Accountant

Description

 Job Summary:

The Accountant is responsible for assisting the Pastor, the Chief Operations Officer, department directors/managers, and Finance Council with interpreting financial results and to oversee the financial activity of the parish. Other tasks include accounts payable and receivable, parishioner contributions, employee payroll services, maintaining historical financial records, and preparing timely and accurate financial reports. These activities must be performed in accord with Diocese of Austin accounting and internal control procedures and all federal and state laws in such a manner as to enable the financial success of St. Vincent de Paul and to ensure the parish is a good steward of the financial gifts entrusted to them. 

This position facilitates the attainment of the parish mission and related goals of the parish through various administrative responsibilities. The Accountant reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and operates with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Vincent de Paul which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Vincent de Paul help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

Essential Job Duties:

· As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.

· Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

· Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed. 

· Maintain accurate financial records for all financial transactions including accounts payable and receivable.

· Review and monitor invoices and reimbursement requests prior to payment to ensure receipt of materials or services and conformity to policy, budget, and policies.

· Provide monthly, quarterly, and year-to-date financial reports to the Pastor, Chief Operations Officer, and the Finance Council.

· Manage bank deposits and monthly reconciliation of accounts in a timely and accurate manner.

· Prepare and manage employee payroll in a timely and accurate manner. This includes ensuring that all federal payroll taxes are paid correctly and on time.

· Ensure that parish financial activities follow all city, state, and federal laws in addition to the policies, guidelines, and particular law of the Diocese of Austin.

· Ensure that parishioner contributions are posted to the church database system in a timely manner.

· Prepare End of Year Contribution Statements for Parishioners.

· Oversee and record donations in Ministry Platform.

· Assist with the preparation of the annual budget and enter figures into QuickBooks.

· Prepare a weekly stewardship report for the parish bulletin.

· Assist parishioners with establishing and maintaining all forms of contributions (e.g.,envelopes, electronic giving, annual gifts, IRA distributions, etc.).

· Prepare and distribute annual tax forms (W2s and 1099s), as well as quarterly Form 941s.

· Respond to all diocesan requests for information, reports, and compliance checks in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.

· All other duties as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer or the Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed namely:

· Knowledge of basic accounting practices

· Knowledge of diocesan policies and procedures as it pertains to the financial management, Human Resources, and administration of a parish.

· Skill in using office equipment (e.g., copiers, fax machine, telephone system, laminating machine, postage meter, etc.)

· Skill in using computers and related software applications (e.g., word processing software, spreadsheets, email, databases, Quick Books, Ministry Platform, VANCO, etc.).

· Must have good interpersonal skills.

· Must have the ability to learn new software programs as needed.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with St. Vincent de Paul staff, clergy, peers, and laity.

· Ability to supervise employees effectively and professionally.

· Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

· Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.

· Ability to maintain respect at all times.

· Ability to work with and lead a highly diverse membership base.

· Ability to work outside normal business hours including holidays and weekends.

· Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings: 

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited American college or university (or equivalent in a foreign country)

Experience:

· Three (3) years or more wage earning, related work experience.

· Five (5) years experience as a Parish Bookkeeper or Accountant in a parish equivalent in size or greater than St. Vincent de Paul may substitute for the educational requirement.

Language:

· English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM)/VIRTUS policies throughout the employment period. 

· Valid Texas driver’s license.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Parish is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.  

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.