Financial Assistant

Objective of the Position:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

The Fiscal Manager Assistant assists in managing and implementing fiscal, accounting procedures and policies.  This position works under strict timelines and completion dates.  Must possess the ability to be flexible and work other assigned projects and duties as necessary and instructed.  Must have working knowledge of bookkeeping, fiscal management, accounting procedures, payroll processing, grant development and grant management. Skills needed for this position are attention to detail, multi-tasking, and organizational. Should be proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, and Internet Utilization and have at least three years of progressive accounting responsibility.  Experience in nonprofit accounting and/or thrift store operations is strongly desired.

 

Essential Skills and Abilities:

Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following:

Accounting Skills

  • Knowledge of principles, practices, terminology, and common forms used in GAAP, computerized accounting, and general ledger. General understanding of internal controls and auditing practices and procedures.

 

Annually

  • Develops, modifies and maintains the Annual Report and Fiscal Policy and procedures manual
  • Prepares and maintains audit reports from a variety of supporting records and works closely with auditing firm on annual audit and Form 990.
  • Prepares draft of annual budget with input and final approval by the Executive Director and the Board.
  • Prepares 1099 MISC forms for vendor payments

 

Monthly

  • Analyzes and reconciles financial records/accounts for discrepancies and corrects irregularities.
  • Prepares monthly adjusting entries to reconcile prepaid accounts, loan accounts, record assistance activity, etc.
  • Compiles, with accuracy, reports and financial statements for Board review, granting agencies, and internal departments in Excel and QuickBooks.
  • Prepares for and attends all board meetings.

 

Weekly/Daily

  • Maintains and monitors Point of Sale system and records store sales daily.
  • Communicates with vendors (as required) regarding accounts payable.
  • Maintains and reconciles bank accounts for multiple programs (Thrift Store, Assistance, loans, savings and various grants).
    • Prepares (daily) and records deposits across program bank accounts
    • Prepares and records vendor payments across program bank accounts, utilizing online bill pay and checks.
  • Perform routine calculations to produce analyses and reports as requested.
  • Help oversee and manage individual accounts.
  • Create, send, and follow up on invoices.
  • Is a backup for payroll processing, ensures payroll garnishments and child support payments are made in a timely manner.
  • Assists in monitoring, tracking, and maintaining databases to include monetary donations, in-kind donations, financial assistance, in-store assistance, thank you letters and tracking for donors and volunteer hours.
  • Classify, records, and summarizes financial data to compile and keep financial records.
  • Compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.

 

Grants

  • Assist and participate in grant development opportunities with the Fiscal Manager and Executive Director; identifies needs and researches potential opportunities for grant submission. Help assist in the development of grant proposals.
  • Maintains a master grant list; develops reports on status and manages the internal and external reporting requirements as established by the grantors.

 

 Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Promotes the mission of Good Samaritan Ministries and Thrift Store Functions effectively as a team player while interacting and communicating professionally and effectively, maintaining open communication with supervisors, and other team members, customers, clients, vendors, and community partners.
  • Attends all meetings and trainings as required and pertaining to position.
  • Learn new tasks.
  • Attends work on a regular basis with minimal absences or tardiness
  • May be required to work over 40 hours a week, or re-arrange hours as necessary, must be approved by the supervisor
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Adheres to all building safety requirements according to the fire code for all areas in the store.
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Special Events:

  • An integral part of the special events team to include Fashion Show, St. Francis Dinner and other fundraising events.
  • In conjunction with the Executive Director, develops requests for donations, sponsorships and in-kind donations.
  • Responsible for fiscal responsibilities during fundraising events
  • Assists in maintaining and keeping fundraising databases current

 

Qualifications:

  • The desire to promote the mission of Good Samaritan Ministries and Thrift Store
  • Must be skilled and proficient with QuickBooks and maintaining databases
  • AA or preferred BA in Accounting, Business or another related field OR 5-10 years’ experience or a combination of education and work experience in accounting and/or bookkeeping, Accounts Payable/Receivable
  • Grant development and writing (to be discussed)
  • Attend Board meetings and present/review financial statements
  • Valid MT Driver’s License or valid MT Identification Card for hiring purposes

 

Physical Requirements:

  • May be required to lift, and carry objects weighing up to 20lbs. team lifting 20lbs and above
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time while working on the computer
  • May spend work hours interacting with vendors, staff, customers, or those in need of support through the ministries.

