Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

The Controller provides leadership and oversight for the church's financial management, accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and financial reporting. This position ensures the integrity of financial information, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, and responsible stewardship of church resources. The Controller partners with church leadership to support strategic planning and operational decision-making while maintaining confidentiality and the highest ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including month end close.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and accounting records.
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity.
• Ensure timely bank reconciliations.
• Manage vendor for external audits (every 3 years)

Budgeting and Planning

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process.
• Assist ministry leaders in preparing departmental budgets.
• Monitor actual results against budget and provide variance analysis.
• Support long-term financial planning and forecasting.
• Present monthly financial reports to executive leadership, finance committee, and church board.
• Prepare reports for ministry leaders as needed.
• Provide financial analysis to support informed decision-making.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Develop and maintain strong internal accounting controls.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofit organizations.
• Coordinate the annual audit or financial review.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, banks, and tax professionals.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.

Payroll and Benefits

• Oversee payroll processing and payroll tax compliance.
• Ensure proper administration of employee benefits and retirement contributions.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with applicable laws.

Contributions and Fund Accounting

• Ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of contributions.
• Oversee restricted and designated fund accounting.
• Ensure donor funds are used according to donor intent.

Leadership and Administration

• Supervise accounting and finance staff.
• Develop financial policies and procedures.
• Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and accountability.
• Support ministry leaders with financial guidance and education.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required, or more than 7 years experience as a head accountant or Controller.
• CPA preferred.
• Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in nonprofit or church accounting strongly preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with fund accounting and nonprofit financial reporting.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Experience with accounting software (e.g., ACS Technologies, Quick Books, Striven).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Financial stewardship
• Strategic thinking
• Ethical decision-making
• Leadership and team development
• Organizational skills
• Collaboration and relationship building

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to attend evening board or committee meetings as required.
• Office environment within a church setting.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for finance committee meetings, annual meetings, or special events.

Preferred Characteristics

• Demonstrates personal integrity and professionalism.
• Supports and respects the mission, vision, and values of the church.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding financial and personnel matters.
• Works collaboratively with pastors, staff, volunteers, and church leadership.