Right Onward! We hear it and read it all the time. A clearer, more concise statement of our vision as a Diocese would be hard to find. Harder yet would be finding anyone who embraces and embodies that vision more than Bishop Councell. It’s a vision that informs the discussions and guides the recommendations and decisions of every governing and advisory body in the Diocese.

Perhaps the latest step in our journey right onward, encompassing the recent changes in our Finance office, was best described by our own Reverend Canon Lee Powers when he used the phrase “Open for Business”. Our core group in the Finance office, pictured above, liked that one so much we’ve decided to keep it, and to present under its banner a series of articles to better acquaint you with what that means, how it works, and why it means so much to us.

Reading the job description for the Diocesan CFO’s position – and thereby for the Finance office as a whole – is not for the faint of heart. It’s three pages long, and the list of people to whom we report and are responsible reads like a roll call of the entire Diocese. But here in Finance we are, after all, “bottom line” people. And when we get down to that bottom line, our mission and ministry are to support the efforts of everyone on that list as we move forward to execute our vision together, from the Bishop right on through to the smallest congregation or committee.

Simple, but certainly not easy. It’s a responsibility that requires working smart, not just hard. We need to keep our focus every day on improving, refining and streamlining the processes and procedures we use to gather, analyze and accurately report data. We need to do that in a timely manner, and communicate that information effectively, transparently and understandably. Most importantly, when financial questions or issues arise at any level, we need to bring all our collective expertise to bear in responding expediently, creatively, compassionately and prayerfully.

Here’s a brief introduction to the three “point people” in that effort:

Our Diocesan Treasurer is Reg Whitman, pictured on the right. As the financial officer elected by our Diocesan Convention, authority for the financial life of our Diocese rests with him. He is ultimately responsible for the monthly financial reports by which Diocesan Council governs and makes financial decisions, as well as for the reports presented annually at Convention. Reg gives of his own time and considerable expertise, without compensation, to carry out this critical responsibility. Both our Bishop and our CFO, as well as our Diocesan Council, rely heavily on his wise guidance, experience and dedication.

Speaking of our new CFO, Phyllis Jones, is pictured on the left. As a senior Diocesan staff member appointed by the Bishop, she is directly responsible both to him and to Reg for the effective daily management of the Finance office. As manager, she is responsible for the internal controls employed throughout all accounting functions and to analyze resulting reports to ensure accuracy. As staff liaison to the various governing and advisory bodies of the Diocese and to our parishes and missions, reporting, problem-solving and communication are her daily responsibilities. The same holds true for her duties as coordinator with the bankers, auditors, lawyers and investment advisors whose work is vital to the effective management of our resources.

In the middle, and fittingly so, is our Accounting Manager, Emanuel (Manny) Strauss. His thorough, capable and competent handling and recording of the myriad daily transactions that cross his desk form the foundation for everything that follows. Without confidence in his work, combined with good communication up and down the line, it would be impossible for either Reg or Phyllis to focus on any of the other responsibilities outlined above. His support of Phyllis’ work in evaluating procedures and recommending and implementing internal controls is invaluable. Beyond that, he offers his natural gift for analysis and forensic accounting to dig out, compile and analyze data that not only helps solve problems but also tells stories that need to be heard.

But these are just the captains, so to speak, of a much wider and more diverse financial team, without whom we would never be able to accomplish the goals set out above. That entire team is comprised of our Boards of Trustees, Diocesan Council, and various financial and special purpose committees and task forces, as well as our professional advisors and consultants. In the coming months, we’ll introduce you to them also. Stay tuned!