A user-friendly and comprehensive guide to the role of the church or charity treasurer, essential for all carrying out this increasingly demanding role. Now updated to include the latest rules on accounting, Gift Aid, tax, charity law, pensions, insurance, employment, fundraising and more.

Even the small church with a volunteer treasurer will find quick help from the 57 different functions and tasks listed in this handbook. You will learn the General Responsibilities of record keeping, documenting and reviewing the finances of the church. All of the requirements of revenue can be found in this handbook from counting offerings, accepting gifts with restrictions, and offering donors the required receipts and year-end statements. Disbursements includes more than just checks, but also who is authorized to sign, how you document a reimbursement, does the Pastor's Discretionary Account truly meet guidelines of non-profit spending? Reporting to the board, committees and the congregation all of the proper financial activity and positions are detailed as well. What notes should you include on the annual report, what constitutes a truly restricted fund and what government reports do you need to file and when? And along comes the concerns about the property, the insurance, the personnel files and payroll. While this Handbook is specifically designed for Presbyterian Churches, the basic principles apply to every church and every church treasurer. Designed to make your job easier and to give you a reference guide at your finger tips this concise handbook will come in handy and be worth every penny you pay for it. Developed over 15 years, this resource will bring you new insights, wonderful understanding and creative ideas you can put to work within minutes. You are going to love the handbook and how much it makes your job easier.

People are searching for a church shaped and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike. —L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School Robert Schnase’s words are thoughtful, provocative, and challenging. Any congregation will find encouragement and insight to deepen faithfulness and multiply fruitfulness. —Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us. —Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church

Most of the time, members who accept the position of church treasurer have little or no background in accounting, especially in smaller churches; and even those with accounting experience may have trouble knowing what's expected of them when they begin their duties.The Church Treasurer's Manual is a practical tool that provides treasurers everything they need to know about handling church finances. From an overview of duties to helpful guidelines for completing tasks, new and veteran treasurers alike will learn practical tips and time-saving suggestions that will help them carry out their responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner.Resources include:an easy-to-understand overview of basic accounting principlesan extensive explanation of tax regulationsoptions for monthly and annual financial reportinga general job description for the church treasurerrecord keeping form for taxes, accounting ledgers, individual contribution records, budget worksheets, the offering, and moreadvice for handling payroll, housing allowances, and other compensations for the pastor and stafftips on communicating with the church board, the pastor, and the financial committeeethical guidelines for handling money

"A Crossroad book." Includes bibliographical references.