Diocesan Finance Officer

The Diocesan Finance Officer (DFO) is a critical corporate officer (Treasurer) responsible for managing the finances and financial risks of the Diocese of Madison and affiliated corporations, in direct support of the Bishop of Madison and the mission of the local Church, and oversees the Office of Finance.

The DFO is responsible for strategic planning as well as financial reporting to senior management and the Diocesan Finance Council and is the corporation’s chief financial spokesperson.

Can. 494 §1. “In every diocese, after having heard the college of consultors and the Finance council, the bishop is to appoint a Finance officer who is truly expert in Financial affairs and absolutely distinguished for honesty.”

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensures the implementation of the Bishop’s comprehensive vision for the Diocese by collaborating with Bishop’s Leadership Team, and the Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia in the supervision and guidance of relevant chancery offices.
• Manages the temporal goods of the Diocesan Church; fosters effective development of fiscal, financial, and administrative policies; monitors internal controls to safeguard the assets of the diocese.
• With respect to financial oversight, assist the Bishop with his goals and initiatives, especially the Go Make Disciples evangelization initiative and Into the Deep Strategic Plan at the diocesan and parish level.
• Fosters communication, cooperative planning, and integrated evaluation among departments and affiliated organizations regarding financial and operational issues.
• Provides leadership and direction to Office of Finance staff and oversees financial reporting, investments, treasury management, risk management, audit, and the clergy retirement plan, as well as post-retirement benefits (VEBA/OPEB Trust), and related actuarial services.
• Manage and plan the external audit(s) of the organization as well as the relationships with the external auditors.
• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory action.
• Provides timely and accurate analysis of budgets and financial trends, along with monthly and year-end financial reports, to assist the Bishop, governing boards, and other senior executives in meeting their responsibilities.
• Enhance and/or develop, implement, and enforce financial policies and procedures by way of systems that will improve the overall operations and effectiveness.
• Analyze and propose organization-wide credit needs, negotiate and manage credit, banking, and investment relationships with appropriate providers.
• Collaborates with the Office of Parish Financial Services, especially with the implementation of the Central Business Office for parish financial operations.
• Evaluate the finance teams’ structure and plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group as well as provide individuals with professional and personal growth with emphasis on opportunities for individuals.
• By appointment of the Bishop of Madison, presides over the Diocesan Finance Council.
• By appointment of the Priest Pension Board, provides day-to-day administration of the St. Raphael Society Clergy Retirement Plan of the Diocese of Madison.
• By appointment of the Archbishop of Milwaukee, serves as Treasurer of the Church Unemployment Pay Program, Inc. (ex officio as stated in the corporation’s bylaws).
• Specifically in managing investments, serves as the chief liaison with investment advisors and managers.
• Helps oversee risk management (property and casualty, liability, auto, and worker’s compensation), and acts as a liaison with insurance providers.
• Maintains contact with governmental agencies, as required.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• High degree of organization, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to work with highly confidential data and financial information.
• Strong work ethic.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work with all levels of management, non – management, clergy, and lay people.
• Ability to set priorities.
• Ability to perform designated duties under time constraints.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• High degree of credibility, integrity, and self confidence.
• Knowledge of relational database functionality.
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and who supports the teachings of the Catholic Church, including an in-depth familiarity with its structures, functions, hierarchy, and institutions.
• Should strive to personally know, love, and serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the life of the Church.
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Thorough knowledge of investment strategies and principles.
• Thorough knowledge of finance and business law (including contracts).
• Strong leadership skills and strong desire to serve – leading to outcomes that achieve a common good.
• Collaborative management style; promotes good morale and a cooperative team environment.
• Should be a strong networker and be able to provide employee formation and development through fostering relationships and communicating with diverse teams.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or equivalent work experience (20+ years).
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory and leadership experience.
• Strategic planning experience required.
• Fiscal management experience required.
• CPA or MBA preferred.
• Experience in finance, human resources, risk management, and law are helpful.
• Experience in the not-for-profit environment a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The general environment for this position is that commonly associated with an office setting.
• The physical demands of this position are those typically associated with work conducted in an office environment. The position requires that the person be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Regular full-time employee; in-office position.
• Reliable transportation required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Office of Finance Staff

WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

• Need to maintain strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders including officers, departmental directors, employees, finance council members, professional advisors, priests, donors, and the faithful.

NORMAL WORKDAYS & HOURS:

• Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Is available for evening and weekend meeting attendance, including longer work days, when required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• As required