Elim Is Hiring!
Our current bookkeeper is retiring, and we are searching for the right person to serve as Elim’s next bookkeeper.

Bookkeeper Job Description
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week
 Location: Elim Lutheran Church, 504 Baker Street, Petaluma, California

Position Summary
Elim Lutheran Church is a tax-exempt California nonprofit religious corporation. The Bookkeeper is responsible for accurately maintaining the financial records of the congregation, preschool, and related ministries. The Bookkeeper is accountable to Elim’s elected Treasurer and the pastor.

This position is scheduled for approximately 20 hours per week. Elim’s regular office hours are 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The Bookkeeper is expected to maintain a regular presence in the church office during a mutually agreed-upon portion of those hours. Some remote work or alternate hours may be arranged with the Treasurer’s approval.

The hourly wage will be in the range of $30-$36, based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. The position includes 11 paid holidays as defined in Elim’s Holidays Policy, 40 hours of paid sick leave per year and four personal leave days per year.

Primary Function
The Bookkeeper accurately records Elim’s financial transactions in accordance with the policies and procedures established by Elim’s Leadership Team and Treasurer. The Bookkeeper also maintains documentation of required approvals, processes payroll and other financial obligations, maintains contribution records, and prepares financial reports. All these tasks are done under the supervision of Elim’s elected Treasurer.

Because Elim uses fund-based nonprofit accounting, experience with nonprofit or fund accounting is preferred. The successful candidate will receive training in Elim’s accounting systems, policies, and procedures.

The Bookkeeper will have access to confidential financial, personnel, donor, and pastoral information. The position therefore requires a high degree of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.

Essential Responsibilities
  1. Accurately record the financial transactions of the congregation, preschool, endowment fund, women’s organization, and other related ministries in Elim’s accounting system.  
  2. Record receipts, including charitable contributions and earned revenue, and reconcile contribution records with the general ledger.
  3. Follow established approval procedures, process invoices, expense reimbursements, benevolence payments, and other financial obligations in a timely manner.
  4. Prepare payments through Elim’s accounting system and notify the Treasurer when authorized payments are ready to be made.
  5. Process payroll and maintain accurate payroll records for approximately 15-20 employees.
  6. Record investments, depreciation, bank activity, and other financial transactions, as applicable.
  7. Prepare accurate pledge and contribution statements for donors. Statements are prepared periodically (at minimum, annually) at the discretion of the Treasurer.  
  8. Reconcile bank, investment, contribution, payroll, and other financial accounts as assigned.
  9. Assist the Treasurer with monthly and annual financial statements, year-end procedures, and other regular or special reports.
  10. Maintain complete and organized financial records, including appropriate documentation and approvals for expenditures.
  11. Assist with financial reviews, audits, tax filings, workers’ compensation audits, and other reporting requirements as requested.
  12. Attend monthly Finance Committee meetings, office staff meetings, and other meetings when requested.
  13. Perform other bookkeeping and financial duties delegated by the Treasurer.
 
Required Qualifications
The successful applicant must possess:
  1. Formal education or training in bookkeeping, relevant professional certification, or at least two years of comparable bookkeeping experience.
  2. Working knowledge of standard bookkeeping practices, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, account reconciliation, and financial reporting.
  3. Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and organized records.  
  4. Proficiency with accounting software, spreadsheets, email, and other standard office technology.
  5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  6. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively with staff members, volunteers, church leaders, vendors, and donors.
  7. Demonstrated integrity and the ability to protect confidential and sensitive information.
  8. The ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and identify questions or discrepancies that require the Treasurer’s attention.
  9. Willingness to learn and support Elim’s mission and conduct business in a manner consistent with the church’s policies and values.

Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are desirable but not required:
  1. Experience with fund-based accounting in a nonprofit or religious organization.
  2. Experience with Araize FastFund or similar nonprofit accounting software.
  3. Experience with church contribution-management software.
  4. Familiarity with payroll reporting and California employment-related recordkeeping.  
 
 References and Background Check
Applicants must provide at least two professional references whom Elim may contact regarding the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, and character. At least one reference must have direct knowledge of the applicant’s bookkeeping or financial experience. References should not be relatives of the applicant.
The successful candidate must consent to and satisfactorily complete a background check before beginning employment.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
Elim does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.​
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How to Apply:

  1. Download and print the application (or use a PDF app to fill in and then print.)
  2. Complete and sign it.
  3. Scan the completed application and email it to [email protected].

You may also submit a résumé; however, a résumé will not be considered unless it is accompanied by a completed and signed Employment Application.