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St. James’ Church

Accounting Manager

·     Reports to the Parish Administrator

·     Full-time, onsite, exempt position

·     Salary: $100,000 plus generous benefits, including medical insurance and pension

The Opportunity

To join a spirited, hard-working, and highly rewarding team in a successful and growing Episcopal Church on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Church membership isn’t required, but accounting skills and judgment, commitment to the non-profit mission, communication skills, and emotional intelligence will be highly prized in a fast-paced, friendly, supportive workplace.

Position Scope

The Accounting Manager leads and implements the church's accounting and financial operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial records and reports. This position maintains the general ledger and is responsible for the quality and timeliness of all postings. The Manager processes accounts payable and bi-weekly payroll and anticipates cash needs for the same. The Manager implements and accounts for 403(b) retirement plan and health benefits transactions, including the specifics of clergy compensation – including housing, benefits, and taxes. The Manager closes the books monthly, prepares monthly financial reports vs. budget, and makes cashflow projections. The Accounting Manager tracks and posts investment portfolio transactions, department budgets and functional expenses, capital projects and fixed assets, and sub-accounting for the altar guild, clergy discretionary fund, sales of donated goods, youth trips and pilgrimages, and donor-restricted special purpose funds and ministries. The Manager tracks ACH, Venmo, Clickpay, and corporate credit cards, coding each transaction.

Controls and Audit

Together with the Parish Administrator, the position is integral to implementation of internal financial controls, separation of duties, and coordination with financial security measures and all means of safeguarding the church’s assets. The Accounting Manager stays vigilant to possible control weaknesses and developments in protecting against fraud, phishing, and AI threats. The Manager runs year-end trial balances, prepares and uploads all schedules and documentation in support of the annual independent audit, and serves as the primary liaison to the independent auditors and coordinates all audit schedules, supporting documentation and follow-up requests. The position is a focal point in acting on auditor recommendations and updating written accounting procedures.

Key Relationships

Robust relationships are both internal and external to the church. The Accounting Manager processes transactions and prepares reports for the Parish Administrator, Rector, other clergy and staff leaders, the volunteer Treasurer and Vestry (governing board), the Vestry’s audit committee, and outside auditors (PFK O’Connor Davies). The Manager interacts independently with vendors, banks, investment managers, church staff, and parishioners. The position coordinates closely with (and provides support and back up for) the Stewardship Coordinator and other church staff with responsibility for revenue and receivables.

The Successful Candidate

·     Has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related experience

·     Brings 7+ years of broad, relevant accounting experience in career positions of increasing independence and accountability.

·     Displays solid skills in AP, AR, general ledger, payroll, investments, endowments, net asset tracking, Excel, and financial reporting, ideally using ACS or equivalents to ACS (and ACS PeopleSuite and Realm) and ADP.

·     Demonstrates involvement with – or exposure to – non-profit accounting, budgeting, project accounting (P&L’s), benefits administration, vendor relations, and auditing.

·     Identifies and implements process improvements through workflow optimization, automation, and internal control enhancements.

·     Pays close attention to details and deadlines, taking full responsibility for both.

·     Prioritizes, multi-tasks, and works as well collaboratively as independently.

·     Values personal integrity, personal productivity, professional discretion, and the success of the whole organization.

·     Helps non-financial colleagues manage their budgets and understand their reports.

·     Shows empathy and compassion for all who enter the church, regardless of their financial or social circumstances.

To Apply

Send your resume and a required cover letter (connecting your work experience to the job described above) to Ms. Paola Roche, Parish Administrator, at search@stjames.org.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, in the order received. No calls, please.

The position is becoming available in September, owing to the retirement of the incumbent. Finalists are subject to a proficiency interview by our CPA firm, and a background check.

•  St. James’ Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our website is at www.stjames.org.