Chief Financial Officer

Diocese of Bridgeport  -  Job Description

Job Title:           Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Department:     Finance Department            

Reports to:        The Diocesan Bishop and Chancellor and Secretary of the Curia

Location:          Catholic Center, Bridgeport, CT (moving to Shelton, CT in 2025)

FLSA Status:     Exempt

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Chief Financial Officer is the financial leader of the Diocese and a key advisor to the Diocesan Bishop and Chancellor. The CFO advises them and other Diocesan leaders on strategic, operational, and tactical matters related to the financial management of the Diocese, industry best practices and compliance matters in support of the mission and goals of the Diocese. The CFO is responsible for the overall financial management of the Diocese and related entities and the stewardship of fiscal resources in support of the mission and goals of the Diocese. This includes all accounting and reporting functions (US GAAP), budgeting, cash and investment management, financing activities, risk management, and internal and fraud risk controls for the Diocese.  Serves as the Chief Financial Officer of The Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation as required by Canon law.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To administer the goods of the Diocese under the authority of the bishop in accord with the budget determined by the finance council;
• With the Finance Council, serves as principal advisor to the Bishop and Chancellor in matters of finance;
• Review the annual financial budget for submission to the Bishop and Finance Council, adherence to the budget throughout the year and submission of financial results to the Diocesan Finance Council in compliance with Canon law;
• Responsible for all financial and related functions including budgeting, accounting (US GAAP), cash and investments management, including funding status of pension funds (lay and priests);
• Develop and establish accounting policies, internal controls, procedures and fraud risk; monitor to ensure that stated policies, internal controls and procedures are followed;
• Oversee the planning and timely completion of the Diocesan and other related entities annual financial statement audits and submission to the auditors draft financial statement reports;
• Ensure required IRS informational and tax returns are timely and accurately filed;
• Monitor compliance with IRS rules and regulations to safeguard Diocesan entities not-for-profit (501c3) status;
• Oversee risk management to include property, liability, casualty and workers compensation insurance coverage;
• Administer the financial component of employee benefits such as health, retirement and worker compensation plans;
• Engage and interact with Department leaders on issues pertaining to Diocesan financial affairs;
• Fulfill all other responsibilities in accordance with the Code of Canon Law (Canon 494);
• Analyze and make recommendations pertaining to all major financial decisions and questions facing the Diocese, its parishes, schools and other related entities;
• Advise and serve as a resource for Diocesan leaders, parish pastors or administrators, schools, and ministries related to financial and related matters, while evaluating, updating and ensuring compliance of financial policies and controls;
• Monitor the financial condition of Diocesan related entities for financial or other risks;
• Participate in various ad hoc committees and/or boards as required or assigned;

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science in finance, accounting or related discipline, or equivalent experience; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with current credentials and other advanced degrees preferred;
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America:
• Minimum of ten years of related experience with thorough knowledge of accounting (US GAAP), budgeting and resource management within the not-for-profit sector;
• Expert in financial affairs and absolutely distinguished for honesty (Canon 494, Code of Canon Law);
• Experience working for a Catholic Diocese preferred;
• Advanced understanding of Catholic culture, structure, and Canon law related to responsibilities;
• Demonstrated ability to present financial data to the Bishop, Boards and others in an understandable and concise way;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with diverse audiences;
• Collaborative leadership style desiring to engage constituencies and work collectively to achieve the mission;
• Strong management, interpersonal, relationship, delegating and influencing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to uphold the highest level of discretion and confidentiality;
• Active member of a parish/faith community in good standing with the Catholic Church.

TO APPLY:

Mission Advantage Recruiting has been retained to conduct this search for The Diocese of Bridgeport.  To inquire, please contact:

Will Panagakos

615.549.6526

[email protected]

Steven Edwards

714.337.4264

[email protected]