Parish Service Consultant - Merrimack Region (FT), Finance

The Parish Service Consultant is a multifunctional specialist role that reports directly to the Director of Parish Financial Services and serves as a liaison between the Archdiocese, its Parishes, the Regional Vicars and Bishops. The person in this position will be the liaison for parishes located in Salisbury, MA all the way down to Littleton, MA. The Parish Service Consultant provides financial analysis, communication, support, and implementation of Archdiocesan policies to assist parishes. Specific responsibilities include analysis, training, and support to parishes in the areas of financial management, planning, budget review, real estate, insurance, facilities, computer and personnel management. Responsibilities also include consultation among Parish Services, Regional Services and other related Archdiocesan departments and agencies, as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Communication:

• Communicate, assist, and provide recommendations to the Director Parish Services, Director Parish Financial Services, Pastors, Business Managers, Regional Bishop, Vicar Forane, and Parish Operations as it relates to the local Vicariates.
• Provide active vicariate representation through attendance at meetings on the Vicariate, Archdiocesan, Regional and Parish levels.
• Provide assistance to Archdiocesan Agencies such as the Catholic Foundation, Catholic Schools Foundation. Participate in local planning efforts at individual parish, vicariate and regional levels. 
• Assist Archdiocesan committees and local planning groups, participating in data gathering activities, evaluation and recommendations of options including implementation, and attending meetings as needed.

Financial Management and Analysis:

• Advise Pastors and parishes in the areas of financial management, planning and analysis to maximize short term and long- term cash management. Areas of advice include but are not limited to, review of accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital project funding, loan repayment, financial controls and grants.
• Provide assistance and review of parish budgets and annual reports. Advise Director Parish Financial Services, Parish Operations, and Regional Vicars of outstanding issues or concerns, as needed or required.
• Facilitate the implementation of Best Practices at the parish level. Includes verification and review of financial controls; documentation, policy and procedures, and audit recommendation follow up.
• Advise Pastors, Business Managers and provide support with the establishment, refinement and education of Parish Finance Councils.
• Provide general advice and guidance to Parishes regarding operational needs
• Assist with identification of parish software and hardware requirements to ensure effective management of parish operations and financial records, including assistance in the procurement of equipment through the Archdiocesan MIS department.
• Assist in coordinating training requirements for parish staff, as needed.

Real Estate, Facilities and Insurance/Risk Management:

• Serve as a liaison between parishes and Real Estate, Facilities and Insurance/Risk Management offices regarding issues as detailed below.
• Assist and advise regarding matters related to parish physical assets and property management including help with coordination of property sales and purchase, zoning, leasing, appraisals, insurance coverage and claims reporting/processing.
• Provide assistance regarding facilities management processes, identification of physical plant needs including help with coordination of plans for construction, renovation and maintenance.
• Assist in the coordination of Archdiocesan policies and procedures with Pastor, Parish committees and Facilities Management.
• Assist parish in providing financial/business planning and analysis for proposed capital projects, construction and borrowings.
• Participate with Parish Service Team with planning and communication of parish projects on the regional and vicariate level.

Personnel Support Management:

• Serve as liaison between parishes and Human Resources regarding issues as detailed below.
• Assist in the communication and implementation of Archdiocesan policies regarding hiring procedures, employee benefits, compensation, disciplinary and termination requirements, as needed.
• Assist with Parish human resource issues in consultation with Archdiocesan Human Resources department.
• Conduct periodic informational meetings to familiarize Parishes with Archdiocesan policies, procedures and Best Practices.
• Interact in positive and professional manner with staff and visitors at the Pastoral Center.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Minimum 7 years demonstrated work experience in accounting, finance and/or management; familiarity with real estate and/or risk management issues is a plus.
• Strong advocate of Church and Church Operations.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent personnel and communication skills.
• Strong planning and organization skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Background in financial operations.
• Experience with making presentations and public speaking.
• Ability to communicate effectively through e-mail and/or telephone.
• Strong service orientation.
• Willingness to support the mission of the Catholic Church. 

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS:

• Ability to use a computer keyboard for up to 8 hours/day.
• Ability to sit for up to 8 hours/day.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

The duties and requirements described above are representative of those encountered during the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]