Position Announcement:
Business Manager – Zen Center of Los Angeles

The Zen Center of Los Angeles (ZCLA) seeks a Business Manager with integrity and a strong work ethic to handle the business functions of ZCLA. This position requires management and accounting skills, and involves property management, government and tax reporting and staff oversight.

Click here to download the application in pdf format.

The Business Manager role is primarily self-directed, with oversight and overall direction coming from the Abbot and Board Treasurer. This position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

  • A/R – Maintains checking account to include preparing deposits, banking, posting to QuickBooks. Invoice and process monthly membership statements. Process credit card and online (Pay pal) transactions.
  • A/P – Reviews statement and reimbursement forms, applies appropriate accounting codes and classes. Enter bills into QB. Prepare and issue checks. File documentation.
  • Process appropriate forms with payroll service. Report payroll to Paychex. Review monthly payroll records. Post to QB. Manage 401(k) Profit Sharing with Paychex representative. File 5500 through Paychex annually and all documents required as 401(k) trustee.
  • Petty Cash Custodian – Review cash receipts, log disbursements, issue cash distributions. Enter all transactions into QB.
  • Bookstore – Deposit and post all bookstore deposits. Review invoices and expenses. Issue and post expense payments. Prepare and file Quarterly Sales Tax Liability with State Board of Equalization. 
  • Manage remote Bookkeeping Service. Financial verification, truing and equity accounts are performed by our Bookkeeper several times a year. Provide all documents needed and consult to insure all accounts are balanced.
  • Monastery Housing Management – Prepare housing agreements. Meet with new residents and review rules and financial requirements. Work with Facilities Manager on apartment preparations and repair issues. Ensure apartment is move-in ready. Manage confidential financial hardship situations to amicable conclusions.
  • Office Equipment Management – Maintain equipment (copier, printers, phones and credit card terminals). File permits and licensing for merchant services including PCI compliance requirements. Review and manage lease agreements. Maintain active phone messaging system. Work with IT manager on equipment and software purchases, contracts, etc.
  • Budget – Create and apply fiscal controls. Assist Finance Committee of the Board in annual budget development. Monitor budget throughout the year. Provide information and reports on budget variances to Abbot and Board Treasurer. 
  • Financial Reports – Provide regular financial reports to Board Treasurer and other reports to Abbot.
  • Manage office/business contracts and insurance policies (including Commercial Policy package, Worker’s Compensation, Directors and Officers with Employment Practices, Health Care Insurance and Disability policy).
  • Work with various government agencies – City Housing, annual review, County Assessor’s Office, annual review, Welfare Exemptions renewal, Secretary of State renewal, Fictitious Business Names renewal and Health Department inspections.
  • Fundraising – Assist Development Steward with Filing and Closing Mailing permit authorization. Run financial reports for Development Steward for ongoing fundraising campaigns and other information as needed. Receive donations via mail, online (Pay pal) and credit card. Post to QB.
  • Data Base – Enter member and non-membership information in Filemaker.
  • Staff Oversight – Update work agreements as needed at least once per year. Process payroll, 401 K, health insurance, disability insurance information and/or claims. Review and negotiate salary changes with staff, Abbot and Finance Committee of the Board. Initiate disciplinary actions when needed.

Qualifications

  • College degree preferred. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of finance, budgeting and accounting principles and procedures.
  • Knowledge and experience in business supervision and management.
  • Outstanding interpersonal relationship and employee coaching and development skills.
  • General knowledge of various employment laws and practices and employee relations.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality.
  • Good written and spoken communication skills.
  • Skilled in Quick Books and Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.

Details 

  • Office Location: 923 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006
  • Hours: 24 hours per week, preferably Wednesday through Friday
  • Pay: $25-30 hour, depending on qualifications and experience 
  • Benefits: Include health insurance (Kaiser), 2 weeks paid vacation per year
  • Start date: Negotiable 

Please send your resume, employment application and/or any questions to Business@ZCLA.org.

Click here to download the application in pdf format.

About ZCLA

Since its founding in 1967 by Taizan Maezumi Roshi, ZCLA Buddha Essence Temple has provided the teachings and practice of Zen Buddhism to all who come and go through its temple gate. Our mission is to know the Self, maintain the precepts, and serve others. We serve by providing the teaching, training, and transmission of Zen Buddhism.

We observe a weekly schedule of zazen and services. The Center’s training programs include introductory classes, sesshin, workshops and training periods, as well as face-to-face meetings with ZCLA teachers. We practice zazen and koan training in the Maezumi-Glassman lineage.

We affirm our intention to honor diversity and actively welcome all people, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. 

Our vision is an enlightened world in which suffering is transcended, all beings live in harmony, everyone has enough, deep wisdom is realized, and compassion flows unhindered.