Conference Director of Financial and Administrative Ministries - Columbia

Position Description

As chief financial and administrative leader of the conference, the director is responsible for effective management of financial planning and reporting, relationships with legal counsel, clergy benefits and conference office staff. The director also oversees programs that assist local congregations in strengthening their financial activities to support ministry, as well as consulting with local churches on basic legal and administrative matters.

The director is a key member of the conference leadership team and the Mission Council and serves as advisor to the bishop on financial, legal and administrative matters. The director is expected to model Christ‑centeredness, diversity, excellence, fruitfulness and collaboration and is accountable to the Council on Finance and Administration.

Reports directly to: Bishop Robert Farr, resident bishop of the Missouri Episcopal Area

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including forecasting, sustainability planning, scenario modeling and alignment of financial resources with conference mission and priorities.
• Provide general oversight for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, funds management, financial reporting and analysis.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, risk management practices and financial compliance consistent with GAAP, denominational standards and nonprofit governance best practices.
• Manage investments and bank accounts for conference funds to ensure appropriate cash flow while optimizing returns on reserves.
• Work with CF&A, with input from other directors and the Mission Council, to develop the conference apportionment budget and plans for general expenditures and revenue.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for conference leadership to support informed decision‑making and strategic planning.
• Serve as conference statistician, gathering information from congregations and preparing interpretive reports and analysis for CF&A, the Mission Council and the bishop.
• Perform other responsibilities as required by The Book of Discipline (see ¶619, 2020/2024).

• Work with the Board of Trustees to manage the conference office building and other real property, including conference‑owned parsonages and abandoned churches, including maintenance, insurance and improvements.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and ensure offices are adequately equipped, particularly with electronic communication and data systems.

• Work with the Conference Board of Pensions to provide analysis, advice and management of conference pension and health insurance programs.
• Oversee conference programs related to equitable compensation and moving expense reimbursement.
• Serve as conference pensions officer.

• Manage conference administrative personnel, including recruiting, performance reviews and coordination with other directors to ensure appropriate staff support and clear reporting accountability.
• Maintain current job descriptions, organizational chart and personnel records.
• Ensure appropriate staff benefits programs are available and periodically reviewed, including health insurance, vacation and other paid time off.
• Coordinate and maintain the Employee Handbook.

• Assist congregations in developing and maintaining sound accounting practices, personnel policies, insurance programs and stewardship efforts.
• Serve as conference resource for information related to property and liability insurance.
• Develop and present programs and resources to help congregations strengthen financial, legal, administrative, stewardship and strategic planning efforts to support ministry.

• Serve as chief financial and administrative advisor to the bishop.
• Work collaboratively and strategically with the bishop, Cabinet and conference leadership to resource and advance the mission and vision of the Missouri Annual Conference.
• Partner with the bishop, directors, chancellors, Cabinet and Mission Council on financial and administrative…