Administrative Coordinator/Bookkeeper

Overview: Material Return, a dynamic enterprise of The Industrial Commons, is at the forefront of the sustainable and circular textile revolution! Centered within the framework of research and development, workforce development, and commercialization, our work in transforming reclaimed textiles into innovative new materials is pioneering the region towards a circular economy. We're passionate about cultivating a vibrant, engaging, and industrious workplace where innovation thrives and creativity flourishes.

Material Return is seeking an Administrative Coordinator/Bookkeeper to support the daily financial and administrative operations that keep the organization running smoothly. This role centers on maintaining accurate financial records, processing payables and receivables, reconciling accounts, and ensuring all transactions are recorded clearly and on time. It also includes supporting surrounding administrative needs such as organizing documents, preparing routine reports, coordinating billing communications, and assisting with general office tasks that keep workflows streamlined. Through steady, detail-focused work, this position helps ensure Material Return’s financial and administrative processes remain accurate, organized, and dependable.

About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is a nonprofit in Morganton, NC creating an ecosystem focused on rooting local wealth and ownership. Material Return provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Primary Function: The primary responsibilities are maintaining accurate and organized financial records, followed by secondary administrative duties that ensure workflows run smoothly. This full-time hourly role ensures the team has clear and up-to-date financial information, ultimately providing the financial clarity, while handling organizational support with office and project-specific tasks that the team depends on.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct all financial recording keeping through Quickbooks Online or other software, including but not limited to: timely categorization of income and expenses, maintenance of Chart of Accounts, COGS accounts, A/P and A/R.
• Process incoming invoices and outgoing payments accurately and on time.
• Track client payment statuses and ensure timely collections.
• Process customer and vendor bills and payments.
• Maintain clear communication with vendors and clients.
• Manage and report cash flow status.
• Create and track purchase orders.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts.
• Track expenses against budgets and identify discrepancies for prompt resolution.
• Support inventory tracking and reconciliation activities.
• Provide accurate and complete financial records to necessary stakeholders, including Material Return Leadership and TIC Finance Team.
• Assist with grant reporting, annual audits, and other financial reporting activities as needed.
• Conduct bi-weekly payroll through Quickbooks online, tracking employee hours, PTO usage, and other benefit deductions, coordinating with the Human Resources department.
• Perform general administrative tasks, including but not limited to: processing supply orders
• Maintain shipment records and receipt of goods.
• Ensure all business documents, customer files, and online records are organized, up-to-date, and monitored for completion.
• Assist in coordination of Leadership Team schedules.
• Support the Transportation and material handling team in vendor and customer coordination.
• Keep material samples (yarns, fibers, etc) organized and updated.
• Participate in activities related to the ecosystem development of The Industrial Commons.
• Additional duties as assigned by managers.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Core competencies for this role include strong attention to detail, financial acumen (the ability to analyze financial statements, identify risks, and manage budgets) and a clear, organized approach to recordkeeping. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with accounting software (Quickbooks), collaborating with TIC Accountants, managing precise data entry, and developing and maintaining orderly systems for documents and transactions. They bring steady follow-through, clear communication, and the strong ability to prioritize tasks across financial and administrative workflows. Must have accuracy and confidentiality with a professional, solutions-oriented approach.

• 2-3 years of experience working with various software and programs, including Excel and Google Workspace.
• 2-3 years of booking experience required with a knowledge of QuickBooks preferred.
• Industry experience in manufacturing or the textile circular economy is a plus, with using time-tracking and inventory systems, or a willingness to learn.
• Degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in customer service related fields preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to reach/access products on high shelves.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position with computer work.
• Must be able to move about the office and various warehouse environments to access machinery and products, and to communicate with staff.
• Ability to observe and differentiate between details in materials and supplies.
• Ability to occasionally commute to manufacturing facilities and travel including overnight stays.
• Ability to travel on flights to different locations for team trips

Position is FLSA non-exempt full time with a salary range of $19-$25/hour, commensurate with experience. Preferred start date of January 12, 2026.

To apply, email with the subject line “MR Admin Coordinator/Bookkeeper”. Attach an updated professional resume and cover letter.

Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Gym membership
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $25