Regional Staff Accountant

Diocese of Lansing; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 43,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Lansing is seeking a Regional Staff Accountant to support parish financial services, handling accounts payable, payroll, and income accounting with careful attention to coding and compliance.

The role requires three years of accounting experience, proficiency in Excel and Word, and familiarity with accounting software. Collaboration with parish leadership and finance committees is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business (or equivalent).
• Minimum three years of accounting experience with standard practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounts payable processes, audit documentation, approvals and coding.
• Process payroll timely and ensure correct payroll calendar alignment.
• Handle income accounting including donations and tuition and proper coding.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll systems

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Regional Staff Accountant supports the ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing’s parish financial services by handling all accounting tasks related to parish and other diocesan organizations’ accounting needs.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the invoice process for payment requests, including the audit of necessary documentation for completeness and accuracy, proper approvals, and coding. Follow up as needed if items are missing. Maintains all accounts payable data in the accounting software system.
• Tracks all credit card activity, including monitoring documentation and necessary supervisor approvals. Follow up as needed if items are missing.
• Prepares check PDF file for submission to parish.
• Reconciles all accounts payable activity with the general ledger.
• Manages payroll process to ensure necessary approvals are in place and runs payroll timely in accordance with parish payroll calendar.
• Manages the income (all donations including offertory, miscellaneous donations, school tuition, etc.) accounting process, including ensuring that count sheets are received, reviewing to ensure proper account coding has been prepared. Follow up as needed if information is missing. Processes/records weekly offertory and special donations in accounting software system.
• Pays all debts on time, without incurring late fees.
• Manage and prepare all accounting adjusting entries for month-end close.
• Reconciles general ledger balance sheet accounts, analyzes income statement accounts for accuracy and closes books in the accounting software system each month.
• Gathers data, prepares and distributes regular financial reports for use by the parish business manager, pastor and parish finance council.
• Maintain open lines of communication with parish business manager, pastor, and finance committee.
• Participates in periodic parish finance council meetings remotely and presents financial results.
• Provides monthly budget-to-actual information and analysis for department heads and ministry personnel.
• Completes and distributes annual 1099 forms.
• Updates payroll and benefits systems as needed.
• Coordinates with parish internal control review process during parish reviews.
• Serves as backup support within the diocesan accounting department as needed.
• Performs special duties as assigned.
• Handles sensitive information confidentially.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, with coursework in math and accounting required. Undergraduate Degree in Business or Accounting preferred.

Experience

Minimum of three years of experience with standard accounting practices, office procedures, and business etiquette. Must be fluent in Microsoft Excel and Word. Familiarity with accounting software preferred.

Required

A fully supportive and energetic attitude toward the Church, her teachings and her work. Practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office, with strong inter-personal phone skills. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Some evening work may be required.

Physical Demands

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, and bending while filing. Employee is expected to work Monday through Friday weekly. Employee must be able to lift or move up to 40 lbs.