Position Summary: The Controller for the Chancery of the Diocese of Charleston is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and accounting functions, ensuring the accurate and compliant management of financial resources in alignment with diocesan policies, Catholic teachings, and best practices in financial stewardship. The Controller will manage day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and audits for the Diocese and its affiliated entities.
Classification: Exempt Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Essential Job Functions:
- Financial Management & Reporting:
- Oversee and manage the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements for the Diocese and its affiliated entities including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- Provide regular financial reports to Diocesan leadership, including the Bishop, CFO, and the Finance Council, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Ensure that all financial records are maintained according to diocesan policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Budgeting & Forecasting:
- Lead the preparation of the annual diocesan budget in collaboration with other diocesan departments and ministries.
- Assist in financial forecasting and the allocation of resources to support diocesan priorities, ensuring alignment with both the strategic vision and mission of the Diocese.
- Monitor budget variances and work with departments to recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Internal Controls & Compliance:
- Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls to safeguard diocesan assets and ensure financial integrity.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, diocesan policies, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) financial guidelines.
- Assist in maintaining diocesan compliance with state, federal, and diocesan laws, including tax filings, payroll taxes, and other reporting requirements.
- Cash Flow Management and Stewardship:
- Supervise payroll processing for diocesan staff, ensuring compliance with wage laws, employee benefits, and diocesan compensation policies.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, donations, and payments.
- Manage cash flow to ensure the Diocese maintains adequate liquidity while fulfilling its financial obligations and supporting charitable activities.
- Donation and Grant Management:
- Oversee the financial aspects of grant management, including tracking restricted grants, preparing financial reports for funders, and ensuring compliance with grant terms and conditions.
- Ensure proper documentation and reporting for donor restrictions on contributions, including adherence to diocesan policies on restricted funds.
- Leadership & Collaboration:
- Provide leadership and guidance to the diocesan finance team, including accountants and clerical staff, ensuring a high standard of service and professionalism.
- Collaborate with diocesan ministries to support financial operations and stewardship across all diocesan entities.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- CPA certification is preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or staff management role. Experience in a Big 4 firm is a plus.
- Skills and Characteristics:
- Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, and budgeting practices.
- Ability to develop, implement, and maintain internal controls.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
- Proficiency with technology and software, and previous experience with transformation of business processes is highly preferred.
- Practicing Catholic preferred.
