Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer is a senior executive and experienced financial professional responsible for the stewardship and administration of the temporal goods of the Diocese in accordance with civil law, canon law, and the mission of the Roman Catholic Church. Serving as a principal advisor to the Bishop, diocesan leadership, and the diocesan Finance Council, the CFO oversees financial management, accounting, and reporting functions to ensure integrity, transparency, and sound internal controls.

The CFO leads budget development, financial planning, compliance, and risk management while supporting the financial sustainability of diocesan parishes, schools, ministries, and affiliated entities. In carrying out these responsibilities, the CFO is expected to exercise prudent stewardship, ethical judgment, and fidelity to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church, recognizing that the administration of financial resources is an essential service to the Church's pastoral and evangelical mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the diocesan Finance Officer in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, exercising responsibility for the administration of the temporal goods of the Diocese under the authority of the Bishop.
• Implement, administer, and monitor diocesan financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable civil law and canon law, in collaboration with diocesan leadership.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor the diocesan operating and capital budgets in coordination with the Chancellor/COO, including long-range financial planning and forecasting.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial records, statements, and reports of the Diocese.
• Direct and supervise accounting staff, including oversight of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Monitor and manage diocesan cash flow, investments, debt, and financial reserves to promote long-term fiscal stability and prudent stewardship.
• Maintain and manage key external financial relationships, including banking institutions, investment advisors, property and liability insurance providers, and retirement and benefits vendors.
• Serve as a member of the Catholic Employees Benefit Group (CEBG) Board of Directors, as designated.
• Coordinate and oversee internal and external financial audits, ensuring compliance with internal controls, best practices, and audit recommendations.
• Provide financial guidance, training, and support to diocesan parishes, schools, ministries, and affiliated entities, consistent with diocesan policies.
• Work closely with the Diocesan Finance Council by preparing reports, analyses, and recommendations to support its consultative role.
• Advise the Bishop and diocesan leadership on financial strategy, risk management, and the responsible stewardship of Church resources.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable civil laws, nonprofit regulations, and diocesan risk-management policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the financial administration and mission of the Diocese.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; Master's degree and CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, nonprofit accounting, or a closely related role.
• Demonstrated expertise in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial reporting standards.
• Proven experience in financial planning, budgeting, internal controls, and risk management.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and clearly present findings and recommendations to the Bishop, diocesan leadership, and advisory bodies.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with clergy, parish leadership, diocesan staff, and external professionals.
• Working knowledge of civil and canon law as it relates to diocesan and parish finances, or the demonstrated ability to acquire such knowledge.
• Proficiency with accounting and financial management systems; experience with QuickBooks strongly preferred.
• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing, with a demonstrated commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at workstation.
• Travel to the churches and institutions of the Diocese.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Ministerial and Mission-Sensitive Position:

The Chief Financial Officer holds a position of trust and responsibility that is integral to the Church's mission and governance. As a senior diocesan leader entrusted with the administration of the temporal goods of the Diocese, the CFO participates in the Church's ministry of stewardship and supports the Bishop in the exercise of his pastoral and administrative responsibilities. Accordingly, this position is mission-sensitive and requires fidelity to the teachings, values, and moral standards of the Roman Catholic Church.

Standards of Conduct and Stewardship:

The Chief Financial Officer is expected to model the highest standards of integrity, prudence, and ethical conduct consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. In carrying out the responsibilities of this role, the CFO shall exercise faithful stewardship of Church resources, safeguard confidential information, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure that financial decisions reflect transparency, accountability, and respect for the trust placed in the Diocese by the faithful.

The CFO is expected to conduct professional and personal affairs in a manner that supports the credibility, mission, and public witness of the Diocese, and to adhere fully to diocesan policies, ethical standards, and applicable civil and canon law.

To Apply:

A resume, letter of interest, and a list of three professional references is required in order to apply. These should be sent as a single PDF to jobs@dioceseoftyler.org.

About the Employer

Founded in 1987, the Diocese of Tyler is located in Northeast Texas. The territory is divided into 53 parishes and 14 missions. The total population of the diocese is 1.4 million, of which approx. 120,000 are Catholic. For more information, visit dioceseoftyler.org.