Position Summary
The Director of Finance and Assets serves as the principal financial advisor to the Pastor and oversees the financial administration and asset management of St. Philip Neri Catholic Parish. The Director provides strategic guidance on all financial, budgetary, operational, and asset-related matters while ensuring sound stewardship of parish resources in accordance with Catholic values, diocesan policies, and industry best practices.
The Director of Finance and Assets is responsible for the overall management of accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, purchasing, internal controls, cash management, and asset oversight. This position serves as the primary liaison with the Diocese of Charleston regarding financial matters and supports the Pastor, Finance Council, Leadership Team, and parish ministries through accurate reporting, prudent planning, and effective management.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to: Pastor
Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt (40 hours per Week)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities
- Provide financial guidance to the Pastor and serve as the primary financial liaison between St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and the Diocese of Charleston.
- Attend and participate in Finance Council meetings, staff meetings, retreats, workshops, and other parish and diocesan meetings as required.
- Collaborate with the Pastor, other office directors and ministry leaders in advancing parish goals and priorities.
- Provide support, guidance, and financial information to parish staff, parishioners, vendors, and external partners.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Pastor.
Financial Management and Accounting
Accounting Operations
- Manage all St. Philip Neri Church accounting bank accounts and investments.
- Maintain the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and related financial systems.
- Review, verify, and approve invoices for payment and ensure timely processing of disbursements.
- Oversee, prepare and process deposits and accurately record all banking activity.
- Reconcile bank accounts and investment accounts monthly.
- Maintain complete and accurate financial records in compliance with diocesan policies and generally accepted accounting principles.
- Maintain historical financial records and supporting documentation.
Financial Reporting and Budgeting
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports according to Diocesan Policies.
- Provide financial reports and analysis to the Pastor, Finance Council, Leadership Team, Diocese, and parish stakeholders as required.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets.
- Monitor cash flow, revenue, expenditures, and financial performance.
- Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities and provide recommendations for corrective action as needed.
- Prepare weekly and annual financial summaries for publication and parish communication.
HR and Compliance
- Prepare annual IRS reporting including Forms 1099 and maintain W-9 records.
- Administer clergy compensation-related payments, including Mass stipends and bination stipends.
- Ensure all financial practices comply with diocesan accounting standards, internal control procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Respond to diocesan financial reporting requests and audit inquiries.
Stewardship, Contributions, and Fundraising Administration
- Oversee parish contribution recording and reporting systems.
- Maintain electronic giving platforms, including Vanco and related stewardship databases.
- Coordinate annual parishioner contribution statements and donor acknowledgment letters.
- Track and report pledges and contributions associated with capital campaign, including Rebuild to Serve and future fundraising initiatives.
- Support parish fundraising events and campaigns through financial planning, reporting, and oversight.
- Coordinate distribution of financial assistance to various school programs we partner with (including Financial Assistance for Catholic Education (F.A.C.E.) and MACS program)
Child Development Center Financial Administration
- Provide financial oversight and support for all Child Development Center operations.
- Administer tuition billing and payment systems, including electronic payment platforms.
- Generate annual tuition statements and financial reports.
- Assist CDC leadership with budgeting, financial planning, and operational decision-making.
Asset and Facilities Management
- Maintain comprehensive records of Parish Assets, including facilities, equipment, furnishings, vehicles, and technology resources.
- Develop and maintain an accurate fixed asset inventory system.
- Assist the Pastor and Finance Council with long-term capital planning and facilities stewardship.
- Prepare periodic asset-management reports for the Pastor and Parish Finance Council.
- Support the stewardship and preservation of parish property and resources.
Internal Controls and Risk Management
- Develop, implement, and monitor appropriate financial and operational internal controls.
- Ensure proper segregation of duties and safeguard parish assets.
- Review financial processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
- Support audit preparation and implementation of audit recommendations.
- Promote a culture of fiscal responsibility and stewardship throughout the Parish.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- CPA, MBA, or other relevant professional certification preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible financial management experience preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in church administration, nonprofit management, educational institutions, or a comparable mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated experience in accounting, budgeting, payroll administration, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Experience with accounting software and financial management systems required.
Requirements
- Knowledge of and commitment to the teachings, mission, and values of the Catholic Church.
- Software knowledge requirements being that of ACS Financial Suite required but Sage Intacct preferred.
- Ability to understand, support, and communicate the mission, goals, and policies of St. Philip Neri Parish and the Diocese of Charleston.
- Compliance with all diocesan policies, including confidentiality, ethical conduct, safe environment requirements, and Catholic principles.
- Successful completion of required Safe Haven Training and background screening.
- Commitment to the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and stewardship.
Core Competencies
- Strong financial and analytical skills.
- Expertise in accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
- Leadership and supervisory experience.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, project management, and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, parishioners, vendors, and diocesan personnel.
- Proficiency in accounting software, spreadsheets, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic parish environment.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, confidentiality, and professional excellence.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to perform routine office tasks and move throughout parish facilities as needed.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified as needed by the Pastor to meet the operational needs of the Parish and Child Development Center.
Nothing in this job description shall be construed as a contract, guarantee, or promise of employment. Employment with St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and the Diocese of Charleston is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time, subject to applicable law and diocesan policy.
Work Authorization:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The Diocese of Charleston does not provide visa sponsorship. Successful candidates will be required to complete Form I-9 and present acceptable documentation verifying identity and employment authorization.
Employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment screening and verification processes, as applicable to the responsibilities of the position. These may include:
- A criminal background check and completion of all Diocese of Charleston Safe Environment requirements;
- A motor vehicle record (MVR) check and verification of a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record when driving is an essential function of the position; and
- A job-related financial/credit background check when warranted by the position’s level of financial responsibility, access to funds, or fiduciary duties.
All background screenings will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and Diocese of Charleston policies. Results will be evaluated based on their relevance to the duties and responsibilities of the position and will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.
Any qualified and interested candidates, please send a cover letter, resume and 4 professional references to apply@charlestondiocese.org
