Controller (Contract Position)

Position Summary

Bethany Baptist Church is seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven Controller to oversee the financial operations of the church and its affiliated ministries. The Controller is responsible for ensuring financial integrity, maintaining strong internal controls, providing accurate reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance, and stewarding church resources in alignment with the church’s mission, bylaws, and governance structure.

This role requires a hands-on financial leader with experience in nonprofit or faith-based accounting, the ability to work collaboratively with clergy and lay leadership, and a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• • Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
  • Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the Pastor, Trustees, and other governing bodies.
  • Maintain and monitor multiple funds and accounts (e.g., Operating, Restricted, Endowment, Benevolent, Scholarship, Capital).
  • Ensure timely bank reconciliations and cash flow monitoring.
  • Develop and maintain financial dashboards and reports for leadership review.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• • Coordinate the annual budgeting process in collaboration with ministry leaders and committees.
  • Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis with recommendations.
  • Assist leadership with long-range financial planning and forecasting.
  • Support special appeals, capital campaigns, and designated giving initiatives.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• • Maintain and enforce strong internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with church bylaws, internal governance documents, and best practices for nonprofit financial management.
  • Oversee Sunday contributions, counting procedures, deposits, and documentation for audit readiness.
  • Ensure proper segregation of duties and adherence to approval authority.

Audit, Tax & Regulatory Oversight

• • Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and prepare schedules for annual audits or financial reviews.
  • Oversee preparation and filing of required tax and regulatory forms (e.g., Form 990, state charity filings, payroll tax reports).
  • Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations applicable to churches and nonprofits.

Payroll & Human Resources Support

• • Oversee payroll processing, including clergy and lay staff compensation, stipends, and reimbursements.
  • Ensure accurate reporting of clergy compensation items (e.g., housing allowance, retirement contributions).
  • Support onboarding and offboarding processes related to payroll and benefits coordination.

Facilities, Contracts & Vendor Oversight

• • Review and monitor contracts, leases, and service agreements in coordination with Trustees and leadership.
  • Ensure timely payment of vendors and utilities.
  • Support capital projects, maintenance contracts, and vendor selection processes.

Leadership & Collaboration

• • Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the Pastor, Trustees, Deacons, and ministry leaders.
  • Provide financial guidance to ministry leaders to support sound stewardship.
  • Train and support staff and volunteers on financial procedures and controls.
  • Participate in meetings as requested, including Board, Trustee, and committee meetings.

Qualifications

Required

• • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
  • Experience in nonprofit, church, or faith-based organization accounting.
  • Strong knowledge of internal controls, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., PowerChurch, QuickBooks, or similar systems) and Microsoft Excel.
  • High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Preferred

• • CPA, CMA, or advanced degree (e.g., MAFM, MBA).
  • Experience working with church governance structures and boards.
  • Familiarity with clergy compensation and housing allowance rules.
  • Experience preparing for and working with external auditors.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Core Competencies

• • Financial stewardship and accountability
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Bethany Baptist Church

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