The Treasurer’s role
The role is a very important one and appointing a treasurer is a significant step for both the PCC and the individual, and it should be properly thought through. The treasurer does not need to be an accountant – it’s important that a potential treasurer has both the honesty and enthusiasm to want to do the job.
Not only will thousands of pounds flow through the Church’s funds, but the PCC is also an independent charity, and will need to conform to Charity Commission guidance.
In addition to meeting the wider requirements of the Charity Commissioners for all trustees: i.e. not disqualified by bankruptcy or by convictions for financial wrong doing, the bank is likely to require someone who is 18 or over. Since the role carries significant responsibility the PCC may also feel that it is appropriate to have someone aged over 18.
Some of the Treasurer’s key tasks
The scope will depend on the size and complexity of the parish, but key tasks will include; carrying out the financial decisions made by the PCC, drafting an annual budget to assist the PCC to plan, recording and monitoring all financial transactions carried out on behalf of the PCC and alerting them if any difficulties are likely, dealing with Parish Share and insuring the church buildings against fire, theft and public liability, preparing the annual financial statements for approval by the PCC and submission to APCMs and the Diocese.
Help and Information
Some websites providing helpful advice for PCC treasurers
Parish Resources – provided by the Church of England’s National Stewardship and Resources team and offering over 400 pages of resources to support all aspects of stewardship, finance, administration and management in the local church. In particular, see:
Guidance on registering with the Charity Commission
Pensions auto-enrolment guidance for parishes
The following links may also be helpful:
- The National Church and the dioceses set up the Parish Buying Service to help parishes ‘buy smarter’. The Parish Buying team use the bulk buying power of the Church to negotiate competitive prices and contracts with approved suppliers, across a range of different products. Please visit the Parish Buying website to register and gain access to national deals and buying guides on a range of major spends.
- The Association of Church Accountants & Treasurers (ACAT) is the national support charity for Treasurers of Christian Churches, providing advice, training and information on accounting, financial, legal and other related issues.
- Information from the Church of England about clergy pay and expenses
- Parochial Expenses Guide
- Mileage Rates
- To recover VAT on repairs, maintenance and alterations to listed places of worship, follow the guidelines of the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme.
- Detailed advice on annual accounts may be found in the book “PCC accountability, the Charities Act and the PCC”. Hard copies of the book may also be purchased from Church House Publishing.
- Ecclesiastical offer useful advice for PCCs on security and health and safety.
- Church Care is the comprehensive source of information for everyone managing a church building.
