Senior Finance Director

Job Summary:  

The Senior Finance Director is a key leadership role responsible for managing the finance team and overseeing the church’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and alignment with the church’s mission and values. This role provides strategic financial guidance, directs day-to-day accounting, and ensures compliance with GAAP standards and other regulatory requirements. Collaborative, faith-centered workplace. The role requires interaction with church staff, leadership, and congregation. 

The Senior Finance Director will manage financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for a church with an annual income of more than $20 million, supporting a ministry-focused culture while driving efficiency and financial health. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

1. Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning 

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and best practices to support the church’s mission. 

• Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making for church leadership. 

• Collaborate with leadership on budgeting, setting financial goals, and ensuring alignment with the church’s strategic initiatives. 

2. Accounting & Financial Reporting 

• Ensure timely and accurate closing of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial processes. 

• Review and provide oversight to the Finance team in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for internal use, the church session, and other stakeholders. 

3. Internal Controls & Compliance 

• Establish, monitor, strengthen, and enforce internal financial controls to safeguard church assets. 

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax laws, and regulatory requirements specific to religious non-profit organizations. 

• Work with external auditors for annual audits and implement audit recommendations. 

4. Budgeting & Financial Management 

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. 

• Monitor and analyze financial performance against budgets, advising church leadership on variances and corrective actions. 

• Manage cash flow projections and forecasting to support operational needs and ministry initiatives. 

5. Team Leadership & Development 

• Supervise, train, mentor, and develop the accounting/finance team, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven environment. 

• Set performance goals for team members and provide ongoing mentorship and guidance. 

6. Financial Systems & Technology 

• Maintain and improve financial management systems, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy. 

• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with church and industry standards. 

7. Stakeholder Engagement 

• Communicate financial information to church staff, session members, and congregation as needed. 

• Serve as a liaison with banks, auditors, donors, and other financial partners. 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Sage Intacct) and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and relevant tax regulations. 

• Willingness to invest in relationships with congregants, church staff and the finance team - understands the importance of showing gratitude, welcoming feedback, and addressing pressing issues. 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability and desire to convey complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences. 

• Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team. 

• Experience presenting before boards and/or finance committee. 

• Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. 

• Willingness to lead out the church’s mission and values, with an understanding of the unique aspects of managing finances in a faith-based organization. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).  

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in accounting or financial management, with 3+ years in a senior role.  

• Experience with nonprofit or faith-based organizations preferred. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.