Accountant / CPA or CPA Candidate

Watersmith CPA is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our team in a full-time, in-office position. We welcome applications from individuals who currently hold a CPA designation as well as those who are actively working toward obtaining their CPA designation.

We are a local accounting firm providing accounting, tax, bookkeeping, and advisory services to individuals and businesses across a variety of industries. Our clients rely on us not only for accurate financial reporting and tax compliance, but also for practical advice and ongoing support throughout the year.

We are looking for a knowledgeable, dependable, and motivated accounting professional who is comfortable managing client files, communicating directly with clients, and working both independently and collaboratively within a smaller office environment. This position would be well suited to someone who enjoys the variety of public accounting and values building long-term relationships with clients.

The successful candidate will take an active role in year-end engagements, tax preparation, client support, and the overall management of accounting files. The level of responsibility will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and stage within the CPA program, with opportunities to expand responsibilities as experience and technical knowledge develop.

Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

· Preparing year-end financial statements and working paper files for corporate and self-employed clients

· Assisting with the review of financial statements and year-end files

· Preparing corporate income tax returns, including T2 returns and related schedules

· Preparing personal income tax returns

· Assisting with tax planning for individuals, corporations, and business owners

· Preparing and reviewing GST/HST returns and addressing related compliance issues

· Reviewing client bookkeeping records for completeness and accuracy

· Preparing year-end adjusting entries and ensuring accounts are properly reconciled

· Identifying bookkeeping, accounting, or tax issues and working with clients and senior staff to resolve them

· Communicating directly with clients to obtain information and answer accounting-related questions

· Assisting clients with CRA correspondence, notices of assessment, reviews, information requests, and other tax matters

· Supporting clients with general accounting and financial reporting needs

· Managing multiple client files while maintaining accuracy and meeting required deadlines

· Maintaining organized and complete documentation for client engagements

· Keeping current with changes to Canadian tax legislation, CRA requirements, and accounting standards

· Working collaboratively with bookkeeping, accounting, and administrative staff

· Assisting with the review of work completed by other team members where appropriate





· Contributing to the continued development of efficient internal accounting and tax processes

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

· A CPA designation or be actively working toward obtaining a CPA designation

· Enrollment in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), completion of CPA preparatory requirements, or other demonstrated progress toward CPA designation would be considered an asset

· Previous experience in public accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, or a related accounting environment

· Strong understanding of Canadian accounting principles

· Knowledge of Canadian personal and corporate taxation

· Experience preparing or assisting with corporate and personal income tax returns

· Experience with year-end financial statements, working papers, and adjusting journal entries

· Understanding of GST/HST requirements

· Strong general ledger, reconciliation, and financial reporting skills

· Experience working with accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation software

· Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software and systems

· Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work

· Strong organizational and time-management skills

· Ability to prioritize multiple client files and competing deadlines

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to communicate accounting and tax matters clearly and professionally

· Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team environment

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· A professional, dependable, and approachable manner when working with clients and coworkers

Additional Assets

The following would be considered an asset:

· Previous public accounting experience

· Experience working with owner-managed businesses

· Experience with agricultural, construction, service, retail, or other small and medium-sized business clients

· Experience preparing T1 and T2 income tax returns

· Experience dealing directly with the Canada Revenue Agency

· Experience with tax planning or advisory work

· Familiarity with multiple bookkeeping and accounting software platforms

· Experience managing client relationships

· Experience reviewing bookkeeping or accounting work

· Progress toward completion of CPA practical experience requirements

The Person We Are Looking For

Technical knowledge is important, but we are also looking for someone who will be a strong fit within our office and with our clients.

Our ideal candidate is dependable, organized,



personable, and motivated to continue developing professionally. They should be comfortable taking responsibility for their work while also being willing to ask questions, collaborate, and learn from more experienced team members when necessary.

Because our firm works closely with individuals and business owners, strong client service skills are essential. We are looking for someone who can build trust with clients, communicate clearly, and approach accounting and tax matters with practical problem-solving skills.

For candidates who are still working toward their CPA designation, this position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a public accounting environment while continuing to develop technical knowledge and professional judgment.

The successful candidate should also be comfortable working in an environment where priorities and workloads can change throughout the year, particularly during tax season and other filing deadlines.

What Watersmith CPA Offers
We offer the opportunity to become an important part of a local accounting practice where your work has a direct impact on both the firm and our clients.

The position offers:
Full time, permanent employment
Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience
A qualified and supportive office environment
A diverse client base and variety of accounting work
Direct interaction with business owners and individual clients
The opportunity to develop experience in financial reporting, taxation, and client advisory work
Exposure to a wide range of businesses and industries
Opportunities to take on increased responsibility as experience develops
A collaborative team environment where professional development is encouraged
Stable, year-round employment in an established accounting practice

Position Details
Position: Accountant / CPA or CPA Candidate
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In office
Schedule: Primarily Monday to Friday, with additional hours potentially required during tax season and
other peak periods
Compensation: Competitive and based on experience and qualifications

How to Apply

If you are an experienced accounting professional, a designated CPA, or are currently working toward your CPA designation and are looking to continue developing your career in public accounting, we would be interested in hearing from you.

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction outlining your accounting experience, taxation experience, and current CPA status or progress toward designation.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $50,000.00-$64,200.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off

Experience:

- Accounting: 2 years (preferred)

Language:

- English (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Accountant/CPA - CPA Candidate (Hanover)
🏢 Watersmith CPA Professional
📍 Hanover