Massachusetts bookkeeper employment contract template

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How Massachusetts bookkeeper employment contract Differ from Other States

  1. Massachusetts has unique wage payment and minimum wage laws that must be addressed specifically in the employment contract.

  2. Non-compete agreements in Massachusetts are subject to strict statutory requirements, unlike many other states.

  3. The contract must comply with Massachusetts-specific employee classification standards, especially for independent contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: Does Massachusetts require written employment contracts for bookkeepers?

    A: Written contracts are not mandated but are strongly recommended to clarify terms and compliance with state law.

  • Q: Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Massachusetts bookkeeper contracts?

    A: Yes, but they must meet specific legal criteria, including time limits, geographic scope, and signed notice requirements.

  • Q: What wage protections apply to bookkeepers in Massachusetts?

    A: Massachusetts law mandates timely wage payments and enforces the state minimum wage, which must be specified in the contract.

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Massachusetts Bookkeeper Employment Contract

This Full-Time Bookkeeper Employment Contract (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Date], by and between [Employer Full Legal Name], located at [Employer Address], hereinafter referred to as “Employer,” and [Employee Full Legal Name], residing at [Employee Address], hereinafter referred to as “Employee.”

1. Position:

  • Bookkeeper
    • Option A: The Employee is hired as a Bookkeeper, reporting to [Reporting Manager Name/Title].
    • Option B: The Employee is hired as a Bookkeeper, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:

The Employee shall perform the following duties, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts laws and regulations:

  • Daily transaction recording.
  • Reconciling accounts.
  • Payroll processing in compliance with Massachusetts wage-and-hour laws.
  • Handling local, state, and federal tax filings, including Massachusetts Department of Revenue reporting.
  • Maintaining accurate ledgers.
  • Supporting audits.
  • Preparing required financial statements.
  • Overseeing accounts payable/receivable.
  • Ensuring documentation aligns with Massachusetts regulations.
    • Option A: The Employee will primarily use [Accounting Software Name].
    • Option B: The Employee must be familiar with Massachusetts-specific payroll systems.
    • Option C: The Employee must have experience managing records for mandated state health insurance, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and unemployment insurance.

3. Workplace:

  • Option A: The Employee's primary workplace is located at the Employer’s designated facility in Massachusetts at [Address].
  • Option B: The Employee will work remotely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Employee must comply with Massachusetts data privacy, breach notification, and record retention rules for all financial data handled.

4. Employment Type and Hours:

  • The Employee's position is full-time.
    • Option A: The standard work week is [Number] hours.
    • Option B: The Employee's regular work schedule is [Days of the Week], from [Start Time] to [End Time].
  • Massachusetts overtime calculation (over 40 hours/week, at least 1.5x regular rate) applies. Precise tracking and documentation of hours is required. The Employee is entitled to rest/meal breaks as required by Massachusetts law.

5. Compensation:

  • Option A: The Employee's annual salary is [Dollar Amount], payable [Pay Frequency, e.g., weekly, bi-weekly].
  • Option B: The Employee's hourly wage is [Dollar Amount], payable [Pay Frequency, e.g., weekly, bi-weekly].
  • Overtime eligibility and rates will be in accordance with Massachusetts law.
    • Option A: The Employee is eligible for an annual bonus based on performance, as determined by the Employer.
    • Option B: The Employee's wage will be reviewed annually.

6. Benefits:

The Employee is eligible for the following benefits:

  • Employer-provided health insurance options compliant with the Massachusetts Health Connector requirements.
  • Mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave coverage.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave policies (with compliance to Massachusetts Sick Time Law).
  • Paid statutory holidays.
    • Option A: The Employer offers a retirement plan (e.g., 401k) with [Percentage]% matching.
    • Option B: The Employee is eligible for tuition reimbursement for bookkeeping/accounting certifications relevant to Massachusetts business practices, up to [Dollar Amount] per year.

7. Confidentiality:

The Employee shall maintain the confidentiality of the Employer’s financial records, client information, payroll data, and any sensitive personal information under Massachusetts data privacy laws (including Mass. General Laws Chapter 93H). The Employee must also comply with state-specific breach notification requirements.

8. Ownership of Work Product:

All financial reports, bookkeeping records, and all data created or maintained during employment are the property of the Employer. The Employer follows Massachusetts record-keeping duration requirements (generally seven years for payroll/tax).

9. Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disclosure:

  • Option A: (If a non-compete is used, carefully review and tailor it to Massachusetts law). During the employment and for a period of [Number] months following termination of employment, the Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in [Specific description of competitive activity] within [Geographic Area].
  • Option B: The Employee shall not solicit any clients or employees of the Employer for a period of [Number] months following termination of employment.
  • The Employee shall not disclose any confidential information of the Employer to any third party.

10. Behavioral Standards:

The Employee shall adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Massachusetts ethics standards for bookkeeping professionals, and refrain from misuse of Employer or client funds. The Employee is expected to pursue professional continuing education and licensure if applicable.

11. Electronic Record-Keeping and Data Security:

The Employee shall adhere to the Employer’s policies regarding electronic record-keeping and secure handling/storage of sensitive data.

12. Anti-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion, military status, marital status, genetics, or ancestry, as protected by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B.

13. At-Will Employment:

The Employee’s employment is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to Massachusetts law.

  • Option A: Upon termination by the Employer, the Employee will receive [Number] weeks' written notice.
  • Option B: The Employee will be paid for earned but unused sick/vacation leave in accordance with Massachusetts law upon termination.

14. Progressive Discipline and Grievance Handling:

The Employer will utilize a progressive discipline process. Grievances will be handled according to company policy, which complies with Massachusetts labor laws.

15. Worker's Compensation:

The Employee is covered by the Employer's worker's compensation insurance as required by Massachusetts law. The Employee shall adhere to Massachusetts Occupational Safety and Health rules.

16. Remote Work and Reimbursement:

The Employer will reimburse the Employee for necessary equipment or expenses related to remote work, in compliance with Massachusetts wage and hour law.

17. Training:

The Employee is required to participate in employer-directed trainings relevant to Massachusetts payroll, tax, ethics, and workplace safety.

18. Dispute Resolution:

Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved first through negotiation and mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

19. Governing Law:

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

____________________________
[Employer Full Legal Name]

By: ____________________________
[Employer Representative Name], [Title]

____________________________
[Employee Full Legal Name]

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