Full Charge Bookkeeper

Full Charge Bookkeeper

Reports To: Priest and Parish Council President and Treasurer
Job Title: Full Charge Bookkeeper
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Springfield Massachusetts
Salary: commensurate with experience

Job Description

The Full Charge Bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive financial records for St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the specific financial policies and procedures of the church. This role involves managing all aspects of the church's financial transactions, including contributions, disbursements, payroll, general ledger, and generate financial reports from QuickBooks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of non-profit accounting, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to the mission and values of the church.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Record Keeping & General Ledger Management
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for all church funds (e.g., General Fund, Designated Funds, Building Fund, Memorials).
  • Process all financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and journal entries.
  • Reconcile all bank accounts, credit card statements, and investment accounts on a monthly basis.
  • Ensure proper coding and classification of all financial transactions according to the church's chart of accounts.
  • Prepare and post adjusting and closing entries as needed.
  • Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
Contributions & Pledges
  • Accurately record all contributions (e.g., offerings, pledges, donations).
  • Maintain confidential donor records, including pledge fulfillment tracking.
  • Generate and distribute annual contribution statements to donors in a timely manner.
  • Assist in the implementation and maintain secure procedures for handling cash and checks.
Accounts Payable & Disbursements
  • Process and pay all approved invoices and bills in a timely manner, ensuring proper authorization and documentation.
  • Manage vendor relationships and inquiries.
  • Reconcile vendor statements.
  • Prepare and issue checks or electronic payments.
Accounts Receivables and Collections
  • Generate and send invoices for services rendered (e.g., facility rentals, program fees, school tuition, specific event registrations).
  • Track outstanding receivables and follow up on delinquent accounts in a professional and discreet manner, adhering to church policies.
  • Process incoming payments for receivables and ensure accurate posting to accounts.
  • Prepare aging reports for accounts receivable and provide updates to relevant parties.
  • Resolve billing discrepancies and customer inquiries related to invoices.
Payroll Administration
  • Process bi-weekly/monthly payroll accurately and on time for all church employees.
  • Prepare federal, state, and local payroll tax (e.g., W-2s, 1099’s, FICA, etc.).
  • Administer authorized employee benefits deductions (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans) for payroll purposes.
  • Maintain accurate and payroll records, ensuring confidentiality.
  • Track use of vacation, sick time accruals and utilization for payroll.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Prepare regular financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements (P&L), and budget vs. actual reports, for the President, Treasurer and Parish Council.
  • Assist in the preparation of the annual church budget.
  • Assist with year-end financial closing procedures and prepare for annual audits or reviews.
Compliance & Internal Controls
  • Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard church assets and prevent fraud.
  • Maintain organized and accessible financial files and documentation.
  • Stay informed about best practices in non-profit accounting.
Other Duties
  • Assist with special projects and initiatives as needed.
  • Liaise with external auditors, banking institutions, and financial advisors.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding all financial and personnel information.
  • Attend Parish Council and other Committee meetings as required.
  • Provide administrative support to the Priest, President and Treasurer as it relates to financial matters.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Confidentiality and Discretion
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding parishioner and administrative matters.

Qualifications

Education
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Bookkeeper) are a plus.
Experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of full-charge bookkeeping experience, with a strong preference for experience in a church or non-profit setting.
Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in accounting software QuickBooks required, prefer experience with Churchtrac.
  • Ability to learn other financially related software in a timely manner.
  • Knowledgeable in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office Suite applications
  • Experience with payroll processing software.
  • Solid understanding of GAAP, particularly as it applies to non-profit organizations.
  • Knowledge of church financial practices and stewardship principles.
Abilities
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with staff, volunteers, outside service providers, and congregants.
  • High degree of integrity, trustworthiness, and discretion.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of St. George.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to work collaboratively.

Working Conditions:

  • This part-time position will be based in an office environment during regular business hours, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events and special services.
  • May involve standing, walking, and some lifting related to event setup and office maintenance.
  • Ability to lift 20 lbs.

Probationary Period

This position is subject to a six (6) month probationary period from the start date of employment.