Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Diocese of Syracuse

The Diocese of Syracuse is seeking a full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer to be responsible for overall financial and treasurer operations. The CFO reports to the bishop and establishes, evaluates and advances policies, procedures and programs for the financial administration of the diocese, parishes and schools and other related entities.

The Controller, Director of Facilities, Director of Parish Services, Director of Information Technology, Manager of Risk management as well as the Executive Director of Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse reports to the CFO. The position safeguards diocesan and parish assets through the establishment of financial and internal controls in conjunction with Internal Audit. The position fulfills the responsibility of the Diocesan Finance Officer in accordance with the Code of Canon Law (Canon 494).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direction and supervision for all department managers listed above. Provides meaningful performance appraisal review and performance development plan of directors.
• Formulates and establishes accounting policies and procedures; maintains constant alertness to ensure that stated policies and procedures are followed.
• Oversees the preparation of the Strategic plan and three year business plan.
• Is the Treasurer of the Diocese.
• Oversees preparation of annual Central Administrative Offices financial budget, adherence to the budget throughout the year and submission of annual results to the Diocesan Finance Council in compliance with Canon Law.
• Ensures the adequate funding of Priest and Lay pension funds to meet future benefit obligations.
• Serves as parish financial consultant as requested by Bishop.
• Function as the financial liaison for the Bishop and Moderator of the Curia to and Serves on the following organization boards and committees:
• Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, Treasurer
• Diocesan Cemetery Board, Treasurer
• Syracuse Diocesan Investment Fund
• Clerical Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse
• The Retirement Plan for secular Priests
• St. Thomas Aquinas Fund, Inc.
• McDevitt Foundation
• Heritage Foundation
• Joseph and Elaine Scuderi Foundation
• Christ the King Retreat House

Coordinates/reports to the following committees:

Diocesan

1. Finance Council
2. Audit Committee
3. Investment & Banking Committee
4. Priest Retirement Board
5. Human Resources and Benefits Committee
6. Risk Management Committee
7. Real Estate Committee

Foundation

1. Audit Committee
2. Finance/Investment Committee
3. Executive Committee

Diocesan Catholic Education Strategy

1. Oversees the Board of Trustees at the four Catholic High schools
2. Key player on the Finance Council Catholic Schools Strategy committee

• Represents the Diocesan Bishop to various state and national organizations for finance officers.
• Performs all other tasks as directed by the Bishop and/or the Moderator of the Curia.
• Collaborates with the Director of Human Resources in managing the significant fringe benefit programs of health insurance and 403(b) salary deferral

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and experience required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

BS in Business Administration or Accounting. Preferred: MBA and/or CPA

10 or more years in accounting and financial management necessary to properly perform position requirements. Requires knowledge and training in a full range of accounting/financial matters, general business management and an understanding of not-for-profit financial issues.

Must be a practicing Roman Catholic with a heightened sense of confidentiality and a strong sense of respect for the Roman Catholic Church. Must be willing to reflect the Christian attitude of the Church in dealing with fellow employees and those from outside the Chancery Office. Must have a sense of responsibility and loyalty to the bishop and his role as shepherd of the local Church.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• A high level of independent thought and initiative is required to fulfill requirements of the position. The position must interface with outside advisors including external auditors, commercial bankers, pension actuaries, legal counsel, priest and lay advisory committees and investment consultants and managers.
• Demonstrated distinguished record of honesty and integrity.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and Internal Revenue Service regulations as they apply to not-for-profit institutions.
• Demonstrated skill in advancing strategic initiatives and ability to create an environment of open and honest financial communication to foster focus on mission tempered by financial realism and discipline.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet or exceed project expectations and attain deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with supervisory and managerial staff and to manage confrontation effectively to reach the organization’s objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of constituents orally and in writing.
• Ability to attract quality lay leadership to various committees in support of the Church’s mission.

A high level of organizational and interpersonal skill is required. Attention to detail and working well with others is also required.

Ability to read and analyze written and electronic correspondence and compose appropriate responses utilizing others in the organization when appropriate. Ability to respond to common inquiries from regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present verbal and written information to constituencies and public groups.

The candidate must have current Safe Environment training or needs to attend the required initial Safe Environment training within 60 days of employment.

Interested applicants can send resumes to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to our website at https://www.syracusediocese.org/job-opportunities/ to apply online.