Senior Financial Analyst

Position Summary

The Senior Financial Analyst for the Diocese of Charleston is responsible for overseeing the accuracy and integrity of financial records and providing meaningful analysis. The analyst will conduct financial reviews, assist with internal audits, and work closely with the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis to ensure proper financial stewardship of our parishes, schools, and ministries in alignment with diocesan policies and Catholic principles.

Exempt

Reports To:

Manager, FP&A

• Financial Analysis
  • Conduct quarterly reviews of financial statements for parishes and schools that include but are not limited to compliance, reliability, cash flow, budget performance, prior year performance, and growth.
  • Prepare analysis reports and provide meaningful insights to management.
  • Support the management team and parish and/or school leaders with data‑driven analysis and assist with presenting results to stakeholders.
  • Analyze the trends of key performance indicators (KPIs) and summarize for reporting and proposed action for parishes, schools, and capital projects.
  • Monitor KPIs and financial statements and identify the cause of any unexpected variances within parishes, schools, and capital projects.
  • Contribute to optimization of budgetary items for operational vitality of schools.
  • Plan and assess financial viability of construction and renovation projects throughout the diocese.
  • Function as the subject matter expert on budgeting software.
  • Ensure compliance with accounting standards, policies, and regulations at all parishes, schools, and other related entities, and recommend improvements and best practices for a revised manual.
• Process Improvement and Modernization
  • Automate and improve standard operating procedures.
• Assist with other departmental duties when necessary.

• Practicing Catholic in good standing preferred, but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in accounting, financial analysis, planning, budgeting or related roles. Previous public accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong financial analysis skills, with a focus on identifying trends and projections.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational and stress management skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly with Excel.
• Strong adopter of new technology required.
• Ability to self‑start and be a critical thinker is desirable.

The candidate should have knowledge of how to use a copier, fax machine, phone, and postage machine. A driver’s license is required to occasionally run errands, pick up supplies for events, etc. This position involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands and feet, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching above shoulders, and tasting/smelling at least one‑third of the time. The candidate should also be able to lift up to 25 lbs in order to move files, purchase supplies, carry materials to events, etc.