Accountant

Finance employees receive, account for, monitor, and design internal controls to safeguard sacred funds (donated confidentially in obedience to God's commandments) for the Church's religious mission under the direction of senior ecclesiastical leaders.    

This position is an entry level professional accounting position in which the incumbent applies accounting principles in working with specialized accounting records and reports and is responsible for assisting in the day to day maintenance of a complete and accurate general ledger and in preparing basic financial reports. 

Success is typically measured by the degree to which accuracy is demonstrated in maintaining assigned ledgers, records, accounts, etc. Schedules and deadlines are expected to be met, and proficiency is demonstrated on required accounting systems.  An Accountant 1 performs accounting functions in a variety of different settings throughout the Church.  In general, incumbents in this position perform the following types of functions:
1. Manage and resolve donation exceptions.
2. Monitor bill pay donations and ensure funds are received through EFT processes.
3. Manage the donations inbox and provide professional, timely responses to donors, finance professionals, Church leaders, and employees.
4. Assist Church employees with petty cash requests and related processes.
5. Serve as a liaison with the Church Unit Banking Services team.
6. Draft correspondence regarding discrepancies, exceptions, and items requiring investigation or follow-up.
7. Communicate by phone and email with donors, finance professionals, and Church leaders to facilitate donation processing and resolve inquiries.
8. Support a team of six employees in recording, reconciling, and reporting donations.
9. Maintain accurate accounting records and assist with reconciliations, reports, and other accounting activities as assigned.

Due to the increase in donation volume between the end of November through mid-January, time off (outside of Church holidays) is discouraged through that peak season. Outside of this peak season, employees can take accrued time off based on the needs of the team and are permitted to work from home one day a week.

Required:  Bachelor's degree in Accounting (or Finance or Business Management). No post graduate professional accounting experience is required for this position.  Incumbents must demonstrate a well-grounded knowledge of financial and accounting theory.  

Preferred: A knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.  

Human Relations Skills:  Incumbents will demonstrate courtesy, tact and effectiveness in dealing with others in everyday working relationships, including contacts with others to request or provide information.  

Challenges and Complex Situations:  Incumbents will apply college-level theoretical knowledge they have acquired as they gain an understanding of Church accounting systems, and policies and procedures.  

Major Decisions Referred to Others:  Any decision outside of well-defined guidelines and policies are referred to the supervisor or to a more senior level accountant.  

Accountability:  Incumbents typically work under close supervision while gaining an understanding of Church accounting systems.  Incumbents work within a firm set of guidelines and policies.  Incumbents make appropriate decisions using generally accepted accounting principles regarding transactions affecting assigned organizations. Incumbents are responsible for appropriate approval of payments.