OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIY
The Parish Bookkeeper is an important member of the parish staff and provides support of the Pastor’s financial responsibilities to the parish. The Parish Bookkeeper’s primary responsibility is to accurately and on-time pay employees, vendors, and others and to maintain the accuracy of all financial files and records. He/she must maintain effective communication between Parish community, the Diocese, and outside authorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform general bookkeeping duties, including posting information to accounting software and regularly reconciling accounts, always ensuring accurate data entry.
- Pay debts as they come due for payment, including necessary bills as well as supplier and vendor invoices.
- Obtain necessary tax forms from new vendors.
- Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Perform reconciliations of bank accounts monthly to ensure accuracy.
- Make deposits and record all cash receipts.
- Process company payroll and maintain associated time records, reimbursements, and other related documents.
- Manage the Parish petty cash fund.
- Prepare and reconcile end of year tax documents, including 1099s.
- Assist in preparing the annual budget.
- Maintain an organized and streamlined accounting system.
- Provide administrative support to clergy.
- Maintain a filing system for all important parish documents.
- Understand moral and ethical standards and apply them to the job.
- Keep Pastor up to date with status of all activities and any issues.
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all areas of responsibilities.
- Perform all responsibilities in a friendly, professional, positive, and compassionate manner.
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
- Associate degree in accounting or business administration or equivalent experience; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Two (2) years minimum related professional experience (non-profit environment preferred).
- Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles; knowledge of non-profit accounting a plus.
- Knowledge of Parish operations.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements.
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Google and Adobe Acrobat.
- Experience with Paycor and QuickBooks or similar payroll/accounting/financial software.
- Ability to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner requiring minimal oversight.
- Ability to keep records and files organized.
- Must be flexible and able to collaborate well with fellow employees in a small office setting.
- Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently, keeping tasks and projects running.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interface with the Clergy, Accountant, Finance Council, ministry leads, vendors, employees, and parishioners with whom there is interaction on financial matters.
- Ability to complete tasks timely and in accordance with deadlines, ensuring no surprises for the leadership of the parish.
- Knowledge of what is going on in the parish to assist in interpreting results and projecting futures.
- Courage of their conviction to challenge the leadership when appropriate/ necessary.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
- Solid problem solving and time management skills.
- Able to multitask efficiently and effectively.
- Highly organized.
- A strong work ethic and desire to exceed parishioner expectations.
- Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church preferred.
