Financial Administrator St. Paul United Church of Christ | Columbia, Illinois Position Overview St. Paul United Church of Christ is seeking a highly organized, trustworthy, and detail-oriented Financial Administrator to oversee the church's day-to-day financial operations and administrative accounting functions. This position plays an essential role in supporting the ministry of the church by ensuring accurate financial recordkeeping, timely payment processing, contribution tracking, payroll administration, reporting, and compliance with established financial policies. The Financial Administrator works closely with church staff, the Treasurer, Finance Team, Simplify Church representatives, volunteers, and congregational members to maintain sound financial practices and provide accurate financial information that supports informed decision-making and stewardship of church resources. Key Responsibilities Accounts Payable and Financial Processing Receive and process invoices received by email and USPS. Maintain tracking systems for invoices through approval, processing, and payment. Route invoices to ministry leaders, staff members, and authorized approvers. Process approved invoices through Simplify Church portal. Coordinate payments through ACH, automatic vendor payments, and printed checks. Conduct weekly check runs and prepare supporting documentation for signatures. Verify timely mailing and processing of approved payments. Maintain financial records and supporting documentation in accordance with church procedures. Contributions and Deposit Administration Process weekly congregational giving alongside a second counter in accordance with church financial policies. Enter donations and designated gifts into the Realm system. Prepare, verify, and reconcile weekly bank deposits. Investigate and resolve deposit discrepancies with appropriate staff, volunteers, or financial institutions. Process and document special offerings, memorial gifts, funeral donations, fundraising proceeds, and other designated contributions. Safeguard checks and financial documents received by the church. Payroll Administration Review and approve payroll files provided by Optima, the church's payroll service. Process payroll documentation and distribute employee pay information. Coordinate payroll reporting and communication with church ministries and programs. Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation. Financial Reporting and Reconciliation Download and maintain monthly statements from banking, investment, and endowment accounts. Reconcile church credit card statements and coordinate coding of expenses. Work with staff members to ensure charges are accurately assigned to budget accounts. Assist Simplify Church representatives with month-end and year-end closing activities. Generate and distribute financial reports for the Finance Team, including: Fund Balance Reports General Ledger Reports Balance Sheets Revenue and Expense Analysis Reports Bank Reconciliation Reports Maintain supporting financial records and documentation. Budget and Finance Team Support Assist the Treasurer, Finance Team, and church leadership by providing financial information and reports. Participate in monthly Finance Team meetings as requested. Support annual budget development by providing requested financial information and account access. Assist with annual reporting and preparation of materials for the congregational meeting. Endowment and Fund Administration Maintain Endowment Fund records and tracking spreadsheets. Record and reconcile information from investment and foundation accounts. Assist with quarterly endowment transfers and related documentation. Fundraising and Special Event Financial Support Process deposits and financial transactions resulting from church fundraising activities and special events. Maintain accurate records of event-related receipts and deposits. Ensure compliance with church financial policies for all fundraising activities. Crisis Fund Administration Process approved Crisis Fund payments. Coordinate urgent payment requests, including expedited check preparation when necessary. Facilitate required signatures and documentation for emergency disbursements. Team Collaboration Work collaboratively with church staff, volunteers, Finance Team members, and church leadership. Maintain confidentiality regarding financial, payroll, and donor information. Perform other related financial and administrative duties as assigned by the Pastor, Treasurer, or church leadership.

Position Details Position Type:

Part-Time (20 hours per week)

Compensation:

$32.00 per hour

Location:

On-site in

Columbia, Illinois Reports To:

Pastor Benefits:

Paid vacation and sick leave Preferred Qualifications While not required, the following experience and skills are highly desirable: Accounting, bookkeeping, finance, payroll, or nonprofit financial administration experience Experience with church management software, particularly Realm Experience with Simplify Church or similar church bookkeeping and accounting service Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 applications Experience processing accounts payable, payroll, and bank reconciliations Familiarity with ACH transactions and online banking platforms Experience preparing financial reports and maintaining financial records Knowledge of nonprofit or church financial operations Desired Personal Characteristics The successful candidate will demonstrate: High ethical standards and integrity Strong attention to detail and accuracy Excellent organizational and time management skills Ability to maintain strict confidentiality Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Dependability and accountability Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others Strong written and verbal communication skills Appreciation for and comfort working within a church environment Commitment to responsible stewardship of church resources Flexibility and adaptability in a ministry setting Why Join St. Paul UCC? At St. Paul United Church of Christ, you will play a vital role in supporting the church's ministry through responsible financial stewardship and administrative excellence. This position offers the opportunity to use your financial and organizational skills to serve a vibrant faith community while working alongside dedicated staff, volunteers, and church leaders in a meaningful and mission-driven environment.

Pay:

$32.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person