 

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

  • May work both inside and off-campus to attend community meetings.
  • Fast paced store environment with heavy traffic flow on and off throughout the day
  • May be required to interact throughout the day with customers or those in need

 

A smile as big as the Montana Moon

One afternoon an HPD officer called and asked Good Sam’s team to go check on a particular gentleman living under the walking bridge close to Exploration Works. When we found this gentleman, he was wet, and so cold he could not move. He really was freezing to death!  Wet, freezing and in pain from frostbite, our team loaded him up and took him straight to GSM Thrift Store for warm clothes as well as food to get through the first night. Instead of putting back outside, he was taken to a hotel to start his journey back to health and society…and this is when the work began. The teamwork for this very vulnerable individual in our community.

Good Samaritan was given an electric wheelchair for someone in need; we gave it to this man who had lost part of a finger from the spokes in his manual wheelchair.   Thank you to the donor, it found a home and made someone very happy. This man had frostbite so bad on his hands that he could not grasp things. He has such severe frostbite he had multiple treatments a week scraping off the frostbite from skin. And he does it with a smile on his face, happy to be alive, and grateful for the help.

This man, as we got to know him, is the kindest, sweetest most amazing guy you could ever meet. How in the world had things slipped so bad to put him in this situation with nowhere to turn, nowhere to go, and no known family or friends to help? We ALL jumped in for his different needs and blended together for his progress.  We all went to work for him! One of our team members continued getting food for him and transporting him to medical appointments for serious conditions. He was a victim of his social security money being continuously stolen, together he and staff worked on getting a new payee so he could actually see his own money. Every single one of our team members came together to work with him on different needs. He was so thankful and happy to work with the Good Sam team, a smile on his face, happy to be alive, and grateful for the help.

This is the reason we do what we do, we strive to make the lives of those who cross our paths better. They are worth it, and they certainly deserve it! And you, our donors help us make these changes in everyday lives.

The smile on his face will shatter your heart. It was so wide, full, and beautiful, just like a Montana moon! These acts of kindness still exist today. Changing lives for the better is something neighbors helping neighbors can do. 

Home is Where the Heart is

There was a lady… with two young sons… who needed help with getting into a home after being homeless for months. She had a good paying job but also had debt that she was working on getting cleared up. She had saved enough for rent but really could not come up with the deposit in time for this rental. She came into GSM requesting help. After interviewing her she applied for the Hunthausen program for deposit support.  The Hunthausen Fund is unique in serving the working population with a half loan – no interest, half grant funds up to $1000.00. She has one year to repay half of the total deposit back. This is to help people with a hand up not a total hand out. She made a few payments then came in to pay the remaining off. The look of relief at not being homeless any longer is tremendous. There is so much gratitude and happiness. I wish everyone who helps donate to this cause could witness this relief. The boys now have a home to grow up in and be in a safe environment, the mother is not so stressed about not being able to provide for her children how she wants, their lives have improved tenfold!! The gratitude when the last payment is made, the simple responsibility of paying it off makes these clients feel as if they themselves have invested in this entire process. It feels like it is theirs and they are proud of this achievement.

Thank you, donors, it is because of you we can provide The Hunthausen Fund and continue the work of Archbishop Hunthuasen, Fr. Jack and Sister Edna for all to have a home.

Health and Safety Update for the Ridership of Capital Transit/City of Helena Bus Service’s

The City of Helena/Capital Transit resumed service on Capital Transit’s Red and Blue fixed-route buses on Monday, June 1. This change in service coincides with the Governor’s order moving the State to Phase 2 of the State of Montana COVID-19 Recovery Plan. Please find details and requirements for Capital Transit services below.

Everyone deserves a good life

 

A young lady came to Our Place in need of help, this young lady has struggled with mental health and drug addiction since she was 11 years old. This young lady is making serious decisions with her life, she is six months pregnant and plans on giving the baby up for adoption, she has decided her sobriety is critical for survival. The next struggles are conquering homelessness, and to retain employment.

How do you manage in the world, you do not!

This is where you, our donor comes into changing lives.

The day we met she had been “clean for 60 days” but the struggle and torment to refuse drugs was excruciating as was her mental health.  We connected her with Marvin Coleman, our case manager. He gave her time for her future…help with a resume, job applications, transportation, referral to housing, a food stamp application, Medicaid which were all approved the same day.  He moved mountains for her that day.

 

He then helped her with a Permanent Supportive Housing Voucher application, she was approved and found a home within two weeks, and a job! Staff worked with her for the sustainability of her home and job that both are in walking distance.

Today

120 days off all street drugs, participating in Narcotics Anonymous, established medical care with an OBGYN, and mental health treatment. She stays in contact with her support system at Our Place on a weekly basis.

We are so proud of this young woman and her life today, but her success is because of you and the fact that you care!