Parish Operations Support Senior Accountant presso Archdiocese of Chicago

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The Parish Operations Support Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting parish financial reporting that adheres to the use of the policies and guidelines accessible to support full cycle accounting needs that aid in proper reporting analysis. The role supports, accompanies, equips and leads financial standardization efforts including review use of best practices, advising and processing of complex non-recurring financial transactions across all parishes and schools. Support the Director of Parish Operations Support and the related teams on addressing accounting transactions treatment and training. The role also supports the development, implementation and evaluation of enhancements to financial standardization needs from use of QuickBooks Online, chart of accounts updates, and additional financial needs that impact
parishes and schools. The Parish Operations Support Senior Accountant must demonstrate problem solving skills, independent thinking, critical analysis, and be detail oriented.

Essential Job Functions
Financial Management:

• Perform on-site Financial and HR best practices reviews with parish and schools, including a written summary of identified areas for continued improvement for local
  stakeholders and the Vicariate Team.
• Prepare and process complex financial transactions affecting parishes and schools; prior year adjustments, debt adjustment entries, property sales, etc. that are traditionally non-standard events for parishes and schools.
• Partner with various teams and departments on better understanding if parish and school financial reporting to aid in long-term financial planning and analysis.
• Liaison with parishes and schools in preparation of their annual reports and budget submissions and provide any necessary guidance to ensure data is accurate.
• Communicate directly with pastors, parish/school business leaders to discuss their financial reporting and any additional support provided to them.
• Contribute to on-going management of the Chart of Accounts and Class Codes used by the parishes and schools.

General:

• Serve as an expert for QuickBooks Online inquiries for parishes, schools, and internal team members.
• Participate in team meetings, department meetings, and additional organizational meetings.
• Ensures proper internal controls are in place and followed.
• Ensures that all federal, state and local taxes are paid in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Utilizes Archdiocesan Best Practices.
• Support all parishes and schools, as requested, and make recommendation for improvement or highlight concern as related to current policy and procedures.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by Director of Parish Operations Support.
• Review and supervise staff as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum five years in an Accounting or Finance role within a Parish or business entity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the full accounting cycle requirements and principles.
• Demonstrated understanding, respect and support of the Catholic Church teaching, mission and values.
• Ability to work independently and communicate progress across internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge in QuickBooks Online.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communications, interpersonal, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in team environment and has a “Service Mindset” when working with others.
• Able to identify opportunities for improvement, evaluate issues and situations and propose and implement recommendations/solutions.
• Can be entrusted with highly confidential information
• Strong drive to achieve results.
• Able to travel to other Archdiocesan locations.
• Able to attend evening or weekend meetings as needed.

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has an annualized salary range of - $76,238.41 - $90,000. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.