Director of Finance

Scottsdale

Job Description Job Description Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Classification : Full-time, Exempt

Direct reports: Finance Specialist and Finance Assistant

Position Summary : The Director of Finance exercises leadership over the financial affairs of Phoenix Seminary (PS) and the Bible Education Legacy Fund (BELF). The Director of Finance oversees systems and processes in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, donor stewardship, legal, reporting, and budgeting.

The Director reports up to the Vice President of Operations and works closely with the cabinet, board, and BELF. This position will require a high degree of initiative, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work strategically to drive success. Phoenix Seminary fosters a culture of trust and accountability and is seeking a person who can thrive with little to no supervision, embodying a high degree of integrity and work ethic.

Importantly, the Director will help execute a five-year strategic plan. The successful candidate will have experience in moves management (ideally, QuickBooks, Virtuous and/or Monday.com) and a proven track record of success in analyzing data and presenting it that data in a relevant understandable way. The ideal candidate has a passion for ministry.

Principal Responsibilities:

Supervise all accounting functions of the Seminary, including bookkeeping, payroll accounting, corporate tax returns, audit, compliance with ATS, HLC, ECFA, IPEDS, IRS, GAAP, NACUBO/FASB standards, and providing reports to accrediting agencies.

Prepare all financial reports required by the President, Vice Presidents, Seminary BELF Boards of Directors, and educational/governmental agencies. Specifically, supply the Seminary Cabinet and Boards with monthly financial reports and furnish all supervisors with the financial information necessary for decision-making.

Work with the Board of Directors Finance Committee and BELF Board to invest funds of the Seminary in accordance with approved investment policies.

Work with the Board of BELF, providing financial reports, suggestions on investments, and management for the agenda of BELF Board meetings.

Oversee inventories, receivables, payables, insurance, bonds, estates, trusts, endowments, annuities, restricted gifts, and banking.

Ensure the protection of seminary funds through proper recordkeeping and disbursement per sound budgetary control.

Oversee the accounting, governmental reporting, and supervision of processes relating to the management and implementation of Government grants.

Responsible for overseeing that the seminary payroll is processed timely and accurately in coordination with the Human Resource manager.

Collaborate with the Human Resources Manager and Vice President of Operations to evaluate current employee benefits regularly, assisting in researching options for improvements to the Seminary's benefits package.

Develop the Seminary's annual budget with department heads and cabinet while managing its implementation (paying particular attention to cash flow). Act as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors finance committee, and work closely with the committee to strengthen Phoenix Seminary's financial position.

Ensure the Finance Operational plan is in alignment with Phoenix Seminary's Strategic plan in terms of function, reporting, and objectives to ensure operational efficiency and increased productivity.

Forecast potential cash flow problems and communicate these with recommended solutions to the Vice President of Operations and, if deemed appropriate by Cabinet, to the Finance Committee.

Analyze current financial processes and performance, and recommend solutions for improvement on a regular basis to the VP of Operations.

Develop, implement and monitor day-to-day financial systems and processes that provide visibility into goals, progress, and obstacles with process improvement in mind.

Continually review and adjust as needed reports for the Leadership Team, Cabinet, Executive Committee, and Boards to ensure a clear understanding of reports, our financial position, along with recommendations and solutions.

Review and analyze monthly budget reports for variances and liaison with managers to reconcile discrepancies.

Lead coordination and integration of efforts among departments to produce a smooth financial workflow addressing obstacles that may be real or perceived.

Create Performance and Growth goals for team members.

Maximize efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration.

Provide backup accounting support for Seminary's major events/general activities.

Continually evaluate best industry practices compared to internal systems and needed resources, with an eye toward future needs and budget realities.

Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations.

Qualifications:

High levels of personal and professional integrity – Evidence of a commitment to Jesus Christ and a life that demonstrates consistency with Biblical standards and the statement of faith and governing values of the Seminary.

Be theologically compatible with the Seminary's statement of faith.

Demonstrate a high degree of institutional loyalty and the capability of protecting the confidentiality of sensitive matters related to the institution.

While an MBA/CPA or similar level training is preferred, experience in organizational financial management is required. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience in educational or other non-profit settings.

Ability to communicate financial data and issues in a manner that is understandable to those without formal financial backgrounds and which enables them to respond appropriately to any pressing financial needs.

Adequate awareness of financial record keeping and processes, computer technology, and auxiliary operations.

Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in written form.

Commitment to teamwork, servant leadership, and appropriate empowerment of subordinates. Takes time to mentor and help co-workers, students, and others achieve their goals and responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration required.

Two years or more of related experience is required.

Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation preferred.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Able to travel as needed.

Work Schedule:

Must be able to work varied hours with a regular schedule of Monday – Friday.

Needed Attributes: Strong work ethic; excellent communication skills; patient and gracious; values confidential nature of position; ability to shift priorities on short notice; proactive approach to assessing needs and providing what is necessary to meet those needs; interacts well with diverse personality types – team player; ability to lead and willingness to serve – positive outlook; creative and resourceful – solutions-oriented.

Training and development : Self-initiated study and personal development are expected and encouraged. As funds are available, the Director will be provided with the opportunity to attend classes, seminars, or events to continue to develop one's knowledge of Finance topics with approval.