Parish Accounting Shared Services Coordinator | La Crosse

Parish Accounting Shared Services Coordinator | La Crosse

Work Location: Holy Cross Diocesan Center
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Finance Office — Shared Services,
Pay Range: Commensurate with experience (supervisory level)

Position Summary

The Shared Services Coordinator oversees centralized financial services for client parishes within the Diocese of La Crosse. This role provides day-to-day leadership to Shared Services staff, ensures accurate and timely accounting, and safeguards compliance with diocesan policies, regulatory standards, and GAAP (if applicable to that particular parish). The coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for parish leadership on financial reporting and processes, coordinates workflow and internal controls.

This position also includes a client parish load – approximately 35%.

• Leadership & Team Supervision
  • Supervise Shared Services staff: assign work, set priorities, coach and mentor staff, and conduct performance check-ins and reviews.
  • Ensure staffing coverage, workload balance, and adherence to documented procedures and internal controls.
  • Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture aligned to diocesan mission and values.
• Financial Oversight
  • Oversees accurate verification, approval, and posting of AP, AR, payroll, and GL transactions for client parishes.
  • Reviews monthly reconciliations of expense, revenue, and balance sheet accounts; resolve discrepancies and escalate issues as needed.
  • Approves monthly executive financial reports prepared for Pastors, Parish Finance Councils, and diocesan stakeholders.
• Compliance & Reporting
  • Ensures compliance with diocesan policies, GAAP (if applicable to that particular parish), and applicable regulatory requirements across all serviced parishes.
  • Coordinates Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) with the Diocesan Internal Auditor; assists in implementing AUP findings.
  • Maintains and enhances internal controls and documentation at the parish level.
  • Leads annual budgeting timelines, templates, and support for client parishes.
  • Consolidates status reporting to Finance Department leadership.
• Client Parish Support & Relationships
  • Serves as primary liaison to Pastors, parish staff, and Finance Councils regarding processes, reports, and best practices.
  • Delivers training for parish staff members on financial systems and internal controls.
• Cross-Department Collaboration & Process Improvement
  • Partners with the Stewardship and Development Department to ensure donor data accuracy, reconciliation, and reporting continuity.
  • Identifies and implements process, policies, and technology improvements (e.g., Parish SOFT, Quick Books Online, reporting automation).
  • Handles escalations, resolves service delivery issues, and maintains service-level expectations with parishes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to tailor complex financial topics to diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership and supervision skills, including coaching, delegation, and performance management.
• Advanced understanding of accounting processes and record-keeping; strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church’s structure and ministries within the Diocese of La Crosse.
• High discretion and integrity in handling confidential information; sound judgment and initiative.
• Proficiency with General Ledger accounting software (particularly Parish SOFT Accounting and Parish SOFT Family Suite), MS Office; ability to learn and administer new or updated financial software systems.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative working style; diplomatic and tactful communication.
• Cell phone with texting capability required for dual-authentication software.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, or proven experience in the field of accounting.
• Minimum five (5) years of accounting experience (AP, AR, GL, payroll), including at least two (2) years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with Parish SOFT or Quick Books Online preferred; nonprofit/church finance experience strongly preferred.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.

• 403(b) with employer matching, health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending account (FSA).
• Paid time off.
• Monday–Friday, in-person preferred; some remote available.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Maryjo Wilson at mwilson