Controller

Overview

St. Francis Xavier Parish, located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, AZ (the “Parish”), is seeking a dedicated and experienced Controller to oversee financial operations across the Parish including its Church, Elementary School, and Athletic Association. The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy and integrity in financial reporting. This is a full-time on-site position; however, the position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement over time and may be eligible for a reduced schedule of 32 hours per week.  

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for managing and directing all financial aspects of the Parish including, but not limited to, accounting and financial reporting, financial analysis, payroll, treasury operations, budgeting, internal controls, and risk management. The Controller is responsible for directing the work of the Parish’s outside accounting firm who processes transactions, maintains our general ledger and prepares the Parish’s monthly financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as well as Diocese of Phoenix requirements. 

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the relationship with the Parish’s outside accounting firm throughout the year to ensure the completeness and accuracy of transaction processing as well as the preparation of the monthly financial statements.
•  Analyze the Parish’s monthly financial statements for reasonableness and comparison to expected amounts and suggest corrective actions where necessary. 
• Present the monthly financial statements to the Pastor, Staff, Finance Council, and other committees.
• Facilitate the preparation of Parish’s annual budget and monitor related performance throughout the year.
• Review and approve the bi-weekly payroll preparation for all employees.
• Oversee all cash receipt and disbursement processes and manage the Parish’s relationships with banking and investment institutions.  
• Evaluate and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks across the Parish.
• Identify areas for process and internal control improvement and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Serve as a resource to Parish organizations on all financial related matters.
• Work closely with the Pastor and Facilities Manager to ensure that the Parish’s property, plant and equipment are properly maintained to ensure continuity of operation.  
• Monitor capital projects to ensure that appropriate procurement policies are followed, bids are reviewed in a timely manner, and that related contracts are negotiated in accordance with Parish and Diocesan requirements. Additionally, monitor contractor performance against such contracts. 
• Establish and maintain procedures to ensure the Pastor approves all relevant agreements, contracts and permits. 
• Serve as the primary Parish contact on financial and administrative matters with the Diocese of Phoenix and keep the Pastor informed of any issues encountered.
• Maintain an accurate filing, recordkeeping and reporting system for all Parish financial records and reports and ensure compliance with Diocesan record retention policies.
• Coordinate and prepare Parish response to insurance and legal claims in cooperation with the Pastor and Diocesan General Counsel as necessary.
• Other accounting and finance related duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA preferred.
• 5-7 years of public accounting and/or controllership experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory responsibility.
• Strong analytical, financial reporting and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working for a Catholic parish or other religious or non-profit organization is a plus.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Parish as well as to the faithful stewardship of Parish resources.
• Proficiency in QuickBooksOnline, “bill.com” and other applications used by the Parish a plus.
• Practicing Roman Catholic.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings and pension plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity for professional development and growth within a dynamic and supportive community.