At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage parish finances, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and financial reporting.
- Company: Join the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a community-focused charity.
- Benefits: Earn £18 per hour, enjoy 23 days leave, and access various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in bookkeeping or finance.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
St John Fisher Church, Shepperton, is seeking a highly organised and dedicated Parish Bookkeeper to manage the parish's day-to-day financial administration. This is a part-time role ideally suited to someone who is methodical, discreet, and confident working independently, while also contributing to the smooth running of parish life. As Parish Bookkeeper, you will play a vital part in supporting the financial health and governance of the parish.
You will be responsible for accurate bookkeeping, financial reporting, and maintaining compliant financial records in line with Diocesan procedures. Working collaboratively with the Parish Priest, Parish Administrator, and volunteers, you will ensure the parish maintains strong financial controls and transparency.
Responsibilities- Accurately record all parish income and expenditure using the OPAS finance system
- Complete monthly bank reconciliations and maintain up-to-date financial records
- Prepare quarterly financial reports for Parish Finance Committee meetings
- Manage clergy credit card transactions and attach supporting documentation
- Handle supplier invoices, payments and financial queries
- Maintain designated donation funds and monitor restricted income and expenditure
- Prepare and submit the Annual Financial Return to the Diocese
- Support budgeting processes and ongoing financial monitoring
- Maintain parish petty cash and online donation records
- Administer Planned Giving, Gift Aid, GASDS claims and parishioner donation systems
- Ensure financial filing systems and online banking processes follow diocesan controls
- Undertake required training, including safeguarding and AFR training
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines
- Methodical approach with excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and use initiative
- Friendly, professional communication skills
- Ability to handle confidential information responsibly
- Flexibility and willingness to support parish activities
- Confidence coordinating volunteers when required
- Sense of urgency, previous experience in a similar bookkeeping or finance role
- Experience using financial accounting software (OPAS desirable)
- AAT qualification or equivalent
- Strong IT skills, including Outlook, Word and Excel (mail merge, labels, linking spreadsheets, V-lookup)
- Understanding of Catholic social and moral teaching
- Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential
£18 per hour | Permanent | Part-time 7 HPW | Shepperton, TW17 0DH | Closing date 16th April Midday | Interview date to be confirmed.
In return for your hard work and commitment to us, you will receive a competitive reward package which will include, but is not limited to: 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, life assurance/Death in Service benefit.
We are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a faith-driven charity rooted in service, tradition and community. At the core of our mission is a commitment to faith, education and social justice. Guided by the Archbishop, we serve over 90,000 students across 208 schools, support 212 vibrant parishes and drive countless social initiatives that bring hope and compassion to those in need. Our work extends beyond the Church walls, positively shaping communities and transforming lives. If you are looking for a role where your talents, faith and commitment to service can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Diversity & Inclusion at the Diocese of Westminster place it at the heart of our aim, which is to reflect and connect with the diverse communities that we serve.
Parish Bookkeeper in Charlton employer: Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster
Contact Detail:
Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Bookkeeper in Charlton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parish and its community! Attend services or events to connect with the people involved. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your bookkeeping skills, especially with the OPAS finance system if you can. Familiarity with the tools they'll use will give you a leg up during interviews and show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how your previous experience aligns with the responsibilities listed. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed finances or worked independently in past roles.
✨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 that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Bookkeeper in Charlton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Parish Bookkeeper role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires strong organisational skills, give us examples of how you've successfully managed finances or projects in the past. We love a methodical approach, so let that shine through in your application!
Be Professional Yet Friendly: Your communication style matters! We’re looking for someone who can handle confidential information with discretion while also being approachable. Make sure your application reflects a friendly yet professional tone.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Parish Bookkeeper, you'll be handling finances daily. Brush up on your bookkeeping skills and be ready to discuss your experience with financial software like OPAS. Prepare to explain how you've managed budgets or reconciled accounts in the past.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully prioritised tasks or maintained accurate records under tight deadlines. Be prepared to share how you keep your work methodical and detail-oriented.
✨Communicate Confidently
You'll need to work closely with the Parish Priest and volunteers, so practice your communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you handle confidential information and maintain professionalism in all interactions. A friendly approach goes a long way!
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of the Diocese of Westminster. Reflect on how your personal beliefs align with their commitment to service and community. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.