Accounting Manager

The Accounting Manager reports to the Diocesan Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and serves as a senior leader within the Finance Office, overseeing general ledger and core accounting functions for the Administrative Offices of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the Pension Plan for Priests of the Diocese. This role provides leadership in internal controls, compliance, investment of specialized fund accounting in accordance with applicable standards and diocesan policies and partners with the CFO on budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic initiatives that support sound financial stewardship across the Diocese. The Accounting Manager also works with the Parish Support Coordinator to provide accounting and business guidance to parishes and agencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversight of the accounting and treasury functions of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester including:

• Accounting & Financial Reporting
  • Maintain responsibility for the general ledger, including preparation and/or approval of journal entries for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the Pension Plan for Priests
  • Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Diocesan Policy.
  • Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and ensure proper subsidiary ledger reconciliation.
  • Perform or oversee bank and investment reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  • Perform or oversee accounting for the Diocese and related entities.
  • Perform net asset accounting in accordance with GAAP requirements for classification as Unrestricted – Designated or Undesignated, Temporarily Restricted, and Restricted
  • Ensure proper accounting treatment of custodial and special purpose funds
  • Oversee payroll processing and required reporting.
  • Maintain awareness of GAAP best practices for financial operations and reporting while ensuring application of these standards’ organization wide.
• Budget Development & Reporting
  • In collaboration with the CFO, leads the preparation and ongoing review of the annual operating budget.
  • Review and analyze departmental budgets to identify and address deviations and ensure achievement of Diocesan financial objectives.
  • Support Curia members in review and development of departmental operating budgets.
  • Assist the CFO, Bishop, and appointed staff with Capital Project Budgeting and review.
• Compliance & Process Oversight
  • Participate in the development and maintenance of Diocesan financial management policies, procedures, and best practices. Create supporting procedure manuals to ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
  • In collaboration with the Internal Auditor, support the development and maintenance of Parish level financial management policies, procedures, and best practices. Create supporting procedure manuals to ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate external audit engagements, serve as a resource for auditors, report and clarify audit results directly to the CFO and prepare reports for others related to audit findings and recommendations.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of financial controls and standard operating procedures to effectively manage risk, assure statutory compliance and maintain the integrity of financial systems and practices.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & Accounting Systems
  • Maintains accounting periods and chart of accounts in ERP/Accounting Systems.
  • Coordinates with systems providers for system updates and enhancements.
  • Assist in assessment of systems and organizational needs to recommend future enhancements of systems for accounting and finance.

• Financial Analysis & Strategic Support
  • Prepare financial forecasts, trend analyses, and special reports as requested by the CFO.
  • Perform analysis of current and future initiatives to provide assessment of long-term and short-term financial impacts.
  • Prepare presentations on financial analysis and be capable of presenting to diocesan leadership as needed.
  • Serve as a financial resource to clergy, diocesan leadership, parishes, and affiliated entities as appropriate.
  • Develop and produce financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other management dashboards.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Preferred Roman Catholic in good standing.
• Must be attentive to details and accuracy.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality.
• Able to work collaboratively with others.
• Able to maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and adapt as needed to changing priorities.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in the use of general ledger accounting software such as; AccuFund and ParishSOFT, as well as other software such as Excel, Microsoft 365 and other financial software applications.
• Must possess strong communication skills.
• Work independently and prioritize work tasks.

Education and Experience

Education:

Required:  Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration. 3+ years related experience in accounting or finance.

Desired:  CPA certification/MBA. 5+ years of experience in non-profit and fund accounting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform high stress multi-tasking functions and meet deadlines.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at the computer and lift 10+ pounds.
• Ability to use a keyboard for communications and analysis.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church.  Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Diocese.  It is expected that all employees respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices. 

Work environment

• Time is spent in the Chancery Office divided between support and advisement to the CFO, Parish Support Coordinator, and Director of Human Resources/Benefits positions.
• Typical workdays are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• May be asked to support special events requiring modification in normal schedule.