Director of Finance

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (SPSELCA) is comprised of approximately 180 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations and mission congregations located in northern California and northern Nevada. The Synod, a faith-based non-profit organization, supported by an elected Bishop and synod staff located in the east bay.

Reporting to the Bishop, the Director of Finance will oversee the incoming and outgoing finances of the Sierra Pacific Synod, including supervising financial staff related to, accounting, and finance best practices, nonprofit and donor reporting. Working closely with the Synod Treasurer build and develop annual budgets, lead audits and reports to the bishop, council, and synod assembly. 

The ideal candidate should have an interest in the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and possess a degree/education in a closely related field. Responsibilities within the office may be added to this position depending on business needs. 

Must be reliable, punctual, organized, and have demonstrated ability to juggle multiple priorities in a busy office. Have the willingness and ability to work outside of standard work week office hours and days to accommodate the needs of the business. 

Excellent analytical, budgeting, and financial trend analysis skills, knowledge of accounting and report production, knowledge of computerized accounting software programs within a faith-based non-profit setting, policy analysis and interpretation. Possession of excellent interpersonal skills, and familiarity with human resources and financial databases, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook are required. 

Responsibilities:

Financial

· Review, process, and approve preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for Bishop and Synod Council, monitors cash flow to meet obligations

· Oversee the review, process, and approval of income/receipts, invoices for payment, payroll, and other items

· Oversees the completion of bank reconciliation statements, recording of investment activities, and other endowment activities/opportunities

· Oversees, maintains, and develops vendor contracts and manages vendor contact, including liaison with other staff vendor needs.

· Coordinates budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for administration, existing programs, and proposed new sites. Throughout the budget process, liaison with the Bishop, Synod Treasurer, Synod Council, and Finance/Investments Committees, and others as needed.

· Assist in coordinating and leading the annual audit activities in partnership with the Bishop and Synod Treasurer. Throughout the audit process, liaison with external auditors, Bishop, Synod Treasurer, Synod Council, and Finance/Investment Committees, and others as needed.

 

Payroll and Benefits

· Assists in providing administrative leadership and management for staffing needs including, but not limited to payroll, onboarding/off boarding staff, arrange for annual mandated trainings, updating personnel policy manual, proper maintenance and retention of all personnel files, and other key personnel related documentation and events

 

Administration (financial)

Ensure that the synod is compliant with applicable state laws in both California and Nevada, GAAP/GASB. Defines the process and implements infrastructure/systems needed to enhance and support the financial mission and goals of the Sierra Pacific Synod in a responsible and substantial manner.

· May serve as an advisor for various committees at the request of the Bishop

· Participates in most staff meetings and retreats

· Ability to liaison with legal consultants on various matters

· Develop successful and trusting relationships with staff and members of the Synod Council and Executive Committees and create and sustain an environment that supports these relationships

 

Property

· Maintains an inventory of synod property and equipment and a record of purchases of major assets (property and equipment)

· Maintains insurance policies for all synod related business, assets, and other properties as required

· Coordinate property appraisals with Property Management Committee

· Work with Director of Operations to ensure property deeds from acquisition and sale of properties are property stored in a secure location

· Participate in coordination with the Bishop, Synod Council, and other designees in the matters of synod preservation and administration of congregations.

 

Ideal Qualifications:

· Minimum of a BA degree with a focus in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field. The ideal candidate will have an MBA/CPA

· At least five to seven years of overall professional experience; preferably with broad financial and operations management experience

· The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination, has worked for/with a faith-based non-profit organization and overseen a human resources function previously

· Ability to translate financial concepts to effectively collaborate with key members of the synod who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds

· Commitment to maximize individual and organizational goals including articulating and supporting best practices

· A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making

· Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders

· A multitasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment

· Ability to work extra hours, travel, participate in meetings, including overnight meetings, anywhere within the synod’s territory

· Possesses a valid California driver’s license

· Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission

· Ability to keep confidentiality -- contribution and other personal information is confidential

· Willingness and ability to recognize directives from superiors and understand boundaries

 

Paid Time Off (PTO)

 

Synod Policy – 2 weeks’ vacation; 1 sick day accrued per month or 12 days in a year)

Synod will review current policy to allow PTO as well as other current benefits.

 

Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Portico benefits including health, life, and retirement as well as State disability.

Employer paid retirement contribution at 10% of annual salary

Options to participate in employee paid other benefits provided by Portico Benefits

 

Travel Arrangements/Reimbursements

Expenses include mileage or flight costs, per diem rates for meals, hotel stay. Prior coordination and approval from the bishop is required for all scheduling of travel and reimbursable expenses

· Participate in a Synod event/assembly, or be with a congregation

 

Continued Education Support

Budget of $1,000/year towards program for continued education selection and approval coordinated with the bishop

Full reimbursement of travel expenses, food, and lodging during continued education

5 working days/year given to continued education time

 

Sierra Pacific Synod is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be accepted and reviewed. (Applicants from an ELCA Lutheran faith community are desired).

Applicants must submit to a background check (criminal and financial) and reference check before employment can be offered.

Employment in this position is at-will.

 

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