Accounting Assistant

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

All employees of the Diocese of Saginaw participate in the full mission of the Church. Each, however, has a particular task that defines a unique role, always situated within the context of the Church's overall mission. The Accounting Assistant duties include three areas of responsibilities: Annual Appeal Coordinator, Donor & Gifts Registrar, and Finance. The defining task of the Appeal Coordinator is to maintain and coordinate all financial aspects of the Annual Appeal Pledge Drive; maintain and compile a computerized financial reporting system to ensure data from annual pledge drive is accurate and up-to-date; generate data monthly reports. The defining task of the Donor & Gift Registrar is to be responsible for recording all gifts to the Annual Appeal, and the Diocese of Saginaw. Finance responsibilities include payroll processing and data entry and receipting for Inter-Parish Deposit & Loan, Diocesan loan payments and cemetery within the Shelby System.

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Appeal Coordinator

• Prepare monthly and quarterly statistical reports for the parish and diocesan use (Excel & Shelby import)
• Invoice parishes as needed and make refunds when warranted
• Issue monthly billing statements for unfulfilled pledges
• Record pledges and payments and prepare deposits as needed
• Coordinate the financial aspects of the Annual Appeal including overseeing the recording of all gifts to the appeal.
• Continually evaluate and refine the process used to conduct the Annual Appeal
• Keep statistics, prepare reports
• Work with parishes to reconcile gift records and member updates in order to keep the database current for accurate reporting
• Work with donors to confirm pledge balances and to answer questions regarding all aspects of the Annual Appeal and the ministries it supports
• Evaluate outstanding Appeal loans (annually)
• Maintain and record all Appeal pledges and payments from the Faith Direct online system and the ShelbyNext Giving online system.

Donors & Gift Registrar

• Maintain a database for all Diocesan gift giving
• Coordinate giving records with other offices as needed
• To record or oversee the recording of all gifts to the Diocese
• Process all pledges by credit card on an as needed and monthly basis
• Maintain and record all payments from the Faith Direct online system
• Maintain and record all payments from the ShelbyNext Giving online system

Finance

• Record all payments to the Inter-Parish Deposit and Loan and Diocesan loan records, making sure to accurately apply payments to correct accounts
• Serve in a back-up capacity in providing clerical support for the Inter-Parish Deposit & Loan program and handling account information requests
• Payroll entry and processing
• Prepare the bank deposit for Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan
• Assist other co-workers in the Finance Office with clerical tasks (e.g. filing, typing and mailing)
• Work with auditors as requested
• Assist with special events/projects
• Work at special events with check in and checkout processing
• Other duties as assigned

III. COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

• The Accounting Assistant is directly accountable to and evaluated by the Controller
• The Accounting Assistant is to develop and maintain working relationships with all of the following: Pastors, parish secretaries, finance office staff, development office staff and the Catholic Community Foundation co-workers
• Participate in regular staff meetings with the office of Finance co-workers

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an office setting. Employee is required to do extensive close computer work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, reach, sit, hear, and use repetitive motion of the hands/wrists and feet. Some evenings and weekends may be required. Maybe required to lift up to 20 lbs.

V. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Minimum of Associate's Degree required
• At least 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting (or equivalent) position
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and execute projects
• Significant level of computer literacy, particularly as relates to use of Word and Excel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• High level of professionalism, motivation, initiative and independence
• Attend Diocese of Saginaw Safe Environment Training for new hire employees within first 30 days of hire
• Successful completion of criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug screening