Parish Accounting Specialist

Reports To: Director of Parish and School Accounting Services

Position Summary

The Archdiocese of New Orleans provides accounting and financial support to Catholic
parishes, grammar schools, and high schools throughout Southeast Louisiana. The Parish
Accounting Specialist plays an important role in helping these ministries maintain accurate
financial records and sound financial practices so they can focus on their educational, charitable,
and pastoral missions.

Each Parish Accounting Specialist is responsible for a portfolio of approximately 15-20 assigned
parishes and schools. Working closely with pastors, principals, and local parish or school office
staff, this position performs monthly accounting functions, prepares financial statements,
assists with budgeting, and provides financial guidance to help leadership understand the
financial position of their organization.

This position is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys working with people, managing
multiple clients or entities, solving problems, and making a meaningful contribution to
organizations that serve the community.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be an organized and self-motivated accounting professional
who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred qualifications include:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
Three to five years of accounting experience in public accounting, nonprofit
accounting, governmental accounting, or a multi-entity accounting environment.
Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Experience preparing monthly financial statements and performing account reconciliations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and accounting software such as QuickBooks
or similar accounting systems.

Primary Responsibilities

The Parish Accounting Specialist serves as the primary accounting resource for assigned
parishes and schools by:

Performing monthly accounting close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and
general ledger review.
Recording monthly financial transactions and maintaining accurate accounting records.

Reconciling bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts, including accounts
receivable, prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, loans, and other assigned accounts.
Preparing monthly financial statements and supporting schedules using modified cash
basis or accrual basis accounting, as applicable.
Reviewing monthly financial results and identifying unusual trends, variances, or items
requiring attention.
Assisting pastors, principals, and local staff in understanding financial reports
and answering routine accounting questions.
Assisting assigned entities with the preparation of annual operating budgets and
budget-to-actual analysis.
Working collaboratively with parish and school office staff to promote accurate
financial reporting and compliance with Archdiocesan accounting policies.
Assisting with year-end audit requests and other financial reporting requirements as needed.
Participating in special projects and performing other duties as assigned by the
Director of Compliance and Parish Accounting.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:
Takes ownership of their work and follows assignments through to completion.
Is comfortable managing responsibilities for multiple organizations simultaneously.
Enjoys building positive working relationships with pastors, principals, and parish
and school staff.
Can explain accounting information clearly to individuals without an accounting background.
Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to providing
excellent service.

Job Type

Full-time or Part-time

Compensation

Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

401(k) Retirement Plan
Employer 401(k) Matching
Health Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday