Being a Treasurer: The Basics

The role of a Treasurer varies between churches and can cover a wide range of responsibilities. This training is designed to equip new and old treasurers with the core knowledge needed to carry out their role.

During the day we will look at the treasurer as trustee, bookkeeper, planner, tax optimiser and compliance officer.

This course is structured around these five key areas:

• Treasurer as Trustee – this section outlines the legal framework for charities and the duties of charity trustees, of whom the Treasurer may be one.
• Treasurer as Bookkeeper – this section addresses day-to-day management of church finances and accounting, exploring the systems a church may have in place for routine operations and the basic principles of charity accounting.
• Treasurer as Planner – this section is primarily about budgeting but also addresses some concepts of risk management.
• Treasurer as Tax Optimiser – this section covers what charities need to know to take advantage of Gift Aid and GASDS, as well as a few points about VAT.
• Treasurer as Compliance Officer – this section covers the requirements on charities for preparation of their year-end documents and external scrutiny.

The training will be delivered by the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT), and staff from the Diocese of Manchester Finance Team will also be present to answer any questions relating to our local procedures.

If you are not already aware of the diocese’s block membership with ACAT this will be covered as well. Block membership provides Treasurers with free access to ACAT’s full range of services, without the need to pay

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Sign in from 09:30am.

This training is open to all within the Diocese, not just those who are involved with parish finance.