Director of Finance

STATUS:

Temple Baptist Church of Ruston, Louisiana is seeking an a highly qualified individual to serve as the Director of Finance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial management. The Director of Finance will play a crucial role in overseeing and managing the financial operations of the church, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. This is a full-time position with the expectation that the individual will carry out all duties and responsibilities of the job description for the duration of employment.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Director of Finance is to ensure the effective management and stewardship of financial resources to support the mission and goals of Temple Baptist Church. The Director of Finance provides strategic financial guidance to church leadership to facilitate transparency and accountability and promote good financial stewardship among the church community. Ultimately, the purpose of this position is to promote financial stability and sustainability to support the church's mission of loving God and loving others.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision:

Responsible for the direct supervision of designated staff members.

Oversee the onboarding process of new hires to the Finance team and ensure individuals are adequately trained to perform their duties.

Set performance goals and expectations, monitor progress, and address any performance issues that may arise.

Provide regular performance feedback and evaluations to Finance team staff members.

The Director of Finance is responsible for the complete management of the church's financial life, ensuring compliance, stability, and transparency across all financial functions.

1. Accounting and Internal Controls

• Maintain robust internal controls and accounting systems for the financial operations of Temple Baptist Church.
• Serve as an entity-level control by maintaining account reconciliations and analysis.
• Continuously monitor the operating effectiveness of lower-level controls, processes, and system operations.
• Provide effective account reconciliations and analytics to ensure timely detection and correction of errors.
• Prepare for and collaborate closely with the external audit firm, including remediating any audit findings as necessary.

2. Financial Planning and Reporting

• Oversee all accounting and finance functions to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial statements and reports for Deacon and business meetings.
• Work closely with Finance committee, treasurer, assistant treasurer and staff to manage the annual budgeting process, including comprehensive forecasting and analysis.
• Ensure processes are in place to forecast and manage Contributions and Other Church Income to align with planned expenditures and the approved budget.
• Generate various financial reports for church business meetings and upon request by church leadership.

3. Treasury and Compliance

• Coordinate and manage the payroll for church staff, including applicable tax deposits and IRS filings.
• Oversee the processing of accounts payable and the subsequent preparation of checks, which includes the reconciliation of credit card transactions.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance and adherence to best practices.
• Maintain a priority on attention to detail, consistency, timeliness, and documentation.

4. Strategic Coordination and Stewardship

• Coordinate all financial activities with the Finance Committee, Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer to ensure all monies are properly recorded.
• Work with the Chair of the Finance Committee, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer to ensure an adequate system of risk management and overall stewardship of church properties is maintained.
• Provide regular communication to ministerial, professional, and support staff, keeping them informed of the church’s financial status.
• Act as support/liaison for special projects as needed (e.g., purchasing or selling Church property, acquiring approved loans, construction projects).

Financial policy and guidance

Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance and best practices.

• Provide support/liaison for special projects as needed (i.e., purchasing or selling Church property; acquiring Church approved loans; construction projects, and financial related projects).
• Place a priority on attention to detail, consistency, timeliness, and documentation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is required.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, with a significant understanding of generally accepted accounting and auditing principles.

Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting is essential.

Understanding of financial audit process.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement financial strategies, analyze financial data, and provide accurate and timely financial reports. Proficiency in financial forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management is essential.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to develop and implement financial strategy, plans, and forecasts that align with the church’s goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to think long-term, anticipate future trends, and participate in strategic planning accordingly.

Analytical Skills:

• Possess strong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial data and insights to support the church’s decision-making process.

Software Proficiency:

Proficient in using financial management and church management software, tools, and systems to streamline accounting processes, generate reports, and ensure accurate financial record-keeping.

Possess strong skills working with spreadsheets and the ability to manipulate and analyze large data sets.

Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite of applications to include PowerPoint and Excel.

Leadership Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to effectively lead and oversee the finances and collaborate with other church leaders and ministerial staff.

Ability to foster a healthy working environment that allows for collaboration, engagement, and staff development.

Experience in providing financial guidance and support to church staff, committees, and boards is a plus.

Communication Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information in a clear and concise manner to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Skilled in making presentations at a senior level to solve complex problems and provide useful and understandable information.

Integrity and Confidentiality:

Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters.

Commitment to the Church's Mission:

A passion for serving the church community and contributing to its growth and impact through diligent financial management.

PREFERRED SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), highly preferred.
• A master's degree is highly desirable with 5 years of experience and some experience in a leadership role.

Strong creative skills to develop new and innovative solutions.

• Must also be a team player, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and be results-oriented.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience developing financial models and forecasts.

Knowledge of Church or Nonprofit Financial Practices:

Understanding of church financial practices, including familiarity with accounting principles specific to churches and nonprofits. Knowledge of fund accounting, internal controls, and compliance with tax regulations related to religious organizations is desirable.

Proven experience in managing financial functions within a nonprofit organization. Familiarity with nonprofit accounting standards, grant management, and fund development is preferred.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY: Temple Baptist Church is an equal opportunity employer, committed to strictly following a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment policies and practices, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, compensation, benefits, and training. Our employment policies and practices treat everyone equally. We hire and develop based upon job-related qualifications, merit, and the needs of the church at the time. Temple does, however, reserve the right to employ persons who have a denominational background and philosophy of ministry like ours and who have a work history and lifestyle that is in the opinion of the Church consistent with the Scriptural principles of the Church.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) POLICY: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA) Antioch will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.

BACKGROUND CHECKS: Final candidates are subject to a background investigation. The investigation may include criminal record check, driving record; drug testing; employment verification; verification of education; and other checks requested by the hiring authority related to the position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Successful completion of a criminal background check

Reference Checks – Professional and Personal

Verification of degrees

Pass Child/Youth Protection Certification

Valid Driver’s License

Please submit resumes via the following link: jackie@temple.life The application process for the Director of Finance will be open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person