Lead Accountant

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger and supporting schedules for Graceway and related entities.
• Process journal entries including adjusting entries, cash receipts, accruals, allocations, and other accounting transactions.
• Cook up monthly close procedures and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Aid in the preparation of monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with church policies and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Oversee accounts payable processes, including purchase orders, invoice processing, payment preparation, and vendor management.
• Review invoices for accuracy, coding, and appropriate approvals.
• Verify accounts payable transactions and provide oversight to ensure compliance with established procedures.
• Maintain supporting documentation including invoices, receipts, purchase orders, and payment records.
• Process weekly payment runs through checks, ACH, and other electronic payment methods.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations for all church and related entity accounts.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Maintain and reconcile petty cash accounts and ensure proper documentation of expenditures.
• Monitor cash activity and assist in maintaining accurate cash balances.
• Process semi-monthly payroll through ADP, ensuring accurate employee earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, and housing allowances.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Administer clergy housing allowances and ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations and church policies.
• Prepare and submit payroll-related reports and assist with quarterly payroll filings.
• Assist in the preparation of annual payroll reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other required filings.
• Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate accounts receivable records and monitor outstanding balances.
• Process and record incoming payments and deposits.
• Reconcile receivable balances and assist with collection efforts when necessary.
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained for all receivable transactions.
• Aid in preparing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for annual financial audits.
• Support compliance with church policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal control procedures and recommend process improvements when appropriate.
• Maintain organized financial records in accordance with document retention policies.
• Provide support and guidance to accounting staff as assigned.
• Serve as a resource to ministry leaders and staff regarding accounting and financial procedures.
• Foster positive working relationships with staff, members, vendors, missionaries, and external partners.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions regarding financial operations and process improvements.
• Assist with special projects, software implementations, and process optimization initiatives.
• Provide financial information and reports to church leadership as requested.
• Support fundraising initiatives, capital projects, and other ministry-related financial activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Finance Director.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible bookkeeping or accounting experience. Experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, payroll processing, reconciliations, and month-end close procedures. Experience processing payroll through ADP preferred. Experience administering clergy payroll and housing allowances preferred. Experience in a church, nonprofit, or multi-entity accounting environment is highly desirable. Experience with Sage Intacct, Emburse, Pushpay, and donor management software is a plus. Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Skills and Competencies: Strong understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles. Proficiency in accounting software, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of the Accounting and Finance Office, including payroll, personnel, donor, and financial information. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with staff, church members, ministry leaders, and vendors.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with nonprofit and fund accounting principles. Knowledge of payroll processing and compliance requirements. Understanding of church operations, donor-restricted funds, missions accounting, and ministry support is highly desirable.
• Attributes: Love God, Love People, Pursue Excellence, Choose Joy.