Kashrus Bookkeeper

Who We Are:

The Orthodox Union (OU) is the largest Orthodox Jewish organization in the United States, founded in 1898. The OU supports a vast network of synagogues, youth programs, advocacy efforts, services for individuals with disabilities, and international initiatives. It also operates the leading kosher certification service, recognized globally by the Ⓤ symbol on numerous kosher food products.

Position Summary:

The Orthodox Union is seeking a detail-oriented Bookkeeper to join the Kashrus Finance team. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of field representative reimbursements, inspection payments, and customer billing. This role requires strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage a high volume of financial transactions while providing outstanding service to both internal and external stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for an organized professional who enjoys working with numbers, problem-solving, and contributing to an essential operational function within a mission-driven organization.
 

This position is Full-Time, Hybrid — 3 days in-office (Lower Manhattan), 2 days remote per week

Responsibilities:

The Bookkeeper will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Review and process expense reports submitted by field representatives for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with organizational policies and allocate expenses to the appropriate accounts.
• Calculate reimbursement amounts, inspection payments, and applicable billing rates in accordance with established guidelines.
• Process timely reimbursements to field representatives for inspections, factory visits, and other approved business expenses.
• Generate customer invoices for billable inspections and services.
• Communicate with field representatives to resolve discrepancies, obtain missing documentation, and answer questions regarding submitted expenses.
• Assist with collections activities, including researching outstanding balances and responding to customer inquiries.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with the Kashrus and Finance teams to ensure the timely and accurate processing of financial transactions.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Hebrew and familiarity with Jewish kosher practices is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Office, and PDF management.
• Strong mathematical aptitude and comfort working with financial data and calculations.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred

• Associate's or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Previous bookkeeping, accounting, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, or finance experience.
• Experience processing expense reimbursements or working with financial software or ERP systems.
• Experience working with high-volume transactional processing.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $45,000- $50,000, commensurate with experience.

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:

The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.

Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.

In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.

Additional Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days
• Paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
• Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
• Free life and disability insurance
• Discounted continuing education opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)