The Vicariate Finance Manager (VFM) is responsible for implementing best practices and processes focused on church and school financial operations, including revenue and expense management, staffing levels, financial forecasting, cash flow management, budgeting, tuition setting, financial aid, and tuition collection. The VFM is also responsible for analyzing financial data to identify areas of opportunity and recommend strategies and actions for improving the financial viability of parishes. The VFM is a leader within the vicariate who mentors and coaches operations directors/business managers to improve practices and results.
Responsibilities: Financial Management: - Creates, in collaboration with the Vicariate Team, including the Regional Director (RD), Marketing and Enrollment Manager (MEM) and the Director of Vicariate Operations (DVO), strategies, performance goals and implementation plans to produce or sustain excellent outcomes in financial management and operations for churches and schools.
- Monitors the implementation of tools and best practices to ensure accuracy and/or positive results regarding parish:
- Budgeting
- Financial forecasting
- Cash flow management
- Setting of tuition rates and fees
- Tuition discounting and financial aid
- Tuition collection
- Staffing and expenses
- Archdiocese of Chicago aid
- Compliance with finance-related policies and procedures
- Work with parish leadership to monitor progress, analyze church and school results, and develop strategies for improvement.
- Advises on the allocation of Archdiocesan scholarship funds and other subsidies.
- Advises parishes in completing annual budgets and annual reports.
- Advises churches and schools on staffing levels relative to October counts and school enrollments.
Consulting: - Provides consulting services on a project basis to parish leadership to improve financial and operational results.
- Develops financial models for the restructuring or reconfiguration of regional schools.
- Advises on the placement of operations directors/business managers and supports annual performance reviews of parish business leadership.
- Provides mentoring support, coaching, and training to parish operations directors/business manager.
Operational Management: - Builds and manages effective relationships with multiple parish stakeholders and Archdiocese of Chicago (AoC) policy groups, including the AoC Finance Department, AoC Human Resources Department, AoC Legal Department, School Principals, Parish Operations Directors/Business Managers, Pastors, and Parish Finance Councils.
- Identifies, records, and disseminates best practices across churches and schools in coordination with other VFMs.
- Support Archdiocesan initiatives, such as Renew My Church.
- Identifies intervention strategies if there are issues with following policies or best practices, and the proper use of financial tools, the accuracy of financial reporting, or progress in meeting finance-related operational goals.
- Performs other responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements: - Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting or related field from an accredited university or college.
- 5-10 years in Accounting, Finance, Management or related field.
- Experience with a not-for-profit organization or in Church management is preferred.
- Demonstrate understanding, respect and support of the Catholic Church teachings, mission, and values.
- Strong proficiency in Quickbooks and Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong verbal and written communications, interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment and has a "Service Mindset" when working with others.
- Able to identify opportunities for improvement, evaluate issues and situations, and propose and implement recommendations/solutions.
- Can be entrusted with highly confidential information.
- Strong drive to achieve results.
- Able to travel to multiple Archdiocesan locations.
- Advises churches and schools on vendor contracts.
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.
This position has a salary range of $76,238.00 - $95,298. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
