Parish Accounting Specialist - Archdiocese of New Orleans

Position Summary

The Archdiocese of New Orleans provides accounting and financial support to Catholic parishes, grammar schools, and high schools throughout Southeast Louisiana. The Parish Accounting Specialist plays an important role in helping these ministries maintain accurate financial records and sound financial practices so they can focus on their educational, charitable, and pastoral missions. Each Parish Accounting Specialist is responsible for a portfolio of approximately 15-20 assigned parishes and schools. Working closely with pastors, principals, and local parish or school office staff, this position performs monthly accounting functions, prepares financial statements, assists with budgeting, and provides financial guidance to help leadership understand the financial position of their organization. This position is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys working with people, managing multiple clients or entities, solving problems, and making a meaningful contribution to organizations that serve the community.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be an organized and self-motivated accounting professional who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• Three to five years of accounting experience in public accounting, nonprofit accounting, governmental accounting, or a multi-entity accounting environment
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience preparing monthly financial statements and performing account reconciliations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and accounting software such as QuickBooks or similar accounting systems

Primary Responsibilities

The Parish Accounting Specialist serves as the primary accounting resource for assigned parishes and schools by performing:

• Monthly accounting close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and general ledger review
• Recording monthly financial transactions and maintaining accurate accounting records
• Reconciling bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts, including accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, loans, and other assigned accounts
• Preparing monthly financial statements and supporting schedules using modified cash basis or accrual basis accounting, as applicable
• Reviewing monthly financial results and identifying unusual trends, variances, or items requiring attention
• Assisting pastors, principals, and local staff in understanding financial reports and answering routine accounting questions
• Assisting assigned entities with the preparation of annual operating budgets and budget-to-actual analysis
• Working collaboratively with parish and school office staff to promote accurate financial reporting and compliance with Archdiocesan accounting policies
• Assisting with year-end audit requests and other financial reporting requirements as needed
• Participating in special projects and performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Compliance and Parish Accounting

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes ownership of their work and follows assignments through to completion
• Is comfortable managing responsibilities for multiple organizations simultaneously
• Enjoys building positive working relationships with pastors, principals, and parish and school staff
• Can explain accounting information clearly to individuals without an accounting background
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to providing excellent service

Compensation

Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employer 401(k) Matching
• Health Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays

Schedule

Monday through Friday