Remote Senior Bookkeeper - Australian Clients, PH — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role is 100% remote under an Independent Contractor Agreement, making it theoretically location-flexible — however, there is a critical constraint: you must work Monday to Friday during Australian business hours (AEST/AEDT, UTC+10/+11). This significantly limits nomadic flexibility, as Australian business hours correspond to late evenings or night hours in popular European or Latin American nomad hubs.
Timezone compatibility by destination:
- Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City): UTC+7, only 3–4 hours behind Australia — excellent overlap. Highly recommended for nomads in this role.
- Lisbon, Portugal: UTC+0/+1 — a 9–10 hour gap means working very late nights. Not practical.
- Medellín, Colombia: UTC-5 — a 15-hour gap makes this essentially impossible without serious lifestyle compromise.
The role is explicitly hiring in the Philippines (UTC+8), which aligns closely with Australian time — this is the sweet spot. Nomads already based in the Philippines, or those comfortable in ASEAN time zones, are the best fit.
At up to PHP 80,000/month (~USD 1,350–1,400), the salary provides a comfortable lifestyle in Manila, Cebu, or Chiang Mai, where monthly costs can be USD 800–1,200. There are no travel perks mentioned (no co-working stipend or equipment budget), so factor those costs into your planning.
Position: Senior Bookkeeper / Accounting Specialist
Salary Range: Up to Php 80,000 Philippine Peso/month (The final amount will be at the client's discretion based on the candidate's skills and experience.)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, following Australian business hours
Work Set-Up: 100% Remote (Independent Contractor Agreement)
Holidays: TBC
Recruitment Process: Possible multiple client interviews and assessments
About the Company & Role
Our client is an established Australian business support and financial services provider specialising in bookkeeping, accounting administration, and financial management solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The company helps business owners maintain organised financial records, manage their cash flow, monitor business performance, and stay on top of their ongoing financial obligations.
Through cloud-based accounting solutions and practical bookkeeping support, it works with businesses across different industries to simplify their financial operations and improve the accuracy of their records.
They are currently looking for an experienced Senior Bookkeeper / Accounting Specialist to manage day-to-day bookkeeping activities across multiple client accounts. The ideal candidate must have strong hands-on experience with both Xero and QuickBooks, a solid understanding of Australian bookkeeping practices, and the ability to independently handle reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and month-end processes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented accounting professional who can work independently, manage multiple client requirements, and deliver accurate and timely financial support in a remote working environment.
Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping & Financial Records
- Manage day-to-day bookkeeping activities for multiple small business client accounts.
- Record, classify, and maintain accurate financial transactions in cloud-based accounting systems.
- Perform bank, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Review general ledger entries and identify discrepancies, duplicate transactions, and incorrectly coded expenses.
- Maintain organised and updated financial records and supporting documentation.
Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Process supplier invoices, bills, and payment documentation.
- Prepare and issue customer invoices based on approved client instructions.
- Monitor outstanding accounts payable and receivable balances.
- Track payment statuses and assist with overdue invoice follow-ups.
- Ensure financial transactions are properly documented and recorded.
Month-End & Financial Reporting
- Perform regular month-end bookkeeping procedures and account reconciliations.
- Prepare financial summaries and basic management reports.
- Assist with cash flow monitoring, expense tracking, and budgeting.
- Review financial reports and identify unusual transactions or discrepancies.
- Ensure financial records are complete and ready for reporting and review.
BAS & Australian Compliance Support
- Maintain accurate bookkeeping records to support Business Activity Statement (BAS) preparation.
- Review GST-related transactions and ensure supporting documents are available.
- Assist in preparing reconciliation schedules and financial information for BAS reporting.
- Monitor reporting deadlines and maintain relevant compliance documentation.
- Escalate complex GST, taxation, and BAS matters to the appropriate authorised practitioner.
Client Account Management & Bookkeeping Support
- Manage bookkeeping requirements across multiple client accounts.
- Assist with new client account setup and accounting software organisation.
- Conduct bookkeeping clean-ups by identifying unreconciled transactions, uncategorised expenses, and incomplete records.
- Coordinate with clients to obtain missing receipts, invoices, bank statements, and other financial documents.
- Respond to routine bookkeeping enquiries and provide timely updates on outstanding requirements.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Work efficiently across Xero and QuickBooks for different client accounts.
- Utilise document capture and management platforms to streamline bookkeeping activities.
- Maintain accurate client records, task lists, and workflow trackers.
- Identify opportunities to improve bookkeeping processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Follow established procedures for data security and confidentiality.
Qualifications & Experience
- At least 3–5 years of relevant bookkeeping or accounting experience, preferably in a senior or independent bookkeeping capacity.
- Strong hands-on experience using both Xero and QuickBooks.
- Previous experience managing bookkeeping for multiple clients or business entities.
- Solid understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, general ledger maintenance, and account reconciliations.
- Practical experience handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end processes.
- Familiarity with Australian bookkeeping practices, including GST and BAS requirements.
- Experience preparing financial reports and supporting documentation.
- Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet recurring deadlines.
- Good written and verbal English communication skills.
- High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial information.
Required Tools & Software
- Xero – Advanced practical experience required.
- QuickBooks – Advanced practical experience required.
- Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets
- Dext and/or Hubdoc
- Cloud-based accounting and document management platforms
Nice to Have
- Previous experience working with Australian accounting firms or bookkeeping service providers.
- Experience supporting Australian SMEs across different industries.
- BAS preparation and lodgement support experience.
- BAS Agent registration or relevant Australian bookkeeping/accounting qualifications.
- Experience with cash flow reporting, budgeting, and historical bookkeeping clean-ups.
- Familiarity with accounting software integrations and automated bookkeeping workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this role truly 100% remote or will I need to visit an office?
What working hours are required for this role?
What is the salary for this position?
Do I need experience with both Xero and QuickBooks to apply?
Is knowledge of Australian tax and BAS requirements mandatory?
