This article outlines the responsibilities of a parish treasurer, how they are appointed, and what supportis available. It also offers guidance for transitioning treasurers and managing financial duties effectively.
The parish treasurer plays a key role in the life of a church. They help manage finances, report to the minister and Parish Council, and ensure that timely payments are made.
The specific duties may vary depending on the size and complexity of the parish. In some churches, the treasurer handles all financial transactions. In other words, a bookkeeper may manage day-to-day tasks while the treasurer focuses on financial strategy and reporting.
Here are some common responsibilities for the parish treasurer:
The treasurer is a member of Parish Council, who is appointed by and is responsible to the Parish Council. The Parochial Administration Ordinance (Section 32(2)) specifies that the treasurer is to maintain accurate financial records and to report as required to Synod Office, the Vestry, the Parish Council and the Australian Taxation Office. It’s (very) helpful for a treasurer to have a basic understanding of accounting or bookkeeping, and the applicable legal responsibilities.
When appointing a new treasurer, Parish Council should make sure that:
As the treasurer is intimately involved in the running of a church, it’s a good idea to always have someone else being trained in the role. This means that if the current treasurer goes
on holiday, or otherwise becomes unavailable, a backup person is available, and the church can continue its work with minimal disruption to payments and reporting.
There are several ways that Synod Office can support treasurers:
OurCommunity.com.au have provided a useful guide for being a Treasurer in the Australian Not-For-Profit sector. Note that in their documentation, a ‘Board’ is roughly equivalent to a Parish Council.
