Controller

Job Description

Summary:
The Controller reports to the Diocesan Finance Officer (DFO) and serves as a senior leader within the Finance Office, overseeing general ledger and core accounting functions to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting in accordance with applicable standards and diocesan policies.
This role provides leadership in internal controls, compliance, investment and specialized fund accounting (including the Deposit & Loan Fund and clergy-related funds), and partners closely with the DFO on budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic initiatives that support sound financial stewardship across the Diocese. The Controller also provides accounting and business guidance to parishes and agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities:

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Maintain responsibility for the general ledger, including preparation and/or approval of journal entries
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closings.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and ensure proper subsidiary ledger reconciliation.
• Perform or oversee bank reconciliations and ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare financial documentation and schedules for annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting procedures.

Fund & Investment Accounting

• Perform accounting for the Diocesan Deposit & Loan Fund, ensuring proper reporting, reconciliation and semi-annual statement production.
• Maintain accounting for investment portfolios, including tracking earnings, market value adjustments, and related reporting.
• Account for the Clergy Retirement Fund and other restricted or designated funds in accordance with donor intent and applicable guidelines.
• Perform Net Asset accounting in accordance with GAAP requirements for classification as Unrestricted -designated or undesignated, Temporarily Restricted, and Restricted
• Ensure proper accounting treatment of custodial and special purpose funds.

Financial Analysis & Strategic Support

• Assist the DFO in preparation of annual clergy compensation models.
• Assist in Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal financial calculations and reporting.
• Produce weekly financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other management dashboards.
• Prepare financial forecasts, trend analyses, and special reports as requested by the DFO.
• Provide analytical support for budgeting, long-range planning, and financial decision-making.

Compliance & Process Oversight

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, diocesan policies, and applicable civil and canon law requirements.
• Review and monitor accounting operations to ensure consistency and best practices.
• Assist in development and documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Support continuous process improvement within the Finance Office.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Finance Office staff to ensure effective and efficient workflow.
• Serve as a financial resource to clergy, diocesan leadership, parishes, and affiliated entities as appropriate.
• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the DFO consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Finance required, CPA preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a significant accounting role; experience in nonprofit, diocesan, parish, or fund accounting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial statement preparation, and month-end close processes.
• Experience with investment accounting and fund accounting preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professional judgment.
• Ability to effectively and successfully manage and prioritize multiple projects and adjust to shifting priorities, deadlines, and time management
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior leadership and staff.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of this position.

Employees shall exhibit in behavior and lifestyle values in accord with Catholic teachings, in particular, as well as being a practicing Catholic. All employees shall abide by the laws of the Church and the state. All employees must comply with the provisions of the Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Evansville.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at humanresources@evdio.org

About the Employer

The Catholic Diocese of Evansville is comprised of members of the Kingdom of God living in the 12 counties of Southwest Indiana.

The Diocese of Evansville is a part of the Indianapolis Province, the Indiana Catholic Conference, the Bishop's Region Seven (Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois) and a part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

We belong to the Universal Church in unity with the whole Roman Catholic Church and our Holy Father, Pope Francis.