Financial Bookkeeper

Full job description

FINANCIAL BOOKKEEPER

The Financial Bookkeeper will coordinate the timely, effective, and informative communication between the Greater Milwaukee Synod office, Synod Council Treasurer, third party accountant, ministry partners and other resources as needed.

The Greater Milwaukee Synod (GMS) is a geographic grouping of congregations, extending from Sheboygan down to the Illinois border and from Lake Michigan to the western edge of Waukesha County. We are one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This synod is made up of 115 congregations, including 3 Synod Authorized Worshiping Communities, and 59,143 baptized members in southeastern Wisconsin led by Bishop Paul D. Erickson and a 17-member synod council.

This is an hourly, part-time position to be accomplished in the Greater Milwaukee Synod office on Tuesday and Thursday (8 am to 4:30 pm). With advance notice, occasional nights and weekends may be required. This position provides a competitive hourly rate without benefits.

Essential Responsibilities

• Review and maintain all financial records of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, Outreach for Hope, Lutheran Campus Ministry, and several smaller accounts in QuickBooks Online in an accurate and timely manner.
• Manage bank deposits on a regular basis.
• Review invoices and bills for accuracy, coding, authorization, and forward to third party accountant for payment.
• Coordinating monthly wires and journal entries for Tanzania and El Salvador.
• Communicate frequently with the Synod Staff, third party accountant and Synod Council Treasurer.
• Review and determine system capability along with the best practice for annual year-end giving statements.
• Coordinate the annual audit with Auditor and outside accountants.

Shared Responsibilities with other Synod Staff

• Works to build strong relationships among leaders and congregations of this synod and to foster a positive regard for the role of and partnership with the larger church in the life of each ministry
• Serves as a resource person for congregations, institutions, and agencies in this synod, when requested.
• Communicates and serves collegially with all on the synod staff in order to build up and accomplish the collective and connective ministry of the Greater Milwaukee Synod.

Qualifications

This person will be a faithful, self-starting, detail-oriented person who brings an optimistic focus to the mission of the Greater Milwaukee Synod. In addition:

• 3 to 5 years’ experience in Bookkeeper or similar role..
• Proficient in QuickBooks Online or other accounting software, and MS Office Suite including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Fund Accounting recommended.
• Experience in a non-profit setting and/or religious organization is helpful. Relevant experience in other organizations will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze communication problems and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ability to learn new skills associated with the accounting for GMS and its affiliates, as needed.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously and independently.
• Strong ability to think and act strategically.
• Relational maturity that demonstrates interpersonal and teamwork skills including active listening and proactive communication.
• Professional demeanor, discretion, good work habits and judgment.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to furthering Christ’s mission through this church.

Send resume and cover letter no later than June 15, 2024 to:

Mary Romskog, Executive Assistant for Administration and Candidacy

Greater Milwaukee Synod
PO Box 341695
Milwaukee, WI 53224