Bookkeeper

About Gardner Electric

Gardner Electric Ltd is a reputable electrical contracting company based in Saint John, New Brunswick, providing services to the local and surrounding areas. We are currently seeking an experienced bookkeeper to manage our daily financial operations and maintain precise financial records.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Controller, the successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial data, processing routine transactions, and assisting with month-end and year-end financial closings. Due to our project-based business model, the role involves specialized tasks such as job costing, progress billing, and managing contract holdbacks, making prior experience in construction, trades, or similar project-driven environments highly valuable.

Key Responsibilities

• Record and maintain daily financial transactions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the general ledger.
• Regularly reconcile bank accounts, credit card statements, and merchant accounts.
• Process payroll and remittances according to CRA standards, including CPP, EI, income tax, WorkSafeNB, and union or benefits remittances.
• Prepare and submit HST returns as well as assist with T4, T5018, and year-end filing processes.
• Manage vendor invoices, employee expense reports, and customer invoicing, incorporating progress billing and tracking contract holdbacks.
• Accurately assign costs to the relevant projects and maintain job cost reports.
• Support month-end and year-end closing procedures including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports, budgets, and cash flow statements.
• Collaborate with external accountants and auditors when necessary.
• Ensure digital and physical financial records are well organized and prepared for audits.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of three years of bookkeeping experience, preferably within a mid-sized or project-based company.
• Diploma or certificate in Accounting or Bookkeeping, or comparable practical experience.
• Proficient in accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage, or equivalents.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Thorough understanding of Canadian payroll regulations, HST, and CRA reporting obligations.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, maintaining professionalism.

Preferred Attributes

• Familiarity with construction or job-costing software like Sage 300 CRE, Jonas, Foundation, or project management tools such as Procore.
• Knowledge of construction accounting practices including progress billing, holdbacks, and T5018 contractor reporting.
• Certification or progress towards Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation.
• Experience supporting operations in multi-department or multi-location organizations.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 based on education and experience.
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage, including life and disability benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentive programs.
• A collaborative, supportive team environment within a stable and established firm.
• A position offering real responsibility and direct reporting to the Controller.

Additional Information

Gardner Electric Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.