridge Island, WA 98110