At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage parish finances, maintain records, and support budgeting processes.
- Company: St Monica’s Church, a community-focused environment in Palmers Green.
- Benefits: £16 per hour, 23 days annual leave, discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a supportive community and make a difference in financial management.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping, strong attention to detail, and IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Parish Bookkeeper to support the effective financial management of St Monica’s Church in Palmers Green. Working closely with the Parish Priest, Parish Administrator, and volunteers, you will play a key role in ensuring that parish finances are managed accurately, transparently, and in line with diocesan procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong bookkeeping experience who values working within a community-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate records of all parish income and expenditure using the OPAS accounting system
- Complete monthly bank reconciliations
- Prepare quarterly financial reports and the Annual Financial Return
- Manage petty cash and credit card transactions
- Ensure all financial records comply with audit and diocesan requirements
Parish Giving & Donations
- Administer Planned Giving and Gift Aid processes in line with HMRC guidance
- Maintain accurate donor records and process Gift Aid declarations
- Reconcile contactless, online, and envelope donations
- Respond to parishioner queries regarding donations
Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Support the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget
- Track income and expenditure against budget forecasts
- Provide financial insight to support decision-making
Administration & Compliance
- Maintain organised financial records and documentation
- Liaise with suppliers and resolve invoice queries
- Support financial controls including oversight of counting procedures
- Undertake required training (e.g. safeguarding and financial reporting)
What We’re Looking For
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Able to work independently and use their own initiative
- Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information
- Flexible, approachable, and professional in manner
- Experienced in financial accounting systems and Microsoft Office
- Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience
- Strong Excel and general IT skills
- Understanding of, and sympathy with, the mission and values of the Catholic Church
Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential.
What We Offer
- 23 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Vouchers for free eye tests and £50 towards the cost of glasses
- Reward Gateway scheme offering discounts on a wide range of products and services
- Pension scheme for eligible employees – 5% paid by the employer
- Salary exchange (salary sacrifice) for pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
Parish Bookkeeper employer: Diocese of Westminster
St Monica’s Church in Palmers Green is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and community-focused work environment for the Parish Bookkeeper role. With competitive pay, generous annual leave, and a range of employee benefits including a pension scheme and wellness programmes, we prioritise the well-being and professional growth of our staff. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working closely with dedicated individuals who share a commitment to our values of competence, reliability, and love.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Bookkeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the community or church circles. Let them know you're on the lookout for a bookkeeping role, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of diocesan procedures and financial management. We want you to shine! Practise answering common questions about bookkeeping and be ready to share examples of how you've handled finances in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the community! When you apply, highlight your understanding of the mission and values of the Catholic Church. This will set you apart from other candidates and show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, get your application in and let’s get the ball rolling!
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Bookkeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your bookkeeping experience and how it aligns with our values at St Monica’s Church. We want to see how you can contribute to our community-focused environment!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in financial accounting systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel. We’re looking for someone who is highly organised and detail-oriented, so let us know how you fit the bill!
Be Honest and Reliable:Since we value honesty and reliability, share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these traits. We want to know you can handle confidential information discreetly and professionally.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Westminster
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your bookkeeping skills and be ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Familiarise yourself with the OPAS accounting system if you can, as it shows initiative and preparedness.
✨Emphasise Community Values
Since this role is within a church setting, highlight your understanding of and alignment with the diocesan values. Share examples of how you've demonstrated competence, reliability, and love in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing finances, such as how you would handle discrepancies in records or how you ensure compliance with audit requirements. Think through scenarios and have clear, concise answers ready.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Being detail-oriented is crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your interpersonal skills. Talk about your ability to work independently and your approachability when dealing with parishioners and volunteers.
