Delaware bookkeeper employment contract template

Delaware Bookkeeper Employment Contract

This Full-Time Bookkeeper Employment Agreement is made and entered into as of this [Date] by and between [Employer Legal Name], a company organized under the laws of Delaware, with its principal place of business at [Employer Address] ("Employer"), and [Employee Legal Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

1. Position

The Employer hires the Employee as a Bookkeeper.

• Option A: The Employee's duties include:
  • Maintaining general ledgers.
  • Preparing and reconciling bank and credit card statements.
  • Processing accounts payable and receivable.
  • Payroll processing compliant with Delaware wage reporting and tax withholding requirements.
  • Generating financial reports.
  • Assisting with budget preparation.
  • Collaborating with external accountants for tax filings and audits.
  • Ensuring compliance with Delaware and local financial recordkeeping laws.
• Option B: The Employee will also be responsible for [Specific additional responsibilities].

2. Reporting

The Employee will report to:

• Option A: The Finance Manager.
• Option B: The Controller.
• Option C: The Business Owner.
• Option D: [Other].

The Employee will communicate with Delaware-registered agents as applicable.

3. Work Location

The Employee's primary work location will be the Employer's office at [Employer Address] in Delaware.

• Option A: The Employee's position is primarily on-site.
• Option B: The Employee's position is hybrid, with [Number] days per week remote. The specific remote work schedule is [Remote Work Schedule].
• Option C: The Employee's position is fully remote.

The Employee must handle and transmit financial data securely, complying with Delaware privacy laws.

4. Employment Type and Schedule

This is a full-time position, with a customary work week of [Number] hours.

• Option A: The regular work schedule is [Days of the week], [Start Time] to [End Time].
• Option B: The work schedule is flexible and will be determined by the Employer based on business needs.

Overtime compensation and break/meal periods will comply with Delaware labor law. Overtime will be paid for hours worked in excess of 40 per week, as required by the FLSA. The company provides [Break Policy].

5. Compensation

The Employee's compensation will be:

• Option A: A base salary of [Salary Amount] per year, payable [Payment Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].
• Option B: An hourly wage of [Hourly Wage] per hour, payable [Payment Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].

The Employee's FLSA status is [Exempt/Non-Exempt]. Permitted payroll deductions will be made in accordance with applicable Delaware law.

• Option A: The Employee is eligible for a bonus or incentive based on [Bonus/Incentive Criteria].
• Option B: The Employee is not eligible for a bonus or incentive.

6. Employee Benefits

The Employee is eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans:

• Paid vacation and sick leave, according to company policy.
  • Option A: The employee accrues [Number] days of paid time off per year.
  • Option B: The company provides [Number] sick days and [Number] vacation days per year.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) or other retirement plan.
• Access to financial software training and professional development in accounting systems.

7. Business Expenses

The Employer will reimburse the Employee for reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, subject to the Employer's expense reimbursement policy. Examples include:

• Travel for continuing education.
• Membership in professional bookkeeping associations.
• Attendance at Delaware-based accounting seminars.

8. Confidentiality

The Employee acknowledges that they will have access to confidential information of the Employer and its clients. The Employee agrees to hold all such information in strict confidence and not to disclose it to any third party, consistent with the Delaware Uniform Trade Secrets Act, both during and after the term of employment.

9. Work Product

All work product, including reconciled books, financial statements, templates, and other deliverables prepared by the Employee during the course of employment, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Employer.

10. Data Security and IT Policy Compliance

The Employee will comply with the Employer's data security and IT policies, including proper handling of digital and paper-based financial records, use of secure passwords, and protection against unauthorized disclosure or transfer of data. The Employee will adhere to procedures for reporting data breaches under the Delaware Online Privacy and Protection Act.

11. Standards of Conduct

The Employee is expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior in dealing with sensitive financial matters. The Employee will comply with all employer and state anti-fraud and anti-money laundering policies as they apply to bookkeeping functions in Delaware.

12. Employment At-Will

Employment with the Employer is at-will, meaning that either the Employee or the Employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

• Option A: The employee must give [Number] weeks of notice.
• Option B: The employer must give [Number] weeks of notice.

Upon termination, the Employee's final paycheck will be provided as required by Delaware law, and accrued benefits will be paid out according to company policy. The Employee will return all company property, records, and devices.

13. Gross Misconduct

The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment immediately for gross misconduct or violations of fiduciary duties, including financial misappropriation or falsification of financial records.

14. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be resolved through negotiation and mediation, prioritizing resolution through good-faith efforts. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, and any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Delaware.

15. Compliance with Laws

The Employee will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Delaware's rules and requirements for employment verification and I-9 completion, and anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity laws (Title 19, Delaware Code).

16. Non-Compete

• Option A: This agreement does not include any non-compete restrictions.
• Option B: The employee agrees not to compete with the employer for a period of [Number] months after termination of employment within [Radius] miles of [Location]. The scope of this restriction is limited to protecting confidential financial information.

17. Resignation and Exit Process

Upon resignation, the Employee will securely transfer all bookkeeping records, access to relevant accounts, and handover financial management instructions to their successor.

18. Wage and Hour Compliance

The Employer will comply with all applicable Delaware wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime calculations, paycheck timing, and permissible wage deductions. Changes to compensation or duties require a written agreement.

19. Insurance

The Employer will maintain workers' compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and business liability insurance as required by Delaware law.

20. Ongoing Education and Performance Reviews

The Employee may be required to participate in ongoing education to stay current with changing Delaware tax and revenue rules. The Employee will participate in periodic performance reviews focused on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.

21. Authority

The Employee's authority to initiate payments, access accounts, and approve expenditures is limited to [Specify Limits].

22. Reporting Irregularities

The Employee is obligated to immediately report any suspected fraud, theft, or financial irregularities.

23. Amendments

The Employer may amend this Agreement at its discretion, provided that the Employee receives written notice and consents to the changes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

[Employer Legal Name]

By: [Employer Representative Name]

Title: [Employer Representative Title]

[Employee Legal Name]

Signature:

Date: