Posted July 27, 2011

Preliminary findings of an investigation into financial accounting irregularities within the archdiocesan administration have resulted in the termination of its chief financial officer.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office informed the Archdiocese of an investigation regarding financial concerns July 13. The next day, CFO Anita Guzzardi was placed on administrative leave. {{more}}

At that time the Archdiocese launched an internal investigation conducted by former federal prosecutor Hank Hockheimer of the law firm Ballard Spahr, along with investigators from the accounting firm Parente Beard.

As one result of that ongoing investigation, Guzzardi was terminated from employment Friday, July 22.

She had been named CFO only on July 1, having served as acting CFO since Jan. 1 of this year.

Guzzardi, who holds a master’s degree in business administration, has served in several positions in the Archdiocese, mostly in finance, since 1989. She became the coordinator and financial manager for the Office of Renewal and Evangelization in July 1998, after which she transferred to the archdiocesan Office for Parish Financial Services in November 2001 as its director.

She transferred to the Office for Accounting Services in December 2002 and was named controller of the Archdiocese, the position she held until this year.

Archdiocesan officials hoped to receive more information as the District Attorney’s Office continues its investigation. They expect any financial loss to be covered under the archdiocesan insurance program.

– Matthew Gambino