A church for everyone and everyone's church

Bookkeeper Vacancy

Job Details

Location: St Bart’s Lower Cam –  Most of the work can be done from home at times that suit you, with attendance at PCC meetings required [four per year].

Reports to: The Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Type: Self-Employed

Hourly Rate: £25 an hour  (maximum £2,500 per year)

Flexible hours: Approx 8 hours a month (some months will vary), worked at times that broadly suit you

Role Overview

Each parish church is its own legal body and is a charity by exception. The PCC are the trustees of this local charity. The Bookkeeper is an important member of the church’s team, entrusted with tracking and monitoring the accounts of the parish in line with Church of England and Charity Commission guidelines.

Working closely with the PCC, the bookkeeper ensures proper record-keeping, oversees budgeting and reporting, and supports the financial health and sustainability of the parish. The bookkeeper does not need to be an accountant, but must have reasonable financial competence.

Honesty and integrity are core aspects of the role as is sympathy with the mission and ministry of the Church of England in general and the work of the church here in the local community.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Financial Planning and Budgeting
    • Support the PCC in preparing an annual budget.
    • Monitor financial performance and report regularly to the PCC. 
    • Carry out the financial decisions made by the PCC. The responsibility for both raising and spending money to meet the PCC’s responsibilities lies with the PCC. The bookkeeper implements their decisions.
  1. Financial Record Keeping and Cash Management
    • Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions.
    • Oversee bank accounts, manage payments and receipts.
    • Ensure safe handling of all money, particularly cash and donations.
    • Cash banking is currently handled by a member of the congregation.
  1. Fund Management
    • Understand and manage restricted, designated, and unrestricted funds.
    • Ensure transactions are correctly attributed to the appropriate funds.
  1. Financial Reporting
    • Prepare and present annual financial statements for the PCC and APCM [the church’s version of an AGM].
    • Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission accounting standards.
    • Submit financial returns to the Diocese and the national church as required.
  1. Compliance and Oversight
    • Ensure the church adheres to financial policies and legal obligations.
    • Work with the PCC to maintain appropriate financial controls.
    • Support procurement tasks (e.g. insurance, utilities) as needed.
  1. Gift Aid and Income Schemes
    • Understand the basics of Gift Aid and the Small Donations Scheme.
    • Submit Gift Aid claims to HMRC.
  1. Engagement with PCC and Parish Life
    • Attend PCC meetings 
    • Communicate financial matters clearly to the PCC and wider congregation as needed.
    • Work collaboratively with clergy, churchwardens, and volunteers.

Skills and Qualities Desired

  • Financial literacy and accuracy in record-keeping (however, don’t need to be an accountant)
  • Good organisational and time management skills.
  • Clear communicator with both financial and non-financial audiences.
  • Integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
  • Willingness to support the mission and values of the Church of England.
  • Must be over 18 and not disqualified by bankruptcy or financial misconduct

Support and Resources

  • Handover support from the previous Treasurer (where available).
  • Access to diocesan training and advice.

How to get in touch

We’re happy to hear from you, however suits—whether that’s a CV, a phone call, or a meeting over a coffee. Our email is: [email protected]