This career professional is Compassion’s primary financial liaison to the local church and is responsible for working closely with internal and external clients across the organization to answer financial questions and provide advice on proper accounting. This incumbent is a key contributor to the preparation of financial statements and develops new reports in response to ongoing business needs. As a seasoned professional, the accountant uses advanced knowledge of GAAP, internal financial systems, and other accounting standards to conduct accounting research and analysis, review and interpret historical transactional activity, and take a key role in month-end and year-end close process, to include preparation or review of account reconciliations. At this career level, the incumbent is generally competent in several finance specialties and may be called on to coach or oversee the work of junior accounting staff.

Responsibilities

• Acts as an advocate to raise the awareness of the needs of children. Commits to and prioritizes child protection considerations in all decision-making, tasks and activities across the ministry. Abides by all behavioral expectations in Compassion’s Statement of Commitment to Child Protection and Code of Conduct. Reports any concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children through Compassion’s internal reporting process and appropriately supports responses to incidents if they occur.
• Uses independent judgment to serve internal customers, answering financial reporting questions, explaining accounting principles, advising on the proper recording of transactions, and informing others of financial policies and procedures. Partners in problem-solving for both procedural and technical issues.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on the organization’s financial general ledger system, including the chart of accounts, functional allocation, fund balances, segments and other attributes of the system.
• As the primary liaison, this Accountant is responsible for developing relationships with local Partnership Facilitators, church partners, and denominational leaders that are characterized by mutual respect, trust, and service that builds up church ministry. He or she is accountable for supporting partner relationships regarding financial and accounting matters; for bringing a developmental mindset to financial aspects of the partnership, including mobilizing staff and other resources to support the church; and is a key contributor to passing on financial and accounting knowledge and best practices.
• As a seasoned professional, the Accountant uses advanced knowledge of accounting principles and standards and sound internal control environments including the COSO Framework to support, train, and equip local churches. He or she will work closely in coordinating with Partnership Facilitators and Church-Facing Teams, acting as a supporting role providing subject matter expertise.
• At this career level, the incumbent generally conducts projects independently or participates as a team member for major, complex, or international initiatives
• Attends training and/or accesses other means to maintain a level of knowledge and/or credentialing sufficient to perform all the requirements of this position.
• Makes use of appropriate opportunities to teach other team members and internal clients about accounting concepts and their organizational application.

Culture

• Accountable for supporting, upholding, and engaging in Compassion’s core “Cultural Behaviors” in all internal and external communication and relationships.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting a related field.

Experience

• Seven years Relevant experience working in this or a related field.

Skills & Competencies

• An advanced understanding of accounting principles and standards
• Ability to use discretion and ingenuity to serve customers by answering internal control framework questions, financial reporting questions, giving insight into and advising on proper recording of transactions, and informing others of best practices of financial policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform regular problem solving on basic accounting and finance issues.
• Demonstrates a personal commitment to serve, respect, and empower the church according to principles outlined in Compassion’s ministry philosophies.
• Possesses a developmental mindset regarding financial matters.
• Ability to facilitate partnerships with church finance leaders to collaboratively reflect sound internal control structures and appropriate fund usage.
• Ability to collaborate well both internally & externally
• Ability to demonstrate servant leadership & live out Compassion’s Partnership Principles in supporting Frontline Church Partners
• Ability to network with other ministries & organizations
• Ability to represent Compassion on a professional level
• Ability to communicate (verbal & written) in a clear and effective manner
• Fluent in English

Licenses and Certifications

• Certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization in a related field.
• Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above

Working Environment

Office – Standard Office Environment

Physical Demands

Sitting, standing, and/or walking for up to 8 hours per day

Travel Requirements

May be required to travel up to 60% of normal schedule