Staff Accountant/Accounting Associate

Job Title: Staff Accountant/Accounting Associate

About This Role: Full-time

The Staff Accountant, with focus in payroll, supports the Financial Services Director (FSD) in the financial operations of the church by helping ensure financial integrity, transparency, and accountability. This role is responsible for the accurate stewardship of financial resources while supporting the church's mission and ministry in accordance with God's will.

This position specializes in payroll administration while providing support for a variety of accounting functions. The Staff Accountant is responsible for ensuring that payroll is processed accurately, confidentially, and within established deadlines. Consistent availability is essential to meet payroll schedules and maintain compliance with all payroll policies and procedures.

In addition to payroll responsibilities, this role assists with general accounting activities, financial recordkeeping, reconciliations, and other duties as assigned by the FSD. The position serves as a key resource for church staff by providing timely assistance with payroll-related questions, time reporting, and accounting processes.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Process Payroll accurately and on schedule while maintain strict confidentiality.
• Review and verify employee time reporting for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with applicable payroll policies, procedures, taxes, and regulations.
• Maintain organized and accurate payroll and accounting records.
• Assist with general accounting functions, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Respond promptly and professionally to staff inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, time reporting, and accounting procedures while working in tandem with HR Director.
• Support the FSD with special projects and other financial responsibilities as needed.  Research and problem solving using outside resources as needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to faithful stewardship, integrity, and excellence in all financial operations.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistently process accurate and timely biweekly payroll while meeting all established deadlines and maintaining compliance with applicable payroll policies and regulations.
• Collaborates effectively as a member of the Finance team to complete monthly and year-end accounting responsibilities, including reconciliations, journal entries, and financial close processes.
• Maintains open, professional, and responsive communication with church staff by providing guidance on timekeeping, resolving payroll discrepancies promptly, and serving as a trusted resource for payroll and accounting questions.
• Demonstrates a commitment to exceptional customer service, recognizing that accurate and timely payroll contributes to employee trust, satisfaction, and overall staff morale.
• Continuously evaluates payroll and accounting processes to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, improved internal controls, and enhanced utilization of financial systems and technology. 
• Supports the preparation of accurate financial reports that enable informed decision-making by church leadership and contribute to successful internal and external audits.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, stewardship, and accountability in managing the church's financial resources in support of its mission.

Who You Are (Skills & Traits)

• Exceptional attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive financial and personnel information.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Office applications, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Develop close partnership with the FSD, HR Director, and Payroll Software Provider to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial and payroll records.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to faithfully supporting the mission, values, and ministry of the church.

What You Bring (Qualifications)

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting
• Thorough understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
• 3+ years of accounting experience with a minimum of three years in payroll administration experience, along with general accounting experience. Paycom experience preferred.
• Nonprofit or church accounting experience preferred
• Experience collaborating with leadership and cross-functional teams while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Proven ability to prioritize responsibilities, manage multiple projects, and complete goals and objectives accurately and on time.
• Microsoft Windows, Office, Outlook, Excel, OneDrive, etc., proficient in use of MS Excel specifically, previous use of accounting software(s),

Work Environment & Expectations

• Schedule: Monday through Friday
• Work Setting: Hybrid
• Pace: Fast-paced, seasonal peaks
• Strong relationship with the Lord and willingness to become a member of Brookwood Church

Why You’ll Love It Here

• A faith-forward staff culture—prayer, worship, and community aren’t add-ons; they’re part of the rhythm of our week…we have a regular Monday morning staff prayer meeting.
• Easy ways to connect and grow—plus men’s and women’s staff Bible studies.
• A team that likes each other and shows it through our annual staff tailgate, friendly competitions (Fantasy Football, March Madness), and celebrations along the way.
• We work hard, laugh often, celebrate wins, and love calling out what God is doing.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation range: Starts at $26.50 per hour; hourly rate commensurate with experience
• PTO-120 hours, prorated if hired mid-year
• Benefits – variety of benefits to include: medical, dental and many others.  (See HR for details)
• Holiday pay