Senior Financial Reporting Accountant

At the Catholic Cemeteries of Chicago, we are deeply connected by our mission to be a living presence of God’s love in our midst. You will feel a sense of purpose throughout the organization as we strive to provide education, support and resources to assist families to make informed decisions about burial choices guided by spiritual beliefs and traditions. No matter your role, your work will make a positive impact in the lives of all who come to us in need by helping to ease the burdens and uncertainty of those who are grieving.

The Catholic Cemeteries of Chicago are the largest private cemetery system in the United States with 47 cemeteries throughout Cook and Lake Counties in Illinois and are looking for dedicated, talented and compassionate individuals to become part of our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, organize, and manage all monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reporting and closings.
• Assist with the month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals.
• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements free from material misstatement.
• Maintain current and historical fiscal records.
• Prepare and distribute cemetery financial reports to the cemetery Managers for review of their revenue and expenses.
• Manage the annual external independent audit engagement, including the preparation of documentation prepared by cemeteries.
• Implement new financial Accounting standards as required for audit compliance.
• Provide management with complete, timely, accurate financial information to aid strategic and operating decisions.
• Prepare and coordinate the development of the annual budget.  
• Prepare financial and statistical reports, including estimates of monthly requirements, cemetery income budgets, cemetery sales analysis, labor hour budget, and other reports.
• Reconcile and report on inventories of graves, crypts, and other products.
• Prepare summary report on investment performance, and make recommendations as necessary.
• Develop financial forecasts and estimates on both a short and long-term basis.
• Ensure conformance to all financial policies and procedures, including those that are Archdiocesan-specific, and recommend policy changes as needed.
• Assist with the development, integration and maintenance of accounting software.
• Work with other organization managers to ensure coordination of activities of mutual financial concern.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure proper financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of reports, including those required by regulatory agencies.
• Prepare government reports as needed.
• Conduct internal audits of cemeteries.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, or equivalent professional experience with a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (CPA a plus). Continuing education desirable.
• At least three to five years of accounting experience and knowledge of finance, budgeting, and cost control principles.
• Knowledge of automated accounting reporting systems including Great Plains, Microsoft Office, and Management Reporter.
• Attention to detail, with analytical and problem solving skills. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form with auditors, vendors, and employees at all levels, and other outside personnel as required.
• Ability to learn and understand the entire organization from a financial standpoint for the performance of the assigned duties, and take a hands-on rather than conceptual approach for proper execution.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues.  
• Ability to represent the Catholic Cemeteries in a credible fashion both internally and externally.
• Member of the Catholic Church with understanding of Catholic faith practices preferred.

Salary Range: $89,500 to $112,500