Bookkeeper/Accountant

The Bookkeeper/Accountant position maintains the financial records of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, oversees payroll processing, prepares journal entries and reports. The Bookkeeper/Accountant reports to the Director of Business Administration and supports Presbytery staff as needed. The position is ultimately accountable to the governing bodies and commissions of the Presbytery and the Executive Presbyter.

The position requires an understanding of church accounting procedures, appropriate use of independent judgement, and initiative. While the position serves the specific record keeping and financial reporting needs of the Presbytery, all Presbytery staff personnel understand it is the more than 100 churches we serve through the structured polity and ministry of our denomination. The stewardship of this polity and ministry is the essential guide for the Presbytery’s business, financial, and administrative positions.

Bookkeeper/Accountant Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain the financial records of the Presbytery.
• Provide oversite of payroll processing with the outside service provider, maintain employee information and tax documentation, including but not limited to W-4, W-2, 1099, personnel files, and quarterly payroll filings.
• Prepare journal entries with adequate supporting documentation for review and approval by the Director of Business Administration and subsequent general ledger posting
• Prepare financial statements and reports for review by the Director of Business Administration
• Implement bank and investment transfers as authorized/approved by Director of Business Administration
• Prepare schedules and reports as required by independent, third-party audit/accounting firms
• Maintain proper data files that allow for the efficient preparation and distribution of member church Per Capita charges, reminders, statements, and Shared Mission Receipts
• Suggest and initiate accounting processes and reports that improve and enhance the efficiency, productivity, and credibility of the presbytery Business Office
• Ensure all payments to the Synod and Office of General Assembly are properly identified enabling those institutions to effectively document Presbytery remittances
• Timely prepare account distribution coding for invoices and amounts due to Board of Pensions, and other employee benefit related firms, for entry into the Accounts Payable procedures.
• Prepare presbytery credit card statements for approval and payment processing
• Generate and distribute periodic, regular, and ad hoc reports to Presbytery supported ministries
• Support Presbytery staff and perform related duties as assigned by the Executive Presbyter or Director of Business Administration.
• Record ACH receipts, wire transfers, bank charges, and Non-Sufficient Funds checks in the general ledger system.
• Prepare and record bank deposits and post them to the accounting software subsystem.
• Maintain the presbytery’s fixed asset schedule, including depreciation calculations in accordance with the presbytery’s Fixed Asset Policy.
• Maintain and monitor presbytery loans & loan guarantees of our member churches.
• Monitor the activities, transactions, and management of the presbytery’s employee benefit consultant, Human Resource Administrators.

Bookkeeper/Accountant Qualifications and Skills:

• Diligence, accuracy and attention to detail in maintaining and updating financial documents.
• A courteous manner and professional appearance
• Knowledge of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Familiarity with financial software and the processing of financial data
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required, Microsoft Access a plus
• Organization, attention to detail, productivity, and dependability
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with report-writing/design a plus

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred, will consider associate’s degree
• Minimum of three-years bookkeeping/accounting experience
• Experience working in a non-profit preferred