Fast Facts

First Book is seeking an Accounting Coordinator to manage receivables and support the accounting team while ensuring excellent member service. This role requires in-person attendance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, emphasizing attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities: Manage marketplace order payments, monitor accounts, resolve discrepancies, assist members with billing inquiries, and support Accounts Payable and annual audit tasks.

Skills: Proficiency in accounting software, Excel, and Salesforce preferred; detail-oriented with strong organizational and communication skills; customer service orientation.

Qualifications: 2-3 years of experience in accounting or finance; Bachelor’s degree preferred or Associate degree with relevant experience.

Location: WASHINGTON, District of Columbia, United States

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $45,000 - $65,000.

First Book has a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy (medical and religious exemptions permitted). Proof of fully vaccinated status is required before an interview.

About First Book: First Book (https://firstbook.org/) A global leader in social enterprise, First Book harnesses the strategies of the private sector to advance social change. First Book has built a family of social enterprises to serve its network of over 600K educators including the First Book Marketplace, The First Book Accelerator, First Book Insights, and a range of other efforts. In fact, since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 250 million books and educational materials to children from low-income families. Because of its record of innovation and impact, First Book has been celebrated globally by such institutions as the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the World Economic Forum, and in case studies at Columbia Business School, Wharton Business School, the Yale School of Management, and the London School of Economics. Finally, Charity Navigator recently awarded First Book with its highest rating, including a perfect 100% score for Accountability & Transparency.

About the position: (This is not a 100% remote position/ MANDATORY IN OFFICE: Tuesday & Wednesday)

The Accounting Coordinator is an essential part of the First Book team, providing critical support to the Accounting department while frequently interacting with other departments and network members. This role focuses on managing First Book’s receivables, including marketplace order processing and monitoring, payment reconciliation, follow-up on unpaid invoices, and member support for billing inquiries. The Accounting Coordinator will also support Accounts Payable activities upon request.

The position demands strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, a solid understanding of accounting principles, proficiency in Excel, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Sort and process order payments received via lockbox, credit card, or electronic payments (e.g., ACH).

• Process non-credit card orders for fulfillment through our e-commerce platform daily and promptly.
• Monitor customer accounts for outstanding balances, delays, and discrepancies; communicate with customers as needed.
• Investigate and resolve payment discrepancies by working closely with the Member Service Team, Operations, and Accounting team members.
• Assist members with overpayment refunds, out-of-stock credits, and sales tax adjustments.
• Communicate with customers via mail, phone, and email to follow up on outstanding payments.
• Log and track payment or order issues, escalating to appropriate departments as necessary.
• Support the validation of sales tax exemption certificates through CertCapture.
• Complete vendor forms and other required documentation for First Book members.
• Assist in generating acknowledgment letters and mail merges for corporate donations.
• Enter payables/invoices into the accounting system.
• Support the annual audit process as needed.
• Assist with additional reporting, case monitoring in Salesforce, and other accounting tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in accounting software, with experience in Salesforce and Excel preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Professional and patient phone manner.
• Proficiency in standard office equipment and software.
• Reliable and punctual.

Education and/or Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; however, Associate degree with relevant experience will be considered.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

TO APPLY:

Candidates are invited to submit a resume, and a cover letter that details your interest in the position to http://firstbook.force.com/careers. If you need assistance applying, please contact us at 202-499-5935.