Part Time Bookkeeper

Job Summary:

This position is central to the functioning of St. James’ Episcopal Church. The bookkeeper handles the overall financial management of church donations, bills, financial reports, payroll, deposits, taxes, church pension, mailings, filing, ledgers, and prompt response to church business. While many of the tasks assigned are time and schedule sensitive, other tasks can be completed flexibly, or only occur from time to time or seasonally. This is an in-person position, 6 hours week for an independent contractor (W-9). Work day is Friday during business hours (or possibly Thursday).

Overview:

St. James’ is a 262 year-old parish in the heart of Danbury with a strong membership and 3 weekly worship services. St. James’ is active in community outreach through support of Daily Bread Food Pantry, Dorothy Day Hospitality House, Laundry Love, and more. It is an inclusive & diverse community that welcomes all people and respects the dignity of every human being.

Detailed List of Responsibilities:

• Liaison with church treasurer regularly

• Maintain, post and file parochial reports, contributions, and taxes, visitor reports, new pledges and parishioner information in our church bookkeeping system, called “Realm”.

• Review and pay bills, maintain bank reconciliations

• Maintain tax-exempt status

• Make checks as directed

• File vendors payments

• Process reimbursements

• File bank deposits

• Enter payroll taxes and print checks

• Pay Federal and State taxes

• Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to committees

• Prepare Church Pension payment form

• Prepare and distribute pledge statements

• Order checks, W2s, and statement envelopes, Prepare 1099 and W2s as needed • Maintain interest in bank books

• Support Stewardship committee with supplies and mailings

• Maintain the Book of the Living Trust

Qualifications:

• Certificate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or comparable bookkeeping experience

• 5 years of bookkeeping experience. Church bookkeeping a plus. • Proficient in technology, quick to learn new systems, including use of Realm, (church bookkeeping system), Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and navigating the Internet. Fast and accurate keyboarding skills. Familiarity with EventBrite, Constant Contact, Canva, MailChimp, and Ministry Scheduler a plus

• Excellent time management, organizational, verbal and written communication skills. • Attention to detail, to check work throughly and accurately, ability to work independently, and meet time-sensitive deadlines

• Quick learner and creative thinker; able to initiate, anticipate needs, and work collaboratively

• Able to maintain professional composure under pressure

• Personable, flexible and positive attitude

• U.S. work authorization required

• Physical Requirement: Must be able to climb stairs.

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time, in-person position of 6 hours per week, during office hours, on Friday. Employer may consider Thursday if candidate prefers. Parking is provided.

Applications open until May 29, 2026.

Position to start approximately June 8.

Supervision:

This position reports directly to the Rector. This position does not supervise others, but works closely with church leaders.