Lulu Press is dedicated to making the world a better place, one book at a time through sustainable practices, innovative print-on-demand products, and a commitment to excellent service. We use cutting edge technology to produce high quality eBooks and print-on-demand products via sustainable sourcing and environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.

Our employees are committed to making our communities and the world a better place by providing unrivaled customer service to one author, one idea, one book at a time. It's part of our story. What's yours?

Junior Staff Accountant, Accounts Receivable
We're currently seeking a Junior Staff Accountant on our Accounting team. In this role, you will primarily own our accounts receivable process, from invoicing and cash application through collections and month-end reconciliation. You will be responsible for issuing accurate and timely customer invoices, applying incoming payments across multiple channels and currencies, and following up on past-due balances with professionalism and care

Your responsibilities will encompass monitoring the AR aging, researching short payments, credits, and chargebacks, and partnering with customer service and sales to resolve billing disputes. You will also make sure sales tax is correctly applied to invoices and that customer exemption certificates are kept current. You will also be responsible for reviewing customer credit applications.

Experience in accounts receivables, collections, or cash application is a plus, as is proficiency in accounting software (NetSuite) and excel, including pivot tables and lookups. Familiarity with multi-currency transactions and online payment processors is also helpful.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as you will be entrusted with maintaining precise customer records and meeting month-end close deadlines.

In managing our receivables, this position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as you will be the main point of contact for customers with billing and payment questions. You will collaborate closely with customer service, sales, and the broader finance team, and excellent organizational and time management abilities will be key to your success.

The ability to  investigate and resolve payment issues tactfully, while keeping customer relationships positive, is crucial. So is a firm commitment to company policies and internal controls around credit, cash handling, and write-offs.

We are a small, close-knit team, so you will work side by side with other accountants, share knowledge, and step in to support one another during busy periods. We are looking for someone who is open to learning and enjoys collaborating, and you will have room to grow your skills in areas beyond AR as the team evolves. 

Responsibilities

• Invoicing: Generate and distribute accurate and timely customer invoices. Ensure invoices are in compliance with contractual terms and company policies.
• Customer Accounts: Maintain customer accounts and update customer information as needed. Respond to customer inquiries and resolve billing discrepancies. Maintain Sales Tax Certificates in Avalara.
• Cash Application: Apply customer and retailer payments to the appropriate accounts including payments from our credit card processors. Reconcile payments received with outstanding invoices. 
• Process refunds of sales tax and VAT through Freshdesk ticket system.
• Collections: Monitor and manage accounts receivable aging. Implement and follow up on collection strategies to minimize overdue payments.
• Credit Management: Assess and establish credit limits for customers. Review and evaluate creditworthiness of new and existing customers.
• Reporting: Generate regular reports on accounts receivable status. Provide insights and analysis to management on receivables performance.
• Assists with financial and tax audits, including AR confirmations and supporting documentation.
• Month-end Close: Assist in the month-end close process by providing necessary reports and reconciliations related to accounts receivable. Collaborate with the accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts receivable sub-ledger with the general ledger. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Documentation: Maintain organized and up-to-date records of customer transactions. Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements in accounts receivable procedures. Implement and streamline processes to enhance efficiency.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues in the finance department and other relevant teams to support overall financial goals. Assist with special projects and initiatives as required and will be available to be trained as a Finance Team back-up based on management review.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• General accounting experience including general ledger, posting journal entries, and reconciliations. Candidates and recent graduates with internship experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in accounts receivable or a similar financial role (a plus).
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Familiarity with accounting software and ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills with proven use of advanced excel functionality.
• Experience with foreign currencies (a plus)
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of completeness and accuracy, self motivated.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to summarize financial data to allow use of this information to better run the business.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective ability to manage and adhere to deadlines.
• Be able to work in a hybrid environment out of our RTP, NC office, with approximately 2 days in the office per week, and as needed.