Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Job Purpose:
The Chief Financial Officer holds a canonically required position and is a member of the diocesan curia. Under the direction of the Bishop and in consultation with the Diocesan Finance Council, the CFO directs all financial affairs of the Diocese. The CFO is responsible for developing and maintaining working relationships with clergy, principals, and department heads in supporting their ministries in all financial matters.

Major Responsibilities:
• Principally, fulfill those duties specified in canon 494 and related canons in The Code of Canon Law.
• Direct activities required for financial management, including, but not limited to monitoring of investments and cash management, authorization of invoices, review of cancelled checks, signing of diocesan checks, approval of electronic/wire transfers and ensuring proper separation of duties.
• Act as a resource to various ministries and parishes regarding financial policies and procedures, including reviewing annual budgets and working closely with the bookkeepers and finance councils to ensure that balanced budgets are created and maintained.
• Remain informed on issues that have potential impact on the Diocese from local community concerns, Provincial concerns in cooperation with the Michigan Catholic Conference, and national/international concerns through the USCCB and beyond to the universal level of the Church.
• Prepare and maintain the Diocesan budget and monitor actual results on a monthly basis.
• Review and discuss department budgets with directors.
• Review and analyze monthly financial statements for Diocese and related entities (Diocese, Trust, Foundation, Sanctuary, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, etc.).
• Plan and forecast for future events and concerns both immediate and long-range.
• Keep the Bishop regularly informed regarding all financial matters.
• Advise the Bishop of any diocesan expenditure or practice which appears imprudent.
• Assist the Bishop in his duty of vigilance over parish, school, and other finances.
• Monitor the performance of all of the Diocesan investment pools & chair the Investment Committee which monitors the Diocesan investment pools. Consult with MCC personnel regarding asset allocation of diocesan investments to ensure it's within acceptable guidelines.
• Consult with Diocesan attorney, as necessary, to protect the assets of the Diocese from potential lawsuits.
• Direct and prepare all required information for the fiscal year end audit, in collaboration with Diocesan Finance Council.
• Ensure that financial records and accounting policies are maintained according to proper accounting standards.
• Responsible for financial policies and procedures to help ensure parishes are in compliance regarding the parish's financial transactions and internal controls.
• Participate in the reviews of parishes and schools to help ensure policy compliance and appropriateness of internal controls. Provide written report of findings and suggestions.
• Participate in the reviews of parish and school annual reports. Provide assistance to them as necessary.
• Assist with training, education, or communications with directors, parishes and/or schools.
• Maintain financial security by following internal controls.
• Comply with federal, state, and local financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.
• Prepare special financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and trends.
• Ensure compliance with provisions/restrictions of estate and trust agreements applicable to funds received by the Diocese.
• Manage the finance department staff, lead team meetings and complete annual reviews.
• Maintain parish and employee confidence and protects operations by keeping financial information confidential.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Maintain good relations and effective communication with staff, priests and parish finance councils through the diocese.
• Serve as a liaison with MCC and Gallagher Bassett Insurance for the maintenance of property insurance programs for the Diocese, parishes and schools.
• Serve as a liaison to finance officers of other dioceses to evaluate and share best practices.
• Serve as a member of the committee, which reviews all activities related to building projects for parishes and schools.
• Serve on the Bishop's Leadership Team, Diocesan Priest Pension Plan, Catholic Foundation of Southwest Michigan Board, MCC Fiscal Managers Committee, Investment Pool Committee and Mt. Olivet Cemetery Board.
• Attend Diocesan Finance Council Meetings
• Establish the parish goals for the Bishop's Annual Appeal.
• Other Business Office functions as assigned.

Skills/Qualifications:
• As required by Canon Law, must be "truly expert in financial affairs and absolutely distinguished for honesty."
• As required by Canon Law, must be a practicing Catholic in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business required. Master's degree or CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience required with responsibility in supervisory and decision-making positions.
• Experience in a nonprofit setting preferred.
• Demonstrate experience with audit and internal control review.
• Administration and supervisory skills.
• Accounting, Fund Accounting, Corporate Finance and Foundation experience desired.
• Attention to Detail
• Deadline oriented
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in Excel
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be a professional, courteous, team player.

Other:
• This job summary is intended to describe the functions and nature of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to describe all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Regular, reliable attendance is an essential function, and all employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and perform any other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor.
• While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls. The position also requires some standing, stooping, climbing stairs, and bending while filing.
• This position is located at the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo Pastoral Center and will require travel to other locations as required by position responsibilities and/or diocesan management. This position will be exposed routinely to typical office noise levels and/or exposure to various weather conditions.

Applications, cover letters & resumes should be submitted to: twachterhauser@diokzoo.org

About the Employer

The Diocese of Kalamazoo provides support for all of it's 59 Catholic parishes and 21 schools.