Bookkeeper

The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth.  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

General Position Summary: Performs bookkeeping services for the parish under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Maintains the financial bookkeeping system for the parish, including accounts payable and receivable by ledgers and financial statements.
• Maintains bank accounts for the parish, including processing check requests, assuring proper authorization for expenditures.
• Reconciles & maintains records of parishioners’ contributions and other money received. Supports the weekly contribution money counting ministry.
• Calculate & provide weekly contribution totals for the bulletin.
• Provides bookkeeping services for fundraising efforts for the parish, including Campaigns, special collections and the Annual Appeal.
• Assists in completing month-end and year-end close processes. Record adjusting journal entries as necessary.
• Completes monthly miscellaneous electronic funds transfers.
• Maintains vendor payment information.
• Assists parishioners in person or on the phone with contributions, envelopes and other issues.
• Prepares and mails yearly contribution statements.
• Maintains bookkeeping skills and expertise by participating in diocesan-sponsored training, attending workshops, and classes.
• Assists pastoral leaders and Financial Council in the budget creation process for the parish.
• Other duties and office coverage as assigned.

RECORD RETENTION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains a current work process/instructions binder for critical responsibilities.
• Maintains an inventory of financial transactions per diocesan guideline. 

Internal Contacts:

• The Diocese, priests and pastoral staff.

External Contacts:

• Parishioners, Diocesan vendors, financial institutions and auditors

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• This position works in a typical office environment but is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding business needs, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads.
• This role routinely involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.
• Visual Acuity: Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer monitor.  Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; expansive reading
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary, extending arms to reach files stored at multiple levels on file shelves, and climbing a stepladder to access files.
• Database entry via computer keyboard that requires hand and wrist movements.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance and up to 60 pounds with assistance.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel may be required to Diocesan Parishes and/or the Catholic Center.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Accounting and/or finance degree is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• At least two-three years of previous bookkeeping experience required.

Knowledge and Skills Preferred:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Experience with online banking systems and SAGE Intacct Accounting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ParishSoft church management software.
• Capacity to produce accurate and timely parish financial data as requested.
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow directives from the Chief of Staff with strong attention to detail.
• Catholic in good standing.
• Demonstrated ability to skillset to listen empathetically, make peace, and de-escalate
• Successful completion of the Diocesan Safe Environment process.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to receive, understand, retain, and complete verbal and written tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work efficiently with staff, clergy, religious, and laity.
• Demonstrated history of good judgement.
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work well with people from a diverse variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated aptitude for adaptability and flexibility.
• General ability and willingness to learn, use, troubleshoot, and implement/teach technology.

FLSA Designation - Non-Exempt, 25 hours per week with occasional overtime; onsite.