Controller

Description

Job Summary: 

The Controller is responsible for all areas relating to financial reporting.  This position is responsible for developing and maintaining accounting principles, practices and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements.   This position oversees all financial and related functions including budgeting, investing and accounting for the Diocese of Austin.  The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer and operates with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him.  In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.  

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description.  Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.  

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 the Diocese of Austin 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.

• Manage monthly close for three companies and five funds under the Diocese administrative purview. 

• Prepare monthly financial statements and analysis for all segments.

• Ensure timely processing of Payables, Cash Receipts, Tax filings.

• Coordinate and assist with preparation of external audits and actuarial valuations

• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the financial reporting and general ledger structure, act as primary contact for financial systems including general ledger, investment and banking.

• Provide supervision to Accounting Manager, A/P Clerk and Accounting Associate.

• Advise and support staff regarding the handling of non-routine reporting transactions.

• Support and coordinate budgeting and forecasting activities.

• Assist in development and implementation of new procedures and features to enhance the workflow of the department.

• Implement and enforce policies and procedures to safeguard diocesan assets.

• Work with each direct report to establish goals and objectives for each year and monitor and advise on the progress to enhance the professional development of staff.

• Use effective and appropriate supervision techniques to maximize employee morale and effectiveness.

• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to parishes, diocesan staff and other customers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of accounting/financial matters and general business management, especially with regard to not-for-profit institutions.

• Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices (including use of spreadsheet software), accounting principles, investment and financial reporting methodologies.

• Ability to use effective supervision strategies and techniques with assigned staff.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting, multi-task, and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.

• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Ten (10) years of full-time wage-earning experience in the financial reporting/general ledger area, preferably for a non-for-profit organization.

• Five (5) years of full-time wage-earning experience supervising with responsibility for financial statement preparation and consolidation, tax reporting and budget preparation

Language Requirement:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant, MBA, or equivalent. 

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

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

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin 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 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 diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.

• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.