Enjoy this sample role description for a Finance Director. Note that it has percentages of time for each area. Always include percentages so that everyone is aware of time expectations. When doing an annual review, don’t hold people to the exact percentage. If a person is within 5 percentage points, as they estimate their time, that’s fine. However, 10 to 20 points is the equivalent of 4 to 8 hours a week–and that is worth a discussion. It is a best practice to keep role descriptions to 1 page. If you need to include tasks, put those on separate pages.

You can download the PDF of this description: Finance Director Sample

Finance Director

  • This person reports to: ____________.
  • Works: 40 hours per week. Ministerial if commissioned or ordained.
  • Direct Reports: Finance office personnel.

Scope

The Finance Director oversees the day-to-day financial issues of the church. The Director works closely with the Finance Team to review financial issues.

Accounting & Bookkeeping—30%

  • Budget planning, implementation & control.
  • Banking.
  • General ledger maintenance & review. Accounts payable oversight; review all fixed assets, use tax and appropriate approvals.
  • Retirement plan administration.
  • Sunday offering pick-up and security.

Reporting—30%

  • Payroll oversight & reporting. Quarterly sales & use tax. File annual special exemptions.
  • Budget reporting & review. Financial records & reports.

Special Projects—15%

  • Stock donations, Trust & Estate Administration.
  • Troubleshooting—congregational or staff questions.

Finance Team and Audit—10%

  • Recommend individuals to the Board for appointment to the 4-6 person Finance Team: Best practices for members include a CPA, a lawyer, an entrepreneur and other business people; Scope of the team looks at finances, risk management, contracts, legal issues, health insurance reviews, property insurance reviews, etc. It is also good to have a pastoral staff member on the team for a pastoral perspective. Meet regularly with the Finance Team to review and make team recommendations to the Board.
  • Coordinate the annual Audit. Share the Audit report and Management Letter with the Board. Coordinate the financial aspects of the 3x a year internal audits.

Stewardship—15%

  • Evaluate and oversee stewardship in the church: New donor letters, annual vision reports, and quarterly update to donors that shows ministry.