Bookkeeper

Bookkeeper — Congregation Gates of Prayer

Congregation Gates of Prayer is a nearly 175-year-old robust, vibrant, and welcoming Reform Jewish synagogue and preschool located in Metairie, LA. We are seeking a talented and experienced bookkeeper to join our professional staff. 

Who We Are

Congregation Gates of Prayer, the oldest ongoing congregation in the Greater New Orleans area, has been on the cutting edge of Reform Jewish life and programming and has emphasized inspirational and creative worship services over the past three decades. Our mission is to help members of all ages find Kedusha, or holiness within their lives, through worship, lifecycle events, educational and social programs, and social action. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a full-time bookkeeper who is experienced with nonprofit bookkeeping and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.) Ongoing duties include accounts payable and accounts receivable (including creating invoices), tracking revenue and expenses, creating monthly financial statements and other financial reports, monitoring a variety of funds, processing payroll and all monthly reconciliations. The bookkeeper also administers benefits such as health insurance and works closely with insurance providers and contract accounting firms on annual audits. This is a full-time position that reports to the executive director and typically operates Monday through Friday from 8:30-5 (8:30-4 on Fridays). Our team works primarily in the office. All staff members must be flexible and willing to adapt to short- and long- term shifts in their job responsibilities. 

Essential Job Functions

• Issues checks for bills and employee reimbursements in an accurate and timely manner; ensures that all expenditures are appropriately categorized.

• Payroll processing in conjunction with third-party payroll service. Coordinates with a contract payroll provider on monthly retirement account contributions. Makes payments to employee retirement plans. 

• Collects membership dues, donations and other payments and makes regular deposits to temple accounts; ensures that all deposits are appropriately categorized and processes/files monthly sales tax returns for gift shop.

• Ensures accounting accuracy on a variety of focused/restricted accounts.

• Reconciles bank accounts and provides reports to executive director, board president and board treasurer monthly; keeps clear records of all temple and school account activity and alerts executive director of any discrepancies or essential actions in a timely manner.

• Reconciles credit card statements. 

• Responsible for all financial record keeping. Proactively maintains a highly organized filing system; files invoices, payroll paperwork, reimbursements and other financial records.

• Administers employee benefits and helps with financial inquiries from teachers and staff.

• Handles financial inquiries and collections from congregational members and preschool parents.

• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

• Assists in the development and implementation of systems and procedures as needed.

• Helps answer phones and assists with other front office duties.

• Assists with special projects or does research as assigned and performs other duties as assigned by the executive director, rabbi, and board president.

• Functions as team lead while working with contracted CPA firm during quarterly financial review

Job Qualifications and Skill Set

• 3+ years experience, preferably full-charge, non-profit bookkeeping experience

• Associates degree or higher in accounting, business, or equivalent business experience with a non-profit organization

• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online, Excel, Word, and prefer experience working in ShulCloud 

• Fluency in GAAP, accounting systems, financial statements, Journal Entry/GL Accounting, and Bank Reconciliation

• Experience administering benefits

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex data clearly and concisely

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, and proven ability to work successfully with many different constituencies

• Demonstrated ability to successfully multitask amongst competing priorities and deadlines

• Cooperative and engaged team player with high standards of excellence, dedication, and flexibility

• Work experience in a synagogue or Jewish organization and knowledge of Jewish rituals, practices, and customs are highly desirable

Compensation and Benefits 

• $40,000/annually, depending on experience and responsibilities

• Health insurance, vacation, holiday and sick time, professional development opportunities, preschool and religious school discounts

To Apply

Please send a cover letter stating why you’re the best candidate for this position and your resume to jobs@gatesofprayer.org.