Learn About Being an Account Coordinator

Updated January 26, 2023

What does an account coordinator do?

An account coordinator provides day-to-day administrative support to account executives. The position often includes research and budgeting as well as providing project support to marketing teams. The account coordinator maintains client relationships by conducting pre- and post-sales client service, addressing concerns and initiating regular communication with clients.

Other duties of an account coordinator include:

Preparing and filing sales contracts and reports
Writing sales proposal templates
Managing client database and updating client account records
Coordinating meetings and scheduling calls for the account management team
Researching prospective clients
Communicating client feedback to account management teams
Performing market and competitive research
Assisting in the creation of promotional materials such as presentations, videos, demos and more

Average salary

Many account coordinators are full-time employees, though some may work part-time. Salaries for account coordinators vary depending on their level of education or certification and relevant work experience as well as the size and location of the employer. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link.

Common salary in the U.S.: $44,701 per year
Typical salaries range from $14,000 to $93,000 per year.

Account coordinator requirements

An account coordinator role may require certain specific qualifications, depending on the level and industry of the positions for which you’re applying. The requirements typically include:

Education

Entry-level account coordinators are usually required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, but some employers may require a post-secondary degree in advertising, communications, marketing or public relations.

Most colleges and universities offer degree programs in marketing, public relations or advertising. These programs typically include courses in copywriting, digital media, advertising, ethics and communication.

Advancement to a supervisory or managerial role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree. You may find a master’s degree to be beneficial in some industries.

Training

While the hard skills for an account coordinator are taught in a classroom setting, many aspects of the role are learned by training on the job. For example, many account coordinators have previous experience in media support roles, copywriting or customer service, and many gain experience through internships.

Certifications

Professional certifications validate the qualifications you have earned to current and future employers. Account coordinators can earn certifications to gain a deeper knowledge of their daily responsibilities, test their skills and advance their careers. Here are some of the most common certifications for this profession:

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), this certification provides several career benefits, such as increased earning potential, greater marketability and enhanced knowledge. Depending on your level of formal post-secondary education, you will be required to have completed 3,500 to 7,000 hours on the job using skills such as communication, writing and editing, project management and budgeting. The exam for this certification covers the entire body of knowledge — broken up into six categories — and must be passed before receiving certification.

Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE)

Offered by the American Society of Administrative Professionals, the PACE certification is broadly recognized as a career achievement and denotes advanced competence. Possessing this credential can help you expand your career options and increase your earning potential.

Skills

Account coordinators must have a certain set of hard and soft skills to succeed in this role. Those skills include:

Organization: Account coordinators use organizational skills to manage client account data, schedule meetings and phone calls and maintain several calendars.
Communication: Account coordinators must interact effectively with sales and marketing professionals, clients and potential clients in person, over the phone or by email to gather and share information, handle payments and ask questions to resolve problems.
Interpersonal skills: Professionals must maintain clear, respectful communication with others. Account coordinators use their interpersonal skills to solve problems, answer questions and collaboratively come up with solutions.
Technical skills: Account coordinators generate invoices, print documents and communicate with clients and account managers. Basic office skills and skills related to word processing, spreadsheets and billing software are needed to complete these tasks.

Account coordinator work environment

These professionals work in an office setting with the following attributes:

Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time
Normal 40-hour workweek with occasional overtime to meet deadlines
Using computers, printers, fax machines and office telephones
Communicating with clients, sales staff and upper management
Facilitating communication between clients and account reps
Reviewing and filing sales documents

The education, skills and experience of account coordinators can be transferable in many industries. Account coordinators typically work in the following fields:

Public relations
Advertising
Education
Corporations
Health care

How to become an account coordinator

While some account coordinator roles are entry-level positions, most applicants need to have relevant work experience or certifications. Follow this list of steps to become an account coordinator:

1. Familiarize yourself with the industry requirements.

To qualify for account coordinator positions, applicants should have an understanding of public relations, advertising and business. Applicants should research the specific industries they are interested in to create a list of required skills, certifications, work experiences and education levels.

2. Gain the necessary education.

This role often requires at least a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or a related field. While employers may not require specific certifications before employment, proving familiarity with common advertising platforms and graphics tools is often recommended. Entry-level or early career applicants may be able to use certifications and additional training programs in place of work experience.

3. Learn the relevant technical and soft skills.

Account coordinators must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills to excel in this role. Most day-to-day tasks involve communicating with individuals in various levels of management, ensuring that project deadlines are being met and addressing client concerns and questions. Networking skills are also crucial for positions in advertising agencies with external clients.

4. Prepare for your interview.

Applicants should always prepare for an interview by researching both the company and common interviewer questions and talking points. It is also important to review the company’s specific job description, as well as your own cover letter and resume. Be prepared to discuss your strongest relevant skills.

Account coordinator job description example

Blue Ridge Marketing is seeking an account coordinator to provide day-to-day administrative support to our sales and marketing teams to ensure smooth daily operations and client support. The successful candidate will be highly organized and effective at multi-tasking. Experience with marketing campaigns and a deep understanding of customer service are necessary. This role plays a part in driving company growth and maintaining client relationships.

Responsibilities

Prepare and file sales documents, including contracts and supplemental documentation
Write and/or revise sales proposals
Update client databases
Organize meetings, schedule conference calls and set up presentations and demonstrations for the sales team
Conduct research on prospective clients, market trends and industry news
Relay client feedback to sales and account management teams
Create detailed reports as needed
Assist in the creation of promotional and sales materials (presentations, sales sheets and videos)
Other administrative duties as assigned

Requirements

Demonstrated experience as an account coordinator, sales assistant or similar role
Excellent computer software skills
Extensive experience with CRM software
Experience working with marketing/advertising teams to execute campaigns
Must be organized and possess exceptional time-management skills
Strong critical thinking skills with a problem-solving attitude
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or relevant field