About us

Founded in 1918, St Columbans Mission Society is an international Catholic missionary society. Columban priests work alongside lay missionaries and Columban Sisters in 15 countries, standing in solidarity with people living in poverty and caring for our common home.

The Columban Mission Centre in Essendon is the Society’s Australian home. Our small team provides the administration and communications that keep this mission going, including the Christmas and Mid-Year Appeals, the much-loved Columban Art Calendar and The Far East Magazine, which has been shared with supporters for more than a century. None of it would be possible without our loyal benefactors, many of whom have been part of the Columban family for decades.

About the role

With the upcoming retirement of a valued member of our team, this is an exciting opportunity to step into a role that sits at the heart of our work. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll join us three days a week as our Accounts Receivable and Benefactor Relationships Officer.

This role brings together finance administration and people care. One moment you’ll be processing donations and reconciling income, and the next you’ll be on the phone thanking a supporter who has given to us for 30 years.

What you’ll be doing

• Processing donations and other income received by mail, phone, EFT and online giving

• Allocating donations to the correct appeal, campaign or project

• Processing regular giving and following up unsuccessful transactions

• Preparing receipts, invoices and acknowledgement letters

• Assisting with daily income,



bank and month end reconciliations

• Investigating discrepancies, unidentified deposits and returned payments

• Following up outstanding accounts

• Being a friendly and patient point of contact for benefactors by phone, email, mail and in person

• Making thank you and follow up calls to supporters

• Responding to enquiries about donations, receipts, appeals, calendars and subscriptions

• Providing patient and sensitive support to elderly benefactors

• Processing wholesalers' orders, issuing invoices and statements, and following up accounts

• Assisting with Columban Art Calendar orders, payments and enquiries

• Opening, sorting and distributing incoming mail, and handling cheques securely

• Preparing and dispatching outgoing mail, including receipts, letters and calendar orders

• Keeping benefactor records accurate and up to date in Salesforce

• Supporting our major appeals, including the Christmas and Mid-Year Appeals

• Working with the Fundraising and Communications team on benefactor engagement

• Receiving and appropriately referring bequest enquiries, and communicating sensitively with benefactors, executors and families

About you

You’ll have experience in accounts receivable, bookkeeping,



finance administration or a similar role, and you’ll enjoy a job where accuracy and kindness matter equally. You’ll also bring:

• Strong attention to detail and good numerical skills

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel

• A warm, patient phone manner and strong written communication

• The ability to manage your time well across a part time week

• Discretion and respect when handling sensitive financial and personal information

• A friendly, positive and outgoing nature, with a can-do attitude

• A willingness to support the mission and values of St Columban's Mission Society

It would be great if you also have experience with Salesforce or another donor database, or have worked in a charity, not for profit or church setting. If you don’t, but you have the right skills and attitude, we’d still love to hear from you.

What we offer

• Part time, 3 days per week, ideally Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• A handover and induction to help you settle in with confidence

• Work that makes a real difference, in a supportive and respectful team

• Onsite parking

How to apply

Please apply with your resume and a short cover letter telling us why this role appeals to you. Applications are being reviewed as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.

This recruitment is being managed by Rise Above Consulting on behalf of the Columban Mission Centre.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a National Police Check.

📌 Accounts Receivable and Donor Care Officer (Part Time, 3 Days) (Essendon)
🏢 Rise Above Consulting
📍 Essendon