Finance Director

Company Description

Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School is located in Asheville, North Carolina, and provides a welcoming and supportive community. The church offers two Sunday services, including a traditional service and a Praise and Worship service, to cater to diverse worship preferences. As a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), Emmanuel is rooted in a strong faith tradition with a focus on serving both its members and the broader community.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role located at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Asheville, NC. The Finance Director will oversee the financial management and reporting for the church and school. Responsibilities include preparing financial statements, managing the budgeting process, analyzing financial data, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and providing financial reports to church and school leadership. The role requires strategic financial planning and collaboration with various stakeholders to support the financial health of the organization.

Reports to: Parish Administrator

Collaborates with: Senior Pastor, Board of Directors, Parish Administration, School Principal, ECE Director

FLSA Status: Exempt Full Time (20 hours /week for more than 5 months/year)

Academic/Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in finance, accounting or other business-related field is required.
• Minimum three to five years of experience in managerial accounting, financial reporting, payroll and human resources, bookkeeping and budget preparation.

Primary Purpose and Function:

• To serve the church and school by providing oversight for day to day accounting and financial operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensure that accurate and timely accounting functions are performed and records are

maintained weekly/monthly for:

· Accounts payable

· Accounts receivable

· Purchasing

· Fixed Assets

· Bank and investment account reconciliations

· Payroll, compensation and benefits management

· Month-end journal entries

· Fiscal year-end close activities

· Financial statements and reports

· Payroll, compensation and benefits

· Onboarding and off boarding of employees

2. Other on-going responsibilities:

· Coordinate and assist the Parish Administration Ministry Team in developing and monitoring the church and school budget.

· Facilitate the annual renewal of insurance policies.

· Provide financial data required by the independent accounting firm and other governing authorities

· Prepare and file various reports required by other external and governmental agencies.

· Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

· Ensure financial processes are in alignment with the church’s constitution and by-laws.

· Research and propose efficient financial procedures and software/computer upgrades as needed.

· Work with the Parish Administration Ministry Team to implement the church and school’s personnel policies and procedures and maintain personnel files.

· Attend the Parish Administration Ministry Team and Board meetings as a resource and to provide financial information.

· Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor and Parish Administrator to review financial status of the church and school and to make recommendations.

· Report financial irregularities or financial concerns to leadership and/or board in a timely manner.

· Other duties as assigned to meet requirements.

Key Competencies and Skills:

· Strong computer skills and proficiency with spreadsheets and accounting applications

· Ability to multi-task

· Ability to trouble-shoot and problem solve

· Ability to keep sensitive information confidential

· Effective communication skills

· Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

· Office environment in a multi-level church and school campus.

· Keyboarding and data input multiple hours per workday.

· On-campus presence with flexibility for remote work.Qualifications

• Proficiency in Financial Planning and Finance management to develop and implement strategic financial goals.
• Experience in preparing Financial Statements and Financial Reporting to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Strong Analytical Skills to assess financial data, trends, and risk factors effectively.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Proven leadership skills with a strong ability to collaborate across teams and communicate financial information effectively.
• Familiarity with non-profit or religious organization financial practices is a plus.
• Proficient in financial software and tools, as well as an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.