Parish Accountant

Position Summary: The Parish Accountant for the St. Paul the Apostle plays a key role in the month-end close process, financial reporting, and the accounts payable process ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records and providing meaningful analysis. The Parish Accountant will prepare financial statements, manage general ledger activities, and analyze data to provide detailed responses to questions and analyzing revenue sources.

This position requires strong analytical skills, an understanding of accounting principles, and experience working with enterprise accounting systems. Prior experience in fund accounting is a plus but not required.

Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Parish Manager

Essential Job Functions:

As the General Accountant

• Business Dynamics 365, ADP, and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.). Parish Database Applications (ACS and Flocknote)

• Utilize accounting and business systems including General Ledger, and Accounts Receivable, Payroll applications.
• Entering financial data and transactions, including bank deposits, into the General Ledger

• Perform month-end and year-end closing processes, including preparation of journal entries and financial statements.
• Prepare bank reconciliations and balance sheet account reconciliations.

• Assist in the development and management of the annual budgeting process.
• Conduct financial and variance analysis to support business decision-making.
• Strong understanding of subsidiary ledger processes including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Support the Pastor and Parish Manager in their duties as needed. Participate in quarterly Finance and Parish Council Meetings
• Perform special projects as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate financial reporting, understanding of the budgeting process, understanding of departmental financial reports, compliance with internal controls and Parish & Diocesan policies.
• Have continuous improvement mentality by assisting in improving and documenting accounting processes and procedures.
• Be the Primary Backup for Payroll processing

As the Accounts Payable Specialist, the Parish Accountant shall:

• Manage accounts payable using accounting software integrated with the General Ledger
• Handle accounts payable for all vendors
  • Maintain Vendor Master File including FEIN and contact information
  • Maintain W-9’s as required
  • Process Calendar Year End 1099’s
• Process invoices for payments and ensure that all bills are paid in a timely and accurate manner while adhering to departmental procedures
  • The standard payables cycle is weekly with checks being distributed on Friday
  • On Occasion “one off” invoices or check requests may be processed.
  • Distribute credit card statements and receive documentation from users for credit card charges. Review with Pastor and Parish Manager as required.

Requirements:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in accounting, financial analysis, planning, budgeting or related roles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly with Excel.
• Strong adopter of new technology required.
• Ability to self-start and be a critical thinker is desirable.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

The candidate should have knowledge of how to use copier, fax machine, phone, and postage machine. A driver’s license is required to occasionally run errands, pick up supplies for events, etc. This position involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands and feet, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching above shoulders, and tasting/smelling at least 1/3 of the time. The candidate should also be able to lift up to 25 lbs. in order to move files, purchase supplies, carry materials to events, etc.