Classification: Executive

Diocese of Cheyenne

Job Description

Title:Diocesan Finance Officer

Position Description:

Assists the Diocesan Bishop in the administration of the Diocese. Administers the temporal goods of the Diocese under the authority of the Diocesan Bishop in accord with the budget determined by the Diocesan Finance Council, from the income of the Diocese, to meet expenses which the Diocesan Bishop or those designated by him have legitimately authorized, and to render at the end of the fiscal year an account of receipts and expenditures to the Diocesan Finance Council.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge of diocesan and parochial canonical and civil structures and of temporal goods as determined and regulated in canon law.
  • Strong accrual and cash bookkeeping, accounting and auditing knowledge and skills.
  • Strong knowledge of prudent investment techniques, practices, procedures and regulations.
  • Strong knowledge of business management techniques, rules and regulations, and the applicable canonical and theological principles and norms.
  • Managerial, supervisory, training and performance evaluation skills.
  • Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft® Windows, Microsoft® Office, MAS 90 Financials® Accounting Software, FRx® Financial Reporting Software, PledgeMaker® Census/Contribution Software, Business Objects® Reporting Software, , ADP® Payroll Software, Investment Management Software, Fixed Assets Tracking Software, Automated Clearing House Software, internet banking or equivalent programs.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft® Networking, Microsoft® Internet Explorer, QuickBooks®, and Parish Data Systems® Software.
  • Working knowledge of computer application system design and computer languages for business and financial environments.
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills; ability to organize and deliver presentations to large and sophisticated groups of people.
  • Strong decision making skills and the ability to cope with considerable stress.
  • Ability to work well with diocesan advisory bodies, other diocesan personnel, parish personnel and the public.
  • Ability to work independently and determine priorities and direction.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Diocese of Cheyenne.

Degrees, Licenses and Certification:

  • Master in Business Administration, Certified Public Accountant, an equivalent degree in a related field or equivalent training and experience.

Experience:

  • At least ten years experience as business manager, auditor, investment consultant or a related field.
  • At least ten years of supervisory and/or managerial experience.

Religious:

  • Fully initiated, practicing Catholic free from any canonical penalties and of proven faith, good morals and good reputation.

Reporting To:Diocesan Bishop and Moderator of the Curia

Supervising:Diocesan Finance Office Personnel

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Assists the Diocesan Bishop in the administration of the Diocese of Cheyenne.
  2. Administers the temporal goods of the Diocese under the authority of the Diocesan Bishop in accord with the budget determined by the Diocesan Finance Council, the norms of canon and civil law, the intention of the founder or donor, the policies and recommendations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and generally accepted accounting principles; collects all income and receipts; from the income of the Diocese, meets expenses which the Diocesan Bishop or those designated by him have legitimately authorized; pays all debts including interest and principal in a timely manner; provides an annual financial report to the Diocesan Finance Council.
  3. Assists the Diocesan Finance Council in its work; develops the annual budget of the Diocese of Cheyenne with the assistance of the other directors of the Diocese; assists in the evaluation of the annual financial report of the Diocese of Cheyenne including an annual audit; assists in the evaluation of the annual financial reports of public juridic persons subject to the Diocesan Bishop.
  4. Provides vigilance over the public juridic persons subject to the Diocesan Bishop and their related institutions and organizations; administers or appoints for a term of three (3) years administrators for public juridic persons subject to the Diocesan Bishop that do not have administrators by law, charter or canonical statute.
  5. Maintains inventory of all diocesan property; maintains financial records and civil titles, deeds and other documents.
  6. Responsible for computer system design; recommends major computer program and equipment purchases and configurations to maintain state-of-the-art capabilities for the Diocese of Cheyenne and parishes consistent with ministry priorities and budgetary constraints.
  7. Coordinates with investment advisory firm the performance evaluation of investment managers; recommends to the Diocesan Finance Council changes in investment managers, strategies, and policies; manages all banking relationships.
  8. Assists the Director of Development in the preparation of Catholic organization grant applications; along with reviewing all other applications as additional fund raising alternatives to meet budgetary and ministerial needs.
  9. Receives and distributes grant receipts and restricted collections to the appropriate entity; ensures compliance with grantor, donor or collection reporting and restriction requirements.
  10. Serves as the secretary for the Diocesan Building Commission.
  11. Oversees diocesan employee payroll and benefits processing and records keeping; and, in conjunction with the Chancellor, oversees the observance of Catholic labor and social principals in employment practices and of civil laws not in conflict with them; and recommends and implements employee policies, provisions and procedures.
  12. Works closely with the vendor for the Diocesan 403(b) plan to ensure alignment of the plan with ERISA guidelines and Diocesan policies, recommends to the Diocesan Finance Council changes in the vendor.
  13. Works closely with the various vendors and Diocesan maintenance personnel who support the operation of the Chancery Office, Bishop’s Residence, and Retired Bishop’s Residence. Coordinates any major maintenance and improvements to these facilities.
  14. Coordinates the diocesan-wide property and liability insurance and employee health and life insurance coverage; recommends changes in coverage, provisions and insurance carrier.
  15. Institutes diocesan-wide risk management policies and procedures to improve the safety, convenience and protection of employees, volunteers, members and assets.
  16. Ensures complete, accurate and timely filing of all Church, Federal, State and local government reporting of financial, personnel and corporate information as required by various laws and regulations.
  17. Acts as liaison with legal, audit, investment, personnel and insurance advisors and consultants on issues pertaining to financial and administrative matters.
  18. Supervises, including recruiting and terminating, staff and volunteers assigned to the Finance Office; annually evaluates in writing the performance and Diocesan Finance Officer’s expectation of staff and volunteers.
  19. Prepares the annual budgets for the Finance Office; manages daily financial matters authorizing expenditures and safeguarding revenues; provides monthly financial reports to the Diocesan Directors, reviews monthly financial reports taking corrective action to maintain approved budget; safeguards all ministry and other diocesan assets.
  20. Travels throughout the Diocese of Cheyenne as required.
  21. Participates in continuing education as provided or approved.
  22. Attends Executive, Directors, Finance Office and chancery staff meetings; attends Diocesan Finance Council meetings; attends other diocesan advisory bodies meetings as requested.
  23. Works cooperatively with diocesan advisory bodies, other diocesan personnel, parish personnel and the public.
  24. Maintains strict confidentiality, discussing church business only with the individuals necessary to carry out the assigned church interactions or responsibilities.
  25. Models Catholic religious and moral beliefs to others.
  26. Performs related duties, responsibilities and extra projects as assigned.

Appointment and Term:

Renewably appointed for a five (5) year term by and removed by the Diocesan Bishop after consultation with the Diocesan Finance Council and the College of Consultors.

Payroll Status:Exempt. Standard Employee averaging a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Evaluation:Annual evaluation by the Diocesan Bishop and Moderator of the Curia.

Page 1 of 1 / Effective January 1, 2011