Position Summary:

The Controller will play a critical role in the financial health and stewardship of First United Methodist Church of Dallas (“Church”) by overseeing accounting functions and supervising the accounting team. This role will work closely with the Senior Minister, Executive Staff, and the Committee on Finance to ensure sound fiscal practices. This person will be proactive, analytical and forward-thinking, and will manage budgeting, cash flow and monthly reporting with a focus on both day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability. The Controller will also ensure financial records are maintained in compliance with accepted accounting practices and manage financial audits.

Responsibilities:

Accounting Oversight: Supervise and manage a team of accounting staff and ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial reports, including month-end close, reconciliations (including bank, balance sheet and budget to actual reconciliations) and journal entries.
Payroll Oversight: Oversee and ensure the accurate processing of payroll, including verifying compliance with applicable wage laws and resolving any payroll discrepancies or issues in a timely manner.
Cash Flow Management: Monitor cash flow and provide actionable insights to the Staff Executive Committee and the Committee on Finance, helping to ensure financial stability and operational efficiency.
Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with the Staff Executive Committee and the Committee on Finance to develop and manage annual budgets. Provide monthly updates to the Staff Executive Committee and, at a minimum, the Committee on Finance and Trustees.
Accounts Payable Decisions: Oversee accounts payable processes, approving expenditures and signing checks in alignment with budget.
Contract Review & Risk Management: Review and advise on vendor contracts, ensuring that financial terms are favorable and aligned with the Church’s mission and values.
Audit Oversight: Coordinate and manage the annual financial audit, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and accounting standards. Upon completion of the annual financial audit, oversee action items to address any issues or deficiencies.
Investment Oversight: In collaboration with the Investment Advisory Committee, monitor investment activity to ensure proper stewardship of the Church's endowment funds and other financial assets.
Financial Reporting: Prepare and present financial statements for the Church and First Foundation to the Staff Executive Committee and the Committee on Finance, ensuring transparency, clarity and actionable insights.
Taxes: The Controller will oversee the filing of any required taxes. The Controller will work with First Foundation to ensure required forms are filed.
Developmental Learning Center (DLC): The Controller will work with the DLC Advisory Committee to oversee their budget and supervise Church financial staff responsible for the DLC accounting functions.
Property Insurance: The Controller will work with the Director of Operations to oversee the selection of property and casualty insurance, working with the Board of Trustees to ensure cost-effective and competitive offerings.
HR Benefits: The Controller will participate in selection and administration of HR insurance plans and benefits, including health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring cost-effective and competitive offerings for church staff.
Fund Accounting & Restricted Donations: Understand and manage the complexities of fund accounting, including tracking and reporting on donations with donor-imposed restrictions, recognizing donors for their gifts, managing restricted and unrestricted funds and ensuring compliance with legal and financial reporting standards for trust contributions and endowments.
Electronic Filing System: Lead the implementation of an electronic document filing system to improve efficiency and organization across financial records.
Financial Policy Maintenance: Work with the Committee on Finance to regularly review and update financial policies to ensure accuracy and adherence to best practices.
Communication & Collaboration: Foster clear and open communication with the Staff Executive Committee, the Committee on Finance, First Foundation and staff about the Church’s financial status and initiatives.
Executive Functions: Serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the Committee on Finance, DLC Advisory Committee and First Foundation.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. CPA preferred but not required.
- 5+ years of experience in fund accounting, within a church or nonprofit setting.
- 3+ years of experience managing accounting teams and overseeing a wide range of financial functions, including budgeting and audit processes.
- Experience with ACS Financials or similar church management software is a plus.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong analytical skills with a forward-thinking mindset, able to anticipate and address financial challenges proactively.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, staff, and external partners to achieve organizational goals.
- High level of proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel; experience with electronic document management systems a plus.
- Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and transparency.
- Team-oriented leader who supports and develops the accounting team, while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.

At First United Methodist Church of Dallas, we are an affirming and inclusive Church committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where people from all faiths can contribute to our mission. We cherish the diversity of humanity vowing to provide a place where no one is exiled, silenced or exploited because of their sex, age, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, financial means, education and/ or political perspective. Lay Staff are not required to be a member of this church or denomination. As our Controller, you will work in a diverse environment while playing an essential role in advancing our ministry. If you’re passionate about using your financial expertise to make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to Wendy Westberg, Sr. Director of Administration & Operations, via email at wwestberg@fumcdallas.org.

First United Methodist Church of Dallas

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