Parish Bookkeeper - St. James Parish - Arlington Heights

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The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The Parish Bookkeeper role supports and promotes the Pastor’s initiatives and decisions regarding the mission and operation of the Parish and School. Assist Pastor and Operations Director with oversight of the financial resources of the Parish and School in accordance with Archdiocesan policies and guidelines.  Position will report to the Operations Director. 

Responsibilities

Handles all bookkeeping functions of Parish and School including but not limited to:  

• Reconciles bank accounts. 
• Processes/posts accounts payable and receivable transactions and ensure that all invoices and staff reimbursements are paid accurately and in a timely manner. 
• Prepares and posts bank deposits and electronic deposits from e-giving and tuition platforms to QuickBooks. 
• Assists with weekly collection counts. 
• Posts wire transfers, ACH and credit card transactions. 
• Gathers Procurement Card Expense reports and receipts submitted by each cardholder monthly, and posts to QuickBooks. 
• Assists with bi-weekly UKG Timecard approvals, in preparation of payroll sign-off process. 
• Acts as backup Payroll Administrator (as needed). 
• Posts payroll journal entries. 
• Prepare monthly financial reports (as requested)
• Oversee budget to actual and timely alerts on expense budget overruns. 
• Assists with monthly, quarterly and annual journal entries. 
• Ensure proper internal controls are in place and followed. 
• Attend finance meetings 
• Utilizes Archdiocesan best practices. 
• Assists with preparing materials for Finance Council meetings. 
• Submits payroll registers to Pastor and/or Operations Director/Business Manager for review and approval prior to payroll submission. 
• Assists with payment of salaries, benefits and other payroll functions, including benefit deductions and garnishments. 
• Using payroll system will oversee the tracking of paid and unpaid leave as required by Archdiocesan policies and procedures. 
• Assists with management of e-giving sites. 
• Maintain files in an organized and timely fashion. Purges files as indicated by Archives and Record’s guidelines. 
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned. 

Requirements

• Minimum of Associate degree in Business or related discipline, e.g. Accounting, Finance, preferred, or at least five years of experience in Parish or business, or the equivalent combination, of related work experience. 
• Demonstrate understanding, respect and support of the Catholic Church teaching, mission and values. 
• Basic knowledge of accounting practices and regulations, and federal, state and city laws. 
• Strong demonstrated knowledge in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office and payroll services. 
• Excellent organizational and time management competencies. 
• Strong verbal and written communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work in team environment and has a “Service Mindset” when working with others.
• Able to identify issues and propose recommendations/solutions. 
• Can be entrusted with highly confidential information. 
• Strong drive to achieve results. 

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has a salary range of $65,000–$75,000. An employee’s pay within the range is based on relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, location & business needs.