Stewarding your church's finances may be the most important task, second only to leading and discipling the church.

So let's talk about what your church needs from the financial secretary. Every church is different, so your church's needs will be unique. However, this post covers what most churches need from a church treasurer.

Overview of Church Treasurer Duties and Responsibilities

The financial secretary is entrusted with the stewardship of your church's resources to advance the mission and vision of your church. This role goes beyond mere bookkeeping; it encompasses the responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Churches cannot afford to take this role for granted! It's important to have their responsibilities laid out clearly for everyone to see so that nothing gets overlooked.

So check out the overview of church treasurer responsibilities below, then keep reading for when these tasks need to be completed:

Accurate Record Keeping

Keeping accurate financial records is paramount to the church's financial management. It's the main purpose of the role of church treasurer!

The church treasurer is responsible for recording all income, expenses, and donations meticulously. These records not only facilitate budgeting and financial reporting but also ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Budget Management

A church's budget is a reflection of its priorities and mission.

The treasurer monitors the budget, ensuring that the church is raising enough money and isn't overspending in alignment with the church's goals. They also need to produce monthly, quarterly, and annual budget reports and coordinate the creation of the budget each year.

Since we've mentioned reporting twice...

Financial Reporting

Creating detailed, concise, easy-to-understand financial reports is the #1 way to maintain transparency and accountability.

Transparency is the cornerstone of effective financial management for a church. The treasurer is responsible for providing regular financial reports to the church leadership and congregation.

Banking and Transactions

The treasurer oversees all banking activities, including deposits, withdrawals, and reconciliations. Maintaining robust internal controls and adhering to best practices safeguard the church's financial assets against fraud and mismanagement.

This will require accuracy and attention to detail. Also, having another pair of eyes review the treasurer's work is recommended.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

Churches are subject to various legal and regulatory requirements, including tax laws and reporting obligations. The treasurer must stay abreast of these requirements and ensure compliance to maintain the church's nonprofit status. By adhering to ethical and legal standards, the treasurer upholds the integrity of the church and its mission.

BONUS: Finding New Revenue Opportunities

Yes, a church treasurer can help with fundraising!

One underrated way a church accountant can serve the church is by researching and brainstorming new revenue sources.

Weekly, Monthly Church Treasurer Tasks

Now that we've laid out the most important responsibilities for the treasurer, let's cover when these tasks need to be handled.

Weekly church treasurer tasks

• Count offering and record donations
• Deposit donations in the church bank account
• Gather receipts and record expenses
• Pay employees
• Update church budget
• Prepare financial reports

Monthly church treasurer tasks

• Reconcile bank accounts
• Attend monthly administration meetings and submit monthly financial reports
• Budget performance review
• Review each ministry fund
• Pay monthly expenses
• Pay employees and record payroll

Quarterly and annual treasurer roles

Some tasks only come once a quarter, biannually, or annually. When the treasurer is to do these tasks is up to the church.

• Prepare and present quarterly financial reports to the congregation
• Budget analysis and reports
• Annual budget review and preparation
• Annual employment tax filings
• Providing tax statements and contribution statements to all donors

Set Your Finance Secretary Up for Success

Don't take your church finances for granted! Share your expectations and needs with your church treasurer so that your church's finances are managed properly. This will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your ministry.

Share your list of duties and responsibilities and the timetable for when they need to be accomplished, and watch your church treasurer steward your resources to advance your church's mission!

Matt Church Engagement