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Church Financial Controller Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Christ Church Cathedral Job Type: Full-time Location: Indianapolis, IN Description CONTROLLER ... You'll be the Cathedral's primary internal financial resource, working closely with the Chief ...

CONTROLLER Christ Church Cathedral | Indianapolis, Indiana Do you love the satisfaction of a clean ... You'll be the Cathedral's primary internal financial resource, working closely with the Chief ...

Church Financial Controller information

What does a Church Financial Controller do?

A Church Financial Controller is responsible for managing the financial operations of a church or religious organization. Their duties typically include overseeing accounting and bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and safeguarding the church’s assets. They may also supervise staff, handle payroll, and coordinate with external auditors. The role is crucial for maintaining financial transparency and supporting the church's mission through effective stewardship of resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Church Financial Controller?

To thrive as a Church Financial Controller, you need strong accounting expertise, financial analysis skills, and a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, often accompanied by a CPA qualification. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, church management systems, and compliance with nonprofit financial regulations is typically required. Integrity, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing sensitive financial information and working with church leadership. These skills ensure transparent, accurate stewardship of church finances and foster trust within the organization and its community.

What are some unique challenges a Church Financial Controller might face compared to controllers in other organizations?

A Church Financial Controller often manages diverse funding sources such as tithes, donations, and grants, requiring keen attention to donor restrictions and transparency. Unlike corporate environments, churches may have limited staff or rely on volunteers, so controllers frequently provide training and oversight in financial best practices. Additionally, maintaining compliance with both nonprofit accounting standards and denominational guidelines can be complex, making strong organizational and communication skills essential.

What is the difference between Church Financial Controller vs Church Bookkeeper?

AspectChurch Financial ControllerChurch Bookkeeper
CredentialsAccounting certifications (e.g., CPA), financial management experienceBasic bookkeeping skills, often no formal certification
ResponsibilitiesOversees financial reporting, budgeting, internal controlsHandles day-to-day transaction recording, invoicing
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with church leadership on financial strategyFocuses on recording and maintaining financial records

The Church Financial Controller typically has more advanced financial credentials and oversees broader financial functions, including reporting and budgeting. The Church Bookkeeper handles routine recording tasks. While both roles are essential for church finance management, the Controller has a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Church Financial Controller jobs in Indiana?

For Church Financial Controller jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Church Financial Controller jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Church Financial Controller jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Church Financial Controller jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Church Financial Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Church Financial Controller job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

My Account
Client Careers >> Controller
Controller
Summary
Title: Controller ID: 1091 Client: Christ Church Cathedral Job Type: Full-time Location: Indianapolis, IN
Description

CONTROLLER

Christ Church Cathedral  |  Indianapolis, Indiana

Do you love the satisfaction of a clean monthly close? Do you want your day-to-day work to support a mission bigger than the bottom line?

If so, Christ Church Cathedral would love to talk with you about becoming our next Controller.

Why This Role

This is a hands-on, high-trust position for someone who wants ownership over the full accounting and payroll cycle - not just a piece of it. You'll be the Cathedral's primary internal financial resource, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and leadership to keep our financial house in order so our staff and clergy can focus on serving our congregation and our city. You'll bring structure, accuracy, and a steady hand to everything from the monthly close to payroll tax filings, while also having a voice in how we strengthen our internal controls and financial processes going forward.

What You'll Do

General Accounting & Bookkeeping

  • Enter and categorize income and expense transactions across bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and other accounts
  • Reconcile bank, loan, and credit card accounts monthly, and make adjusting journal entries as needed
  • Post to and maintain the general ledger, including month-end journal entries
  • Maintain fixed asset listings and depreciation schedules, and prepare 1099s for subcontractors
  • Manage accounts payable, including vendor invoices, check runs, and payment authorization
  • Oversee the tithing process - recording pledges and donations, preparing giving statements, and reconciling donation records against deposits

Financial Reporting & Planning

  • Prepare monthly financial statements, including balance sheets and fund-based income statements
  • Track restricted funds, designated gifts, and grant obligations to ensure donor compliance
  • Assist with the annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts
  • Meet Diocese of Indianapolis reporting requirements, including the annual parochial report and assessment remittances
  • Present at Finance Committee meetings and serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and the CPA firm

Payroll Administration & Compliance

  • Process bi-weekly payroll, including direct deposit, new hire setup, and benefit remittances
  • Remit 941 deposits and file federal and Indiana payroll tax forms (941, WH-3, W-2/W-3, and related filings)
  • Report new hires to the state within required timelines and maintain I-9/W-4 documentation

Internal Controls & Stewardship

  • Safeguard Cathedral assets through documented, audit-ready cash-handling procedures
  • Design and strengthen internal controls to promote accurate reporting and prevent fraud
  • Flag known or suspected irregularities to leadership right away

What You Bring

  • A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • Three to five or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience, ideally in a nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organization
  • Comfort with fund accounting; CPA licensure or progress toward it is a plus, not a requirement
  • Working knowledge of accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or similar) and payroll platforms (ADP, Paychex, or Intuit)
  • Strong Excel skills and familiarity with federal and Indiana payroll tax requirements

Personal Qualities We Value

  • Meticulous and organized, with a genuine commitment to accuracy
  • Trustworthy with confidential financial and personnel information
  • A clear communicator who can translate numbers for non-financial audiences - clergy, vestry members, and ministry leaders alike
  • Respectful of and energized by a multicultural, faith-based community
  • Collaborative, with a service-minded approach to supporting a mission-driven team

The Details

  • Full-time, exempt position reporting to the Chief Operating Officer
  • Primarily office-based; Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with occasional flexibility needed during audit season, year-end close, and Finance Committee meetings

Ready to put your gifts to work for a mission you believe in? We'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now

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