The Treasurer’s Role
The role of a treasurer is a very important one. Not only will you be responsible for overseeing the church finances, but the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is also a registered charity and needs to conform to Charity Commission guidance. The treasurer
does not need to be an accountant however it is important that they are reasonably financially competent and have the ability to maintain a basic accounts book as well as having both honesty and enthusiasm to want to do the job. The following skills and
characteristics would also be helpful:
Skills and Characteristics
• Be able to explain financial issues clearly, both within the PCC and to the general church membership.
• Be able to maintain confidentiality, particularly with respect to matters that relate to individual church members e.g. their personal giving.
• Meet the same wider requirements of the Charity Commissioners as for any trustee i.e. not disqualified by bankruptcy or by convictions for financial wrongdoing.
• DBS check and self-declaration form will be required
• Have an understanding and sympathy with the Parish, its needs, challenges and vision.
• Willingness to attend PCC meetings in person or remotely as needed, not only to deal with financial matters, but also to be aware of the PCC’s plans.
• Have a basic understanding of how the Parish fits into its wider Deanery, Diocesan and national Church contexts
Key Tasks
• Carry out the financial decisions made by the PCC. The responsibility for both raising and spending money to meet the PCC’s obligations lies with the PCC.
• Work with the Finance Committee of the PCC to draft an annual budget to assist the PCC in planning how it will fulfil its objectives for the coming year.
• Record all financial transactions carried out on behalf of the PCC and ensure they are properly authorised. This includes ensuring received income is recorded and banked in accordance with procedures and payment of all items of expenditure in
accordance with procedures.
• Reconcile monthly bank statements.
• Work with the Parish Planned Giving Co-ordinator to ensure the proper recording of all planned and casual giving, and the timely claiming of Gift Aid.
• Monitor the PCC’s finances throughout the year and alert the Finance Committee if any difficulties are likely.
• Monitor the PCC’s investments and advise the Finance Committee when actions need to be taken.
• Work with the PCC to meet all its financial obligations, especially Common Fund contributions, clergy expenses, utility bills and insuring of the church buildings against fire, theft and public liability.
• Liaise with the Diocesan Payroll Bureau to ensure all church employees are properly remunerated and appropriate records kept.
• Be computer literate, familiar with accounting software and the Microsoft ORice suite of programs.
• Maintain, and set-up if needed, a book-keeping system.
• Prepare and present quarterly financial reports to the PCC. These should include Income and Expenditure, Cash Flows and Balance Sheet/Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These should be shown against the budget and for the same period the
previous year
• With the Parish’s Independent Examiner prepare the annual financial statements for approval by the PCC and submission to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, ensuring that they comply with current Charity Commission requirements. Send a
copy to the Diocese and complete the national financial information return.
• Ensure there are adequate records documenting the assets of the church for accounting purposes.
• Ensure adequate records detailing the diRerent funds held by the PCC and what they can be used for.
• Maintain lines of communication with the PCC, its Finance Committee and the wider Parish.
• Be accountable to the PCC
For more information or to have an informal conversation, please contact Rev'd Dominic Wright vicarofolton@gmail.com