Lovers Lane UMC: Controller

Date Posted: 7/23/2024

---

Lovers Lane UMC, Dallas, TX

Job Description

About Lovers Lane United Methodist Church

Lovers Lane United Methodist Church (LLUMC) has two locations and hosts eight services a week, as well as numerous ministries and a variety of global missions, all serving the diverse communities of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the world. The LLUMC main campus is in vibrant North Dallas at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Inwood Road. Walnut Hill Church (Walnut Hill), a ministry of LLUMC, located a few miles away in North Dallas, is a part of the greater LLUMC family. 

The church also houses a school for children six months through sixth grade, supports the nation’s largest 12-Step ministry and is a leader in ministry both in the local area and globally. LLUMC also houses several 501(c) entities and a Foundation that are critical to the growth and mission of the church.

Mission Statement

The mission at Lovers Lane UMC is loving ALL people into relationship with Jesus Christ. As Sr. Pastor Stan Copeland states, “YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.”

About the Controller Position

The Controller is a hands-on leader, with a desire to use his/her/their professional gifts and talents to serve a dynamic church which continues to grow in reach and impact the community in a highly collaborative environment.

This individual will report to the Executive Pastor. This person supervises the Finance Team and is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all financial-related activities of the church.

Position duties include (but are not limited to) direct responsibility for banking activities, financial reporting (financial statements, Finance Committee reporting, and reporting to staff), accounting, finance, budgeting, and strategic planning, purchasing, as well as compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), tax regulations, United Methodist Conference financial reporting and other regulatory requirements. This individual will also be responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining effective financial controls and systems.

Responsibilities

Management and Oversight

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the finance organization to ensure quality control, productivity, accuracy, efficiency, and team cohesiveness; currently this individual supervises a three-person staff
• Create and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the church’s plan for growth and expansion
• Recruit, interview, and hire finance and accounting staff as required
• Review all current finance-related procedures, processes, and administration, managing and recommending improvements to systems as required
• Implement financial policies, procedures and processes as deemed appropriate by the Executive Pastor and/or Church leadership
• Oversee the preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials including regular, timely reporting to all constituents

Strategy, Planning, and Management

• Provide leadership and supervision for the Finance Team
• Provide regular finance team updates to the Finance Committee, Church leadership at both LLUMC and Walnut Hill, and others as required
• Apply appropriate resources to timely track results against church goals and priorities through budget development and management
• Collaborate with Church leadership and the Finance Committee on operational and strategic issues; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections
• Leverage systems and software to timely provide critical financial and operational information
• Assess account structure (ledger, bank account and Foundations); streamline or simplify operational processes as appropriate and with consultation of key stakeholders
• Provide support on other finance-related matters such as records retention, payroll, and benefits management

Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Prepare and communicate annual and monthly financial statements for Church leadership and the Finance Committee with respect to LLUMC, Walnut Hill, key ministries and Foundation
• Report on the financial activities of the church, including financial statements, budgets and tracking to plans to church leadership, the Finance Committee, Walnut Hill, and others as needed with respect to LLUMC, Walnut Hill, key ministries and Foundation
• Oversee budgeting and the implementation of budgets to monitor progress against, and present financial and operational metrics with respect to, LLUMC, Walnut Hill, key ministries and Foundation

Accounting

• Oversee the month-end close process
• Timely prepare and disseminate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for churches, Foundation, and significant other entities (e.g., larger ministries)
• Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger accounts, balance sheet accounts and cost allocation. Assist accounting staff in managing ledger as needed
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors, tax authorities or other external parties with respect to accounting matters; manage preparation and support of audits
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of account and bank reconciliations
• Advise Church leadership of any recommended changes to financial projections

Cash Management

• Oversee cash management and payables; ensure appropriate segregation of duties with respect to bank accounts, revenues, and expenditures; enhance procedures as needed

Compliance

• Ensure legal, tax and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions
• Remain up to date on nonprofit audit and accounting best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations
• This job description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned.  Currently, the role includes some HR and personnel related duties, including benefits management, that may be transitioned over time out of this function.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting is required
• CPA with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with a financial leadership role in the non-profit sector strongly preferred with expert knowledge of fund accounting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Touchpoint, Intacct and ADP software a significant plus
• Applications require a resume and cover letter. References may be requested, and contacted

Personal Characteristics

• Demonstrated highest level of personal integrity and trustworthiness with a Christ-like, servant leadership philosophy
• Exhibits outstanding organization skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence leadership and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership ability with exceptional communications, organizational and collaboration skills, ability
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Willingness to engage in hands-on work with the team as required
• Ability to execute strategically in alignment with LLUMC’s mission
• Historical pattern of personal growth and excellence in prior assignments

Job Type: Full-time

Physical setting: Office

Schedule: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; some evening and Sunday meetings as needed

Work Location: Strong preference for in-person daily.  Occasional remote work can be considered with approval of Executive Pastor.

Benefits: 401(k) matching; health, dental, vision and life insurance; paid time off

How to Apply

Email a cover letter and resume to Rev. Kay Eck at
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: 214-706-9686