CHARLESTON—Attention bean counters, the Diocese of Charleston wants you.
John Barker, CFO for the diocese of Charleston, is seeking up to five people to serve as members of the diocesan accounting and finance committee, which is the subcommittee of the diocesan finance council. Applicants must have a background in accounting — certified public accountants are preferred.
The duty of the subcommittee is to provide financial oversight on the budget of the Diocese of Charleston. Members will review financial statements and help balance operational budgets, among other things. They will also serve as the audit committee for the diocese, which means they will recommend an outside auditor for the annual audit and work with the auditor on any areas of concern, Barker said.
The chairman of the subcommittee will also serve on the diocesan finance council and act as a liaison between the two groups. Barker said all selections must be approved by Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone.
Applicants may be from anywhere in the state. Barker said the committee meets four times a year in Charleston, but participants may attend most meetings digitally. Although face-to-face discussion is better when possible, the only one where physical attendance is required is the annual budget meeting. He said the technological capabilities available in the new pastoral center opens the door to meetings via Skype or other interactive methods.
In addition to seeking volunteers for the finance sub-committee, the diocese is also asking the faithful to find other areas where they can be of service.
“As a growing diocese, the need to expand our outreach to those served requires the expertise of more lay volunteers,” Bishop Guglielmone wrote in a letter calling people to give of their time and talents as a way to help further God’s kingdom.
Barker said volunteering is a great way to be a good steward “because it assists the bishop in his duties as the good ‘householder’”, a reference to Canon law that states that all administrators must fulfill their roles with the diligence of a good householder.
The subcommittee is a current standing committee that is looking for new members to assist in the oversight and review of the operations of the chancery, as well as allocation of financial resources to programs and ministries that serve the faithful in South Carolina.
Volunteers must be Catholics in good standing and receive an endorsement from their pastor.
