Whitney Smith Looking for Senior Director of Finance and Operations at Fort Worth, TX Full Time

Founded in 1873, First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth is celebrating its sesquicentennial. It parallels the development of the City of Fort Worth and Texas Christian University. In December of 1956 the building committee found a new site just west of central downtown and the congregation worshiped for the first time in the new sanctuary at 1000 Penn Street.

Position: Reporting to the Pastor/Head of Staff, the Director of Finance & Operations will be responsible for managing the finances of the Church and overseeing the buildings and grounds. Serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will be leading the church operating budget of over $9 million and church assets of over $150 million according to the specifications of the finance committee and the trustees and as approved by the Session. Other duties will consist of supervising the business office staff, kitchen staff, and facility manager; establishing short-term and long term operational goals; managing the columbarium; and serving as the staff resource to assigned committees.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the business activities of the Church to include: supervising the Director of Accounting to ensure the receiving and counting of all funds and preparing bank deposits; ensure timely processing of payroll and verifying accuracy of payroll taxes and filings; determining cost effective vendors for church purchases.
• Forecast the financial needs of the church; work closely with committees in preparation of their annual budgets. Estimate interest and monies available from designated and endowment resources for current use.
• Analyze and prepare financial statements for three companies and making recommendations; monitoring bank and investment accounts.
• Monitor bank and investment accounts including working with professional investment managers, to ensure compliance with FPC investment policies and audit standards for restricted, designated, endowment and quasi endowment funds.
• Oversee gift acknowledgment reporting and compliance.
• Work closely with the audit firm in preparation for the church’s annual audit to obtain an unqualified opinion.
• Develop and oversee banking relationships.
• Generate membership and financial reports for staff and various committees as needed.
• Maintain the church inventory of fixed assets and depreciation schedules.
• Meet weekly with the Senior Leadership Team; collaborative conversations with church leadership (members and staff) based on team discussions.
• Oversee Risk Management including receiving bids, evaluating, recommending, and participating in the selection of various insurance programs for cost and coverage, including premise, liability, etc..
• Assess, update, and document and recommend to the Leadership Team enhancements of systems of internal controls for the protection of cash and other church assets.
• Oversee Columbarium including meeting with members purchasing niches, interments or scatterings.
• Serve as a staff resource for committees, including trustees, personnel, finance, planned giving, salt and light, and property to include: attending committee meetings, conducting research and preparing agendas and reports for meetings; assisting committees with projects and events.
• Oversee the church’s physical plant and fixed assets to include: overseeing maintenance of church facilities, including building, grounds, and equipment.
• Oversee use of church facilities by church membership and schedule outside non-profit groups.
• Recommend new approaches for handling building configuration, space usage, workspace organization, maintenance, etc.
• Manage construction projects as required.
• Meet regularly with the facilities manager to troubleshoot labor or material shortages to ensure timely repair and maintenance of the property.
• Project long term building issues and needs; assisting facilities manager in preparation of maintenance schedules and logs.
• Oversee the use of church vehicles and their proper maintenance.
• Perform supervisory duties for business office, kitchen, and facility manager to include: participating in the recruiting, selection, and hiring process; evaluating the performance of these employees; recommend salary adjustments and establish goals and job responsibilities.
• Enhance department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; explore opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

Qualifications:

• BBA, BA or BS degree; Master’s degree in finance or accounting is preferred; CPA a plus.
• At least seven to ten years of office and financial management experience
• Solid knowledge of accounting processes.
• Ability to analyze problems and make quick and accurate decisions to correct or resolve issues.
• Must understand the political sensitivities of working with the Pastor, church staff, and multiple committees, while serving the unique needs of a large church membership.
• Exhibit solid collaborative leadership; strong character and team builder.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required; must be able to handle several ongoing projects at one time.
• Ability to effectively manage, recruit, nurture, and lead a team.
• Solid organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work closely with senior church staff as well as volunteers; support committee members, goals, and effectively communicate and empathize with members.
• Ability to coach employees and management through complex emotional issues; display sensitivity, tact, and responsiveness in various situations and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Strong passion for the mission of the organization.