Accounts Payable/Accounting Specialist

The LCMS Mission

"In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world."

Department Profile

The Department compiles, prepares, and maintains, on behalf of the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, all budgetary, accounting, and financial records and reporting for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) corporate office, LCMS Holdings, Ltd., Concordia University System (CUS), Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), and the LCMS Eastern District. Monthly financial statements and budgetary reports are prepared and distributed as required.

The Department performs accounts payable functions for the above entities and on behalf of others as needed. The department performs cash management, investment services functions, payroll services, federal and state tax compliance, and purchasing for the above entities. The department assists districts, congregations, pastors and teachers through research, consultation, workshops, training, and publication of articles in synodical publications and the annual Congregational Treasurer’s Manual.  

The Department maintains and performs federal, state, and foreign tax compliance services on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  In addition to providing these services on behalf of the Synod, the Department assists congregations, pastors and teachers through research and publication of articles in synodical publications and the annual Congregational Treasurer's Manual.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Accounts Payable Supervisor.
• Works closely with accounting personnel.
• Works closely with various departments of the Synod.
• Works closely with the various committees of the Joint Business Administrators Conference

Essential Job Functions

Summary:

This position processes expense payments (i.e., entering data, reporting, and analyzing transactions) for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and other related entities.  

• Reviews and enters accounts payable transactions into an automated financial system, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Monitors check requests and Chrome River transactions for policy compliance.
• Prepares checks and electronic funds transfers.
• Maintains vendor records and assists with collecting required documentation, including W-9 forms.
• Files electronic documents for accounts payable and other areas as requested.
• Responds to vendor and employee inquiries regarding payment status and accounts payable procedures.
• Assists in identifying process improvements and resolving discrepancies related to accounts payable transactions. 
• Performs special projects and other basic accounting functions, as assigned.
• Complies with revisions made occasionally in this position description, after mutual consultation.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree, preferably in accounting, or two years of experience in an accounting-related position.
• One-year experience in Accounts Payable preferred.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide courteous and professional customer service to vendors, employees, and other stakeholders.
• Good keyboarding skills and proficiency in automated tools such as Microsoft 365 and automated financial system(s); experience with Banner ERP and Emburse is a plus. 
• Ability to identify and resolve discrepancies while exercising sound judgment and attention to detail. 
• Ability to safeguard confidential information.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Knowledge and understanding of standardized accounting procedures and techniques are desirable.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new software and processes. 
• Ability to work in a team setting.
• Must be a self-starter.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None