St. James’ Episcopal Church
25 West Street
Danbury, CT 06802
PART-TIME PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / BOOKKEEPER
Job Type : Part time, non-exempt
Overview :
St. James’ is active in community outreach through support of Daily Bread Food Pantry, Dorothy Day Hospitality House, Laundry Love, and more.
It is a diverse community that welcomes all people and respects the dignity of every human being.
Job Summary :
This position is central to the life and functioning of St. James’ Episcopal Church. The administrator is responsible for the effective and efficient management of day-to-day operational tasks, and assists the Priest-In-Charge, Director of Music, sexton, treasurer, and committee chairpersons, and responds to the needs of parishioners, volunteers, suppliers, community members and others who are part of St.
James’ extended family. The bookkeeper handles the overall financial management of church donations, bills, financial reports, payroll, deposits, taxes, church pension, mailings, filing, ledgers, and prompt response to church business.
While many of the tasks assigned are time and schedule sensitive, other tasks can be completed flexibly, or only occur from time to time or seasonally.
This is an in-person position.
Detailed List of Responsibilities
Receptionist
- Open office, answer door, greet and screen visitors to the church office
- Answer telephone, take messages, and respond accordingly
- Check and respond to incoming emails and voicemails
- Accept deliveries
Administrative
- Attendant weekly staff meeting
- Assist clergy, wardens, vestry and volunteers with weekly church bulletins, prayer lists, inserts and reports for weekly and special services
- Coordinate facilities calendar and ministry schedulers calendar
- Maintain and organize office files, church records and services in ACS (Automated Church System)
- Track and stock church supplies for office, church, and sexton
- Update and maintain church form and brochures
- Send e-blasts, prepare announcements, assist communications person as needed
- Manage subscriptions and software licenses
- Photocopy documents and flyers as needed for vestry and committees
- Inform and supply Altar Guild with cards and forms as needed, track altar flower donations
- Upkeep outdoor prayer wall, and add to prayer list
- Stock church pews with supplies as needed
- Schedule copier maintenance
- Complete mandatory reporter / safeguarding training for the Episcopal Church
Bookkeeping
- Liaison with church treasurer regularly
- Maintain, post and file parochial reports, contributions, and taxes, visitor reports, new pledges and parishioner information in ACS (Automated Church System)
- Review and pay bills, maintain bank reconciliations
- Maintain tax-exempt status
- Make checks as directed
- File vendors payments
- Process reimbursements
- File bank deposits
- Enter payroll taxes and print checks
- Pay Federal and State taxes
- Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to committees
- Prepare Church Pension payment form
- Prepare and distribute pledge statements
- Order checks, W2s, and statement envelopes, Prepare 1099 and W2s as needed
- Maintain interest in bank books
- Support Stewardship committee with supplies and mailings
- Maintain the Book of the Living Trust
Qualifications :
- Certificate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or comparable bookkeeping experience
- 3-5 years of office administration or similar position experience
- Proficient in technology and use of ACS, (Automated Church System), Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and navigating the Internet.
Fast and accurate keyboarding skills. Familiarity with EventBrite, Constant Contact, Canva, MailChimp, and Ministry Scheduler a plus
- Familiarity with the Episcopal Church is preferred, though not required
- Must be comfortable working in a church environment and with members of the clergy. Experience in a religious setting or nonprofit organization is a plus
- Excellent time management and organizational skills with an attention to detail and the ability to work independently
- Quick learner and creative thinker; able to initiative, anticipates needs, and work collaboratively
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a professional phone manner and the ability to proofread own and others’ work thoroughly and accurately
- Able to work in a fluid environment, adapt well to changes, and maintain professional composure under pressure
- Able to work effectively and to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Personable, flexible and positive attitude; able to connect with others
- U.S. work authorization required
- Physical Requirement : Must be able to climb stairs.
Expected Hours of Work :
This is a part-time position of 18 hours per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 : 30-3 : 30 p.m. with a one-hour unpaid meal break.
This is an in-person position. Parking is provided. ( There is some flexibility to amend this proposed schedule. Please inquire, if needed.
We are seeking a minimum 2-year commitment.
Compensation and Benefits :
Compensation is $25 / hour.
St. James’ observes 11 holidays when the parish office is closed. Part-time employees are paid for a holiday if the holiday falls on a day regularly scheduled to work.
This role is not eligible for pension or other benefits.
Supervision :
This position reports directly to the Priest-In-Charge. This position does not supervise others, but works closely with church leaders.
Interested applicants should send a resume, with a cover letter, to the attention of : The Rev. Gina Gore, Priest-In-Charge, ggore@saintjamesepiscopalchurch.org
Accepting applications through April 30, 2024.
Last updated : 2024-04-23