Internal Auditor of Financial Process at Diocese of Phoenix Diocesan Pastoral Center – Phoenix, Arizona

Purpose and Scope

To support the Diocese of Phoenix in its mission to Encounter the Living Christ. The

Internal Auditor of Financial Process for the Diocese of Phoenix is responsible for

providing independent and objective evaluations of financial operations to ensure

compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and financial related best practices

for record-keeping across diocesan employing locations. This role ensures adherence

to diocesan policies, canon law, civil regulations, and best practices in stewardship of

resources. This position collaborates with diocesan leadership to promote transparency,

accountability, and the responsible use of temporal goods in support of the Church’s

mission.

Essential Job Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Conducts regular audits of financial records, internal controls, and operational processes at parishes, schools, and diocesan offices to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

· Reviews adherence to diocesan financial policies, including collection procedures, expenditure approvals, payroll, and cash management.

· Assesses compliance with applicable canon law (e.g., Code of Canon Law, Book V: The Temporal Goods of the Church), civil laws, and IRS regulations for nonprofit organizations.

· Identifies risks related to fraud, mismanagement, or operational inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

· Prepares detailed audit reports with findings, recommendations, and action plans for presentation to the Director of Financial Services, the Diocesan Chief Finance Officer, the Diocesan Finance Council, and/or the bishop and his delegates.

· Provides training and guidance to parish and school staff on financial policies, internal controls, and record-keeping best practices.

· Investigates reports of financial irregularities or whistleblower concerns in a confidential and professional manner.

· Assists in the development and updating of diocesan policies and procedures related to financial oversight and accountability.

· Collaborates with external auditors during annual reviews or special audits as needed.

Additional Job Functions

· Perform special projects or reviews as directed by supervisors.

· Occasional evening and weekend working hours are necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

· Advance knowledge and experience in organizational financial auditing and internal control processes.

· Proficient with general office procedures, accurate record keeping, filing, and attention to detail.

· Possess knowledge of Diocesan structure, activities, and Church affairs.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to compose effective business communications.

· Excellent organizational and project management skills.

· Ability to work independently, set schedules, prioritize tasks, and work with other members of the office in a team setting.

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Access, Excel, Outlook).

· Knowledge of website content management systems and communication software such as Flocknote

· Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with minimum supervision.

· Ability to demonstrate the high level of professionalism and confidentiality required when interacting with people of varying backgrounds.

· Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

· Collaborative team player with a service-minded approach to supporting the diocese, parishes, and schools.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field (CPA, CIA, or CFE certification preferred).

· Minimum of 3-5 years of auditing, accounting, or financial management experience, preferably in a nonprofit or religious organization.

· Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and internal control frameworks. Specifically, experience with uniform guidance on fund accounting and nonprofit GAAP.

· High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.

· Familiar with Catholic Church structure, canon law, and the ethical principles guiding stewardship in a faith-based setting.

· Excellent analytical skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and propose practical solutions.

· Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present findings to diverse audiences (clergy, staff, and volunteers).

· Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).

· Ability to travel within the diocese is needed to conduct on-site audits.

· Bilingual English/Spanish optional.

Work Environment

· This job operates in a professional office environment.

· This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

· Ability to sit for extended periods and perform desk-based computer tasks.

· Occasional lifting of files or materials up to twenty-five pounds.

· Willingness to travel to various diocesan locations as required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.