Internal Audit & Parish Support Associate

The Internal Audit & Parish Support Associate reports to the Internal Auditor for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and works closely with the Parish Support Coordinator to review financial and internal control status and procedures of various Diocesan parishes, schools, cemeteries, and ministries to assist pastors, directors, and the Diocese with improving compliance with accounting, governmental and Diocesan rules and regulations. The role also plays a critical role in supporting Diocesan parishes, schools, cemeteries, and ministries with accounting and system questions to further strengthen accounting and reporting practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Parish Support
  • Provides assistance and guidance to parish, school, cemetery, and ministry staff on financial policies, internal controls, regulation changes, payroll processing and tax filing, and record-keeping best practices.
  • Provide assistance and training resources as needed for parish bookkeepers.
  • Serves as the diocesan subject matter expert for accounting, payroll, and benefits systems, providing training, technical support, and guidance to parish, school, cemetery, and ministry personnel to promote accurate and efficient financial operations.
  • Assist in the generation of budgets, financial statements, and required reports and filings for parishes, schools, and cemeteries.
  • Assist in the preparation of training/reference materials for parish/school business managers/bookkeepers.
  • Utilize onsite visits as a training opportunity for bookkeeping staff as well as audit review.
• Auditing
  • Assist the Internal Auditor with regular audits of financial records, internal controls, and operational processes at parishes, schools, cemeteries, ministries, and diocesan offices to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
  • Reviews adherence to diocesan financial policies, including collection procedures, expenditure approvals, payroll, and cash management.
  • Assist with scheduling audit visits at Diocesan entities in a manner that allows for successful completion of the annual audit plan within the established timelines.
  • Prepare for each visit by reviewing financial records for the period to be audited and selecting deposit and disbursement items for testing. Additionally, try to complete as much of the review as possible as a desk audit.
  • Identifies risks related to fraud, mismanagement, noncompliance, or operational inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions and process improvements.
  • Assists with and may produce detailed audit reports with findings, recommendations, and action plans for presentation to the Diocesan Chief Financial Officer, pastor/director, chair of parish finance council and/or the bishop and his delegates.
  • Communicate findings with Diocesan Chief Financial Officer, pastor/director, chair of parish finance council.
  • Follow up on “management responses” from parishes that do not respond to audit recommendations. Review responses received to determine if additional clarification is needed and provide follow-up.
  • Assists in the development, implementation, and periodic revision of diocesan policies and procedures related to financial oversight and accountability.
  • Conducts or assists with investigations into suspicious activities, potential fraud, or other concerns identified through audit procedures or reported by another party.
  • Collaborate with external auditors for special audits as needed.
• Other Duties
  • When possible, undertake special projects assigned by the Bishop, Moderator of the Curia or Diocesan Chief Financial Officer.
  • Undertake continuous professional development by paying special attention to news and information pertaining to embezzlement, fraud, theft, cyber-attacks, government law changes, etc. whether church or general business related and incorporating these risks into the future audit paradigm.
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal, written, analytical and people skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly with Word and Excel) and Outlook.
• Proficiency in 10-key data entry and calculator operation to support bookkeeping, auditing, and financial analysis activities.
• Excellent ability to organize, plan, set job priorities and multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and provide feedback and training to others. Previous Internal Audit experience is preferred.
• Able to perform job responsibilities maintaining a high degree of accuracy as well as confidentiality.
• Proven ability to solve problems and make effective decisions.
• Proficient in the use of general ledger accounting software such as; AccuFund and ParishSOFT and ability to train other individuals to use the software.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Effective communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Desire to learn and undertake new and unfamiliar job responsibilities and tasks.
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Availability to work evenings with the possibility of overnight stays.
• Travel required (25-50%). Valid driver’s license is required.

Education and Experience

Education:

Required: Associates degree or higher in accounting or business administration. Related experience in auditing, accounting, or finance essential.

Desired: Bachelor’s Degree. 3+ years of experience in non-profit or faith based organizational audits.