Vicariate Finance Manager

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. Pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the Archdiocese has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency, and one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems, with 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

About the role

The Vicariate Finance Manager (VFM) is responsible for implementing best practices and processes focused on church and school financial operations, including revenue and expense management, staffing levels, financial forecasting, cash flow management, budgeting, tuition setting, financial aid, and tuition collection. The VFM analyzes financial data to identify areas of opportunity and recommend strategies for improving the financial viability of parishes. The VFM mentors and coaches operations directors/business managers to improve practices and results.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Collaborates with the Vicariate Team (Regional Director, Marketing and Enrollment Manager, Director of Vicariate Operations) to create strategies, performance goals, and implementation plans for excellent financial management and operations in churches and schools. Monitors tools and best practices to ensure accuracy and positive results in:
  • Budgeting
  • Financial forecasting
  • Cash flow management
  • Setting of tuition rates and fees
  • Tuition discounting and financial aid
  • Tuition collection
  • Staffing and expenses
  • Archdiocese of Chicago aid
  • Compliance with finance-related policies and procedures
• Works with parish leadership to monitor progress, analyze church and school results, and develop improvement strategies.
• Advises on the allocation of Archdiocesan scholarship funds and other subsidies.
• Assists parishes in completing annual budgets and reports.
• Advises churches and schools on staffing levels relative to October counts and school enrollments.
• Consulting: Provides project-based consulting to parish leadership to improve financial and operational results.
• Develops financial models for restructuring or reconfiguring regional schools.
• Advises on the placement of operations directors/business managers and supports annual performance reviews.
• Provides mentoring, coaching, and training to parish operations directors/business managers.
• Operational Management: Builds and manages relationships with parish stakeholders and Archdiocese policy groups (Finance, HR, Legal Departments, School Principals, Parish Operations Directors, Pastors, Parish Finance Councils).
• Identifies, records, and disseminates best practices across churches and schools in coordination with other VFMs.
• Supports Archdiocesan initiatives, such as Renew My Church.
• Identifies intervention strategies for issues with policy compliance, financial tool usage, reporting accuracy, or progress toward finance-related goals.
• Advises churches and schools on vendor contracts.
• Performs other assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field from an accredited university or college.
• 5-10 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Management, or a related field.
• Experience with a not-for-profit organization or Church management is preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding, respect, and support of the Catholic Church’s teachings, mission, and values.
• Strong proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment with a “Service Mindset.”
• Ability to identify improvement opportunities, evaluate issues, and propose solutions.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Strong drive to achieve results.
• Ability to travel to multiple Archdiocesan locations.

Pay

This position has a salary range of $76,238.00 - $95,298. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.