Taking on the role of PCC Treasurer can feel daunting at first, but a few early steps will help you build confidence quickly. The role has two closely connected parts. First, it is a practical and essential responsibility, helping ensure that the parishes finances are managed well so that mission and ministry can flourish. While money is only one of the parish’s resources, very little can happen without it, and careful financial management really matters.
Second, the role can also be understood as a calling. The gifts of organisation, insight and sound judgement are valued in the life of the Church, and good financial administration is part of faithful stewardship. Treasurers are not “just bookkeepers”, but an important part of the ministry team.
At its heart, the role is about keeping clear and honest records, managing money wisely, future planning, being open and transparent, and preparing the annual accounts. When these responsibilities are carried out prayerfully and simply, they help build trust, support good decision-making, and enable the parish to focus with confidence on its calling to serve God and its community.
The Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT) has provided this Introductory Guide for New Church Treasurers to help you get started in your new role.
The Parish Resources website also provides a lot of information and guidance for Treasurers.
Planning for an Emergency: Access to Key Financial Information
As you settle into your role — and especially if you can have a handover from the previous treasurer — it is wise to plan for situations where you may be unavailable at short notice.
You should prioritise gathering and recording essential details such as bank account names and numbers, signatories, login details and passwords, information about investments, trusts and restricted funds, and practical matters such as where petty cash is kept and who holds keys. It is important to agree with the PCC on where this information will be stored.
Best practice is to keep both a secure paper copy (in a safe place) and a password-protected digital version. This ensures that, in an emergency, others can access what they need to act responsibly on behalf of the parish. It is also an important part of good risk management, helping safeguard the parish if records are lost, damaged or compromised, whether physically or digitally.