Head of Accounting

Socket.dev; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Theresa Catholic Church and School in Austin, TX seeks a Head of Accounting to oversee all parish and school financial operations, including general ledger, payroll, and reporting.

The role supervises the School Accounting Lead and clerks, while performing hands-on parish accounting when needed. You'll report to the Chief Operating Officer, ensure compliance with diocesan and IRS guidelines, and drive budgeting, cash management, and donor reporting across both entities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field.
• 5+ years of related accounting experience.
• Nonprofit or fund accounting experience preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing preferred.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Valid Texas driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting across parish and school, hands-on when needed.
• Supervise School Accounting Lead and clerks.
• Oversee payroll, vendor payments, and reconciliations.
• Prepare parish budget and reports for Finance Council.
• Coordinate with Pastor, COO, and Finance Council on budget.
• Ensure compliance with IRS, diocesan, and ethics requirements.

Skills

Catholic teachings

HR components

Diocesan regulations

Budget management

Supervision

Fund accounting

Multicultural work

Customer service

QuickBooks proficiency

Time management

Confidentiality

Task prioritization

Following instructions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA certification preferred

Nonprofit or fund accounting experience

Tools

QuickBooks

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Database programs

Job description

Description

The Head of Accounting is responsible for all accounting operations across both the parish and its school, which the parish considers a ministry of the Church. This includes the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, reconciliations, donations, financial reporting, and budgeting. The role performs the parish accounting hands‑on and leads the school accounting function as a working supervisor, stepping in to perform school accounting tasks directly when needed. The Head of Accounting directly supervises the School Accounting Lead and the clerks in the school business office.

The Head of Accounting reports to the Chief Operating Officer and operates under general supervision with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in St. Theresa Catholic Church (Austin, Texas) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ's mission present and enduring in the parish and its school. To fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares his mission with them and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Positions employed at St. Theresa Catholic Church and School help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

Job Requirements

Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Theresa Catholic Church and School in both professional and personal life. Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church. Continuously grow in ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed. Lead the accounting function across the parish and the school. Directly supervise the School Accounting Lead and the school business office clerks, set standards for their work, review their output, and remain accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of accounting across both entities. Perform school accounting tasks directly when staffing or workload requires it. Become and remain knowledgeable of the school's financial operations and needs, so the role can supervise effectively and step in when necessary. Perform the parish's day‑to‑day accounting hands‑on, including general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Prepare checks, bank deposits, and reconciliations following banking procedures per federal, state, and diocesan guidelines. Maintain all parish investments and bank accounts. Prepare and maintain the parish budget. Collaborate with the Pastor, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Finance Council on budget considerations, and attend meetings of the parish Finance Council. Prepare budget reports for department heads and the Finance Council, prepare a budget forecast for the next fiscal year, finalize the fiscal year budget, and submit it to the Diocese of Austin. Generate the weekly Stewardship Report and the monthly financial statements for parish and school leadership and the Finance Council. Run and oversee payroll for parish and school employees through the parish payroll system, including 403(b) retirement contributions and health insurance. Receive and make payments, ensuring invoices are prepared and sent in a timely manner. Maintain a W9 on file for all vendors per IRS regulations and process vendor 1099s for the year.

Prepare and supervise the weekly counting of collections and deposits. Verify that all monetary contributions are posted to the parish donor management system. Assist with the preparation and mailing of year‑end contribution statements to parishioners. Manage the financial aspects of parish and school fundraising campaigns. Serve as St. Theresa's primary accounting contact for the Diocese. Maintain availability throughout the week to serve the needs of the parish and school, including staff, clergy, and volunteers, during and outside of normal office hours as reasonably required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Roman Catholic teachings, parish and diocesan structure.
• Knowledge of the Human Resources components of parish and school communities.
• Knowledge of diocesan regulations and federal and state laws.
• Ability to manage budgets and supervise personnel.
• Ability to apply principles of accounting and budgeting, with nonprofit or fund accounting experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi‑cultural parish and school serving various cultures and a wide range of age groups.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, and laity.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, along with word‑processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and use effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and implement creative solutions.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Accounting or a closely related field of study from an accredited American university. Five (5) or more years of related accounting experience. Nonprofit or fund accounting experience preferred. Prior supervisory experience preferred but not required. Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing preferred. CPA certification preferred. Valid Texas driver's license required. Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period. Local candidates preferred.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at‑will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast‑paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off‑site locations.
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.

Local candidates preferred