What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Bookkeeper / Accounting Administrator position at Community Advocate Newspaper?
Company Overview
The Community Advocate Newspaper
Location: Westborough, Massachusetts
Position: Part-Time | Flexible Schedule
About Us
The Community Advocate is a locally owned, highly respected community newspaper that has served Central Massachusetts for more than 50 years. Through our weekly newspaper, specialty publications, and growing digital presence, we connect local residents with the news, businesses, and events that matter most to their communities.
We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and detail-oriented part-time accounting professional to help manage our day-to-day financial operations.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently, appreciates a flexible schedule, and wants to be part of a friendly, established local business.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Receivable
- Manage customer invoicing, payment processing, and account reconciliation.
- Monitor outstanding receivables and follow up on overdue accounts.
- Maintain accurate customer payment records.
- Work with our advertising sales team to resolve billing questions and discrepancies.
Accounts Payable
- Process vendor invoices and schedule payments.
- Maintain accurate records of expenses and vendor accounts.
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies.
Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting
- Maintain accurate and current financial records using Xero accounting software.
- Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and general ledger accounts.
- Prepare routine financial reports for management.
- Assist our outside accountant with month-end and year-end financial activities.
Payroll & Human Resources Support
- Assist with payroll preparation and processing.
- Maintain employee payroll records and track changes in compensation.
- Help administer basic employee benefits and maintain personnel records.
- Assist with employee onboarding paperwork and other routine HR administrative responsibilities.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or financial administration.
- Experience with Xero or QuickBooks accounting software a plus
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general office applications.
- Experience handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, and account reconciliations.
- Familiarity with payroll processing and basic HR administration.
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
- Good communication skills and a professional, collaborative attitude.
Experience working in a small business environment is a plus/
What We Offer
- Flexible, part-time hours.
- A comfortable, friendly work environment.
- The opportunity to work independently while being an important part of our team.
- A stable, locally owned company with a 50-year history of serving the community.
- Competitive hourly compensation commensurate with experience.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who takes pride in keeping financial records organized, accurate, and up to date. Our ideal candidate is comfortable handling the everyday accounting needs of a small business, enjoys solving problems, and can be counted on to manage responsibilities with minimal supervision.
This position would be particularly well suited to an experienced bookkeeper, accounting professional, or former small-business office manager seeking a rewarding part-time opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a résumé along with a brief description of their accounting experience, and familiarity with Xero or other cloud based accounting programs.
The Community Advocate is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: From $29.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24.0 – 30.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Flexible schedule
- Work from home
Work Location: In person