Senior Controller

Description

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

The Archbishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church entrusted to him.  In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Archbishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.  (Directory on the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops, 198)

Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:

The Senior Controller for the Archdiocese of Seattle assures that the accounting practices, fiscal records maintenance, and financial reports prepared for the Archdiocese are in compliance with related federal, state and local regulations and in accord with the mission and norms of the local and universal Church.  The Senior Controller is also responsible for the investment, budgeting and financing activities of the Archdiocese of Seattle.

NOTE:  This is an appointed position by the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and subject to Archdiocesan Policy pertaining to appointed positions.  The supervisor of this position reserves the right to make necessary modifications to this position to reflect current and appropriate responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES:

1. Oversees planning, implementation and evaluation of the office’s mission, programs, and services as delegated by the Archbishop, in collaboration with other Chancery departments, Archdiocesan parishes and faith communities.
2. Assures the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a comprehensive fiscal control structure for all Chancery financial activities and those of related organizations.  Responsible for the development and maintenance of Accounting Policies and Procedures, Backup Plans and Internal Control documentation. 
3. Assures compliance with established accounting principles, tax law, investment guidelines, and canon law.  Oversees the annual audit and preparation of the annual financial reports of the Administrative Offices, Parish Reovling Fund, St Jospeh Foundation, Associated Catholic Cemeteries and the Fulcrum Foundation.  Coordinates with the Benefits Office for the annual audit of the Priest Pension Plan, Clergy Medical Plan, Lay Health and Welfare Plan, Archdiocesan 403b Plan and the Lay Pension Plan. 
4. Manages the investment, banking and overall treasury functions for the Archdiocese, including cash management, oversight of investment managers, line of credit determination, credit card program, arrangement of debt as needed and asset allocation decision-making.
5. Responsible for the investment of Archdiocesan funds.  Staffs and works with the Archdiocesan Investment Committee and consultants to recommend investment strategies and managers for the Archdiocesan Finance Council’s review and approval.  Assures that the Investment guidelines follow USCCB Socially Responsible Investing guidelines.
6. Responsible for the selection, implementation, and efficient and appropriate use of computerized programs to manage financial data for Chancery and related organizations accounting records and related financial reporting; coordinates with other departments on selection and understanding for systems that support the Associated Catholic Cemetery, Annual Catholic Appeal and Chancery Payroll.  Also responsible for upgrades of those systems as needed.
7. In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer and Chancery leadership, oversees the Chancery Operating and Capital budgets.  Develops, implements, and communicates the budget process, provides decision support to the Archbishop, monitors status of departmental budgets, and assures accurate record keeping of all budget decisions and transactions.  Preparation and presentation of the “Final Budget” to the Archbishop and the AFC.
8. In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, staffs the Archdiocesan Finance Council and assists with developing meeting agendas and decks, preparing meeting minutes and maintaining necessary records.
9. Assures effective stewardship of the Accounting Department, including Shared Services, through supervision of a staff of fifteen, administration of the department’s budget, and administration of the department in accordance with Archdiocesan policy and established accounting principles.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

      Primary:

1. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
2. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church in support of the collaboration between lay and ordained Ministers.

Education:

1. BA in Accounting, Finance or related field.
2. CPA

Experience:

1. Minimum 5 years not-for-profit accounting experience.
2. Demonstrated successful leadership/management experience to include staff supervision, budget and policy management.
3. Demonstrated successful proficiency with computerized accounting systems.
4. Proficiency with computers, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
5. Experience in staffing boards, committees and other leadership groups.

1. Other Elements:

1. Commitment to and compatibility with the mission and values of the Catholic Church in Western Washington.
2. Working knowledge of the Catholic Church in Western Washington with its parish/school/Chancery organization and structures.
3. Excellence in verbal and written communications skills; ability to effectively speak to large and small groups as well as on-on-one communication.
4. Excellence in interpersonal and public relations skills including the ability to work with a variety of persons in multicultural settings.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.

Salary : $140,000 - $175,000