Bookkeeper

Overview

Bookkeeper & Operations Support
Location: Remote (PH-based preferred)
Employment: Part-time

Local Peoples is a design and strategy studio working across branding, digital, and social impact projects. We are seeking an experienced Bookkeeper & Operations Support to manage our financial processes, support business operations, and ensure smooth day-to-day running of the studio.

• Bookkeeping & Finance (Core Focus)
• Manage all bookkeeping in Xero (minimum 3 years’ experience required).
• Reconcile bank accounts, approve invoices, set payment dates, and prepare ABA files.
• Run payroll, file with ATO, and set up fortnightly superannuation payments.
• Support cashflow forecasting using Xero’s short-term cashflow tools.
• Prepare BAS for lodgment (BAS to be lodged by external accountant/agent).
• Review and approve client invoices (via Streamtime sync to Xero).
• Monitor overdue invoices and follow up on payments.
• Manage Workcover lodgements (VIC and ACT).
• Payroll & Staff Administration
• Set up new staff in Xero (contact details, super forms, contracts).
• Ensure payroll compliance with Australian requirements.
• Manage fortnightly payroll and PAYG obligations.
• Support timesheet collection and approvals.
• Operational & Client Support
• Coordinate weekly check-ins with the Managing Director to review finances, staffing, and processes.
• Support client-related processes such as timesheet approvals and billing follow-ups.
• Provide admin support in Streamtime (job setup, invoice generation, staff time reviews).
• Business Support Functions (as required)
• Assist with business development: update pipeline in Copper CRM, follow up on client opportunities.
• Provide recruitment support alongside the People & Culture Coordinator.
• Assist onboarding processes and HR administration.
• Provide general operations support and contribute to process improvements.

• Minimum 3 years full-time experience as a Bookkeeper working with Australian companies.
• Advanced Xero skills (including payroll, superannuation, bank reconciliations, and cashflow management).
• Strong understanding of Australian payroll, BAS, PAYG, and superannuation requirements.
• Proven experience preparing BAS (BAS lodgment experience preferred but not essential — can be supported by external accountant).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience using Streamtime (or similar project management/accounting software).
• Experience with Copper CRM or other CRM tools.
• Exposure to HR and recruitment processes.
• Comfortable supporting business development follow-ups.

Local Peoples is a strategic research and design studio based in Melbourne and Canberra.

Our mission is to design healthy, resilient and resourceful communities. We are proud to be a certified B-Corporation with a strong focus on our social, environmental and economic impact.

We work across brand and digital design, place and experience design, content and community engagement. Our key partners include state and local government, social enterprises, universities and large commercial organisations. All are experiencing complex challenges right now and we believe that design research, thinking and delivery can help to solve these challenges and make positive change for people and the planet.

We produce Matters Journal, a publication and community of 100K+, which focuses on design-led social innovation and impact.

• Representative and inclusive - we are dedicated to building an inclusive and accessible workplace for people from diverse backgrounds
• Impact driven - work towards achieving real impact for people and the environment
• Fantastic culture - driven by a welcoming, supportive and collaborative team environment
• Professional support for design excellence - benefit from being a part of one of Australia’s fastest growing design and delivery communities
• Flexible working arrangements - including the ability to work remotely
• Market rate salaries - attractive remuneration packages in line with the market rate
• Flexible employment types - including the preference for permanent, but will consider contracting

Local Peoples proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community, neurodiverse individuals, and First Nations people. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued and respected. Together, we strive for equality and a positive future for all.

Local Peoples works, creates, and plays on the lands of the Wurundjeri, Bunurong, and Wathaurong peoples of the Kulin Nation, land which has never been ceded. We thank them for caring for this land for over 40,000 years and recognize and pay our deepest respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land