The California-Pacific Conference is a regional body of The United Methodist Church, made up of some 50,000 members in almost 350 local churches throughout Southern California, parts of Central California, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and Guam.

The California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, seeks a Chief Financial and Benefits Officer to be responsible for managing the overall functioning of the finance, human resources and administrative services offices.

In order to apply for this position, please email your completed Cal-Pac Job Application (accessible at this website: https://www.calpacumc.org/jobs-listing/), a cover letter and your resume to hr@calpacumc.org. Please include on the subject line “Chief Financial and Benefits Officer” and your name. This position will remain open until filled.

Position Description:

Position Title: Chief Financial and Benefits Officer

LOCATION: Conference Headquarters, Pasadena CA

While some remote flexibility may be available, this position primarily requires an onsite presence at our Pasadena office.

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: Exempt

Essential Ministry Team or committee: Council on Finance & Administration

The Mission of the United Methodist Church IS: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

The Vision of the California-Pacific Conference IS: “Ending spiritual and physical hunger.”

Supervised by: Council on Finance & Administration (CFA) in Consultation with the Resident Bishop

Supervision responsibility for: Designated staff

Position Overview:

The Chief Financial and Benefits Officer (CFBO) is responsible for managing the overall functioning of the finance, human resources and administrative services offices. This includes employee benefits, mandatory Conference-wide property, liability and workers compensation insurance programs, and serving as the chief source of advice and information on fiscal and human resource management. The CFBO will operate within the established guidelines outlined in ¶619 in The United Methodist Book of Discipline.

Essential Functions:

Work collaboratively and strategically with the Bishop, Cabinet and Conference leadership to resource the mission and vision of the Conference.
Oversee all treasury responsibilities of the Conference, including the Board of Pension and Health Benefits and the Board of Trustees, assuring professional application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations for the Conference staff in collaboration with the Staff Relations Committee.
Serve as the Conference Benefits Officer for all matters relating to retirement, health, disability, and life insurance benefits.
Serve as the treasurer of the Conference Board of Trustees. Provide support for Trustee investment and property activities in compliance with federal, state, and United Methodist Book of Discipline requirements. Oversee maintenance of the Conference Center and other Conference-owned property.
Coordinate the mandatory property, liability and workers compensation insurance program for all churches, camps, new church start facilities, and subsidiaries of the Conference.
Prepare and develop the Annual Conference budgets in consultation with the Council on Finance and Administration, the Board of Pension and Health Benefits, and the Board of Trustees as well as the Director of Connectional Ministries, the Episcopal Office, the District Superintendents, the District Offices, and the Office of Communications.
Oversee the receipt and disbursement of all apportioned funds in compliance with the approved legislation passed at the Annual Conference meeting of lay and clergy members.
Oversee the receipt and disbursement of all board and subsidiary designated funds in compliance with GAAP, federal and state laws, and the decisions made by the various oversight boards for each of the board designated funds.
Oversee the receipt and disbursement of all donor designated funds in compliance with the trusts, endowments, and other fiduciary instruments established for the mission and ministry in the Conference.
Review and interpret accurate and timely month-end and year-end reports for all Annual Conference boards and agencies, local churches, and other related parties as may be required. Coordinate the preparation and distribution of regular and periodic reports related to receipts and disbursements to appropriate persons, boards, and agencies.
Convert financial information into actionable plans and communicate results throughout the Annual Conference. Identify and drive opportunities related to growth, operating efficiencies, revenue maximization, and cost mitigation.
Ensure the support of local churches in matters relating to finances and human resources by appropriate conference staff.
Identify and mitigate risks to the organization by implementing effective internal controls to safeguard financial assets.
Oversee investment strategies and portfolio management.
Initiate the process for the annual actuarial study of future retiree health care liability, direct compilation of data and act as liaison with third party actuarial firm.
Develop legislation for presentation to the Annual Conference based on the votes of the boards, committees and commissions staffed by CFA administrative areas.
Supervise designated staff members.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders in the Conference.

Evaluation based on:

Alignment with the mission of the United Methodist Church and the vision of the California-Pacific Conference.

Teamwork and decision-making habits consistent with Conference core values and expectations including:

Grounding every decision in the Christian faith and the United Methodist tradition
Excellence in the work product and result
Integrity in the process of work with colleagues
Cultural competency in interaction with a diverse constituency

Competencies that include those relating to the specific job knowledge, skills and abilities as detailed below.

The activities and essential functions listed in this job description are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualification required of employees assigned to this job, and may be subject to changes in the future.

Reasonable Accomodations

California-Pacific Conference is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, California-Pacific Conference will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Specific job knowledge, skills, and abilities

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities, and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Comprehensive knowledge of non-profit governance, management, accounting, financial planning, human resources and business processes.
Working knowledge of computer-based networks and financial software packages, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and specialized accounting and human resources system.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, including the ability to set goals, develop actionable plans, and measure performance against objectives.
Proven ability to analyze problems, think creatively, and develop innovative solutions that align with organizational goals.
Knowledge of The United Methodist Church and its structure and polity is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field is required (e.g., Finance, Accounting, HR etc.). Advanced degree preferred.
CPA preferred.
Seven to ten years of experience in fund accounting; progressive experience related to human resources preferred.
Seven to ten years of supervisory experience, with previous management experience supervising professional staff.

In addition to a competitive base salary, the Conference offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance at no charge for self or dependents, non-matching contribution to 403(b) retirement plan and personal contribution option. Life and long-term disability insurance at no cost to employee. Vacation, sick pay and holiday pay. Pay range for the position: $134,400 – $163,200.

Please send any questions about the position or process via email to: hr@calpacumc.org. Include on the subject line “Question” and your name.

California-Pacific Annual Conference jobs

Chief Financial and Benefits Officer