Rhode Island accountant employment contract template

Rhode Island Accountant Employment Contract

This Rhode Island Accountant Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date] by and between [Employer Legal Name], a [State] [Entity Type] with its principal place of business at [Employer Address] ("Employer"), and [Accountant Name], residing at [Accountant Address] ("Accountant").

1. Employment

• The Employer hereby employs the Accountant, and the Accountant hereby accepts employment with the Employer, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

2. Position and Duties

• The Accountant's position shall be Accountant. The Accountant will report to [Reporting Manager Name], [Reporting Manager Title].
• The Accountant's duties shall include, but not be limited to:
  • Maintaining the general ledger.
  • Processing accounts payable and receivable.
  • Administering payroll, including Rhode Island withholding and tax remittance obligations.
  • Budgeting and forecasting.
  • Reconciling accounts.
  • Performing month-end and year-end closing processes.
  • Preparing financial statements in compliance with GAAP and Rhode Island regulations.
  • Maintaining documentation for Rhode Island sales/use and corporate tax filings.
  • Preparing for audits and liaising with state auditors or regulatory authorities.
  • Applying Rhode Island-specific tax incentive programs.
  • Maintaining electronic and physical records consistent with Rhode Island statutes.
  • Complying with industry-specific rules, if applicable (e.g., healthcare, nonprofit, manufacturing).
  • Adhering to Rhode Island Board of Accountancy rules if a CPA.
  • Participating in required continuing education or ethics training.

3. Work Location and Remote Work

• Option A: The Accountant's primary work location shall be [Employer Address].
• Option B: The Accountant may be eligible for hybrid/remote work as permitted under Rhode Island law and subject to the Employer's remote work policy. Access and secure handling of financial data must comply with Rhode Island privacy requirements.

4. Full-Time Status and Work Hours

• The Accountant's position is a full-time position.
• The Accountant's standard weekly work hours shall be [Number] hours per week.
• Option A: Overtime may be required. Overtime compensation will be paid in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) requirements. The overtime rate will be 1.5 times the Accountant's regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
• Option B: The Accountant is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• The Accountant is entitled to legally required meal and rest breaks as provided under Rhode Island labor law.

5. Compensation

• Option A: The Accountant's annual salary shall be [Salary Amount], payable [Pay Frequency].
• Option B: The Accountant's hourly wage shall be [Hourly Wage], payable [Pay Frequency].
• The Accountant will be paid via [Payment Method].
• The pay cycle is [Pay Cycle Description].
• Option A: The Accountant may be eligible for a performance-based bonus based on [Bonus Criteria].
• Option B: The Accountant may be eligible for a profit-sharing incentive program as outlined in the company's policy.
• Option A: A bonus of [Bonus Amount] will be provided upon the successful completion of [Certification Name].
• Option B: No bonus for certification.

6. Benefits

• The Accountant will be eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's benefit plans:
  • Health insurance.
  • Dental insurance.
  • Vision insurance.
  • Life insurance.
  • Disability insurance.
  • 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA with a company match of [Match Percentage].
  • Paid vacation time per Rhode Island Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act.
  • Paid sick leave and personal days per Rhode Island Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act.
  • Statutory holidays as recognized by the State of Rhode Island.
  • Professional development funding for CPA/CMA/CFE or other relevant credentials up to [Amount] per year.
  • Reimbursement of fees for maintaining mandatory Rhode Island licenses.
  • Mandated jury duty and military leave as per Rhode Island law.

7. Ownership of Work Product

All financial models, workpapers, tax return drafts, process documentation, and client records created during the Accountant's employment shall be the sole property of the Employer. The Accountant is prohibited from removing or duplicating such materials except as required by law or with advance written approval from the Employer.

8. Confidentiality

The Accountant shall maintain the confidentiality of all company financial data, business plans, client information, personnel data, and trade secrets. This obligation extends both during and after employment and is governed by the Rhode Island Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

9. Conflicts of Interest

The Accountant shall not engage in any activity that creates a conflict of interest with the Employer, including outside bookkeeping or tax preparation work for company clients or suppliers, without prior written disclosure and consent from the Employer.

10. Professional Conduct

Accountants with a CPA license must adhere to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and the requirements of the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy. Disciplinary reporting and professional ethics standards must be followed.

11. Internal Controls and Compliance

The Accountant shall adhere to all Employer internal controls, segregation of duties, and fraud risk management protocols as outlined in the company's accounting policies and procedures.

12. Tools and Software

The Accountant shall use the following tools and software: [List of Software]. The Employer will provide training on changes to federal or state laws affecting daily duties.

13. Behavioral Standards and Communication Protocols

The Accountant shall adhere to the following behavioral standards and communication protocols: Timely and accurate filing of all Rhode Island state tax forms, immediate reporting of suspected fraudulent activity or compliance breaches, participation in internal/external audits including those by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, and consistent reconciliation of general ledger balances in line with regulatory timetables.

14. Non-Compete and Non-Solicit (If Applicable)

• Option A: The Accountant agrees not to compete with the Employer or solicit the Employer's clients or employees during the term of employment and for a period of [Number] months following termination of employment within a radius of [Number] miles from [Employer Address]. This provision is narrowly tailored to protect legitimate business interests and meets Rhode Island's enforceability standards. It does not apply if the employee is laid off due to the COVID-19 emergency.
• Option B: There is no non-compete or non-solicit agreement.

15. At-Will Employment

The Accountant's employment is "at-will," meaning that either the Accountant or the Employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, subject to the provisions below.

16. Termination

• Voluntary Resignation: The Accountant shall provide the Employer with at least [Number] weeks' written notice of resignation.
• Termination for Cause: The Employer may terminate the Accountant's employment for cause, which includes, but is not limited to, [Examples of Cause].
• Termination Without Cause: The Employer may terminate the Accountant's employment without cause.
• Upon termination, the Employer shall comply with Rhode Island final wage payment rules, including payout of accrued vacation time if promised in policy.
• The Accountant shall return or delete all company property and data upon termination.

17. Dispute Resolution

• Option A: Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through internal grievance procedures, followed by mandatory mediation in Rhode Island.
• Option B: Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be subject to Rhode Island venue and choice of law.

18. Workers' Compensation

The Accountant is covered by the Employer's workers' compensation insurance in compliance with Rhode Island Department of Labor health and safety standards. The Accountant is responsible for reporting any workplace injuries or ergonomic hazards.

19. Equal Employment Opportunity

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic as required by Rhode Island General Laws. The Accountant has the right to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights if they believe they have been discriminated against.

20. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written.

21. Amendments

This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

22. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island.

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]

[Accountant Name]

Signature: ____________________________