What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director position at Cedar Mill Bible Church?
Job Title: Finance Director
Employment Type: Exempt, Full-Time
Job Location: Portland, Oregon
Works With: The Lead Pastor, Finance Committee, and other Ministry Leaders
Position Summary:
The Finance Director provides strategic financial leadership, oversight, and management to ensure the fiscal health of Cedar Mill Bible Church. This individual oversees all financial operations—including budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, accounts payable, payroll, and compliance—while supporting ministry through accurate recordkeeping and responsible stewardship. The role ensures financial data is current, reconciled, and reliable, and requires both high-level strategic thinking and hands-on management to support the church’s mission and ministry goals effectively. The position demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, integrity, and proficiency with accounting systems, while working collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Reporting
- Maintains accurate, up-to-date financial records and oversees general ledger maintenance in the church’s accounting software
- Records and categorizes all financial transactions, including contributions, expenses, and transfers
- Reconciles bank and related accounts on a regular basis
- Completes weekly financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting
- Prepares, distributes, and presents accurate and timely financial statements and reports to church leadership and the finance committee
- Monitors cash flow and ensures proper stewardship of church resources
- Supports fiscal year transitions, including budget rollovers and verification of carryover balances
Accounts Payable & Payroll
- Oversees accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including invoice review, coding, and payment processing
- Ensures timely and accurate payment to vendors, contractors, and service providers
- Processes payroll and maintain accurate payroll records
- Ensures compliance with applicable payroll laws and reporting requirements
- Maintains organized documentation for all disbursements
Financial Strategy & Planning
- Oversees the development, management, and tracking of the church’s annual budget, ensuring financial health and transparency
- Conducts financial forecasting and analysis to support long-term planning and identify growth opportunities
- Collaborates with the finance committee to review financial reports
Compliance
- Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards, including nonprofit regulations
- Develops and documents proper accounting procedures and ensures compliance
- Maintains the church’s property tax exemptions in good standing, including timely annual exemption filings for all qualifying real property and documentation of each parcel’s exempt use
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintains strict confidentiality in handling financial information
- Assists with and manages audits and external financial reviews as needed
- Completes other tasks, projects, and duties as requested
- Regularly participates in the life of Cedar Mill Bible Church
Qualifications:
- Affirms the church’s Statement of Faith and lives in alignment with its Seven Distinctives
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or MBA a plus)
- 5 years of financial management experience, including with GAAP
- Experience managing budgets and financial operations
- Knowledge of nonprofit accounting practices and fund accounting
- Proficiency with Excel and financial software (Aplos)
- Exhibits strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
- Manages multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
- Exercises a high level of integrity and discretion
Spiritual Character:
The Finance Director is a mature and growing follower of Jesus Christ who views the stewardship of the church’s resources as an act of worship and an extension of its ministry. We are looking for a person of evident integrity, humility, and discretion who handles sensitive and confidential information with trustworthiness, demonstrates a servant’s heart in working alongside staff and volunteers, and supports the mission, vision, and values of Cedar Mill Bible Church through both their work and their personal walk of faith.