Parish Bookkeeper

Diocese of Westminster; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Eye tests vouchers

Discount scheme

Pension

Salary sacrifice

Cycle to work

Maternity/Paternity pay

Employee assistance

Job summary

The Diocese of Westminster is seeking a reliable Parish Bookkeeper in Hitchin on a part-time basis (5 HPW). The role oversees parish finances and adherence to diocesan procedures, supporting the mission through accurate record-keeping and timely reporting.

Responsibilities include processing payments, reconciling accounts, and maintaining Gift Aid and donations records. AAT or equivalent and strong organisational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in bookkeeping, finance or accounting with knowledge of financial software.
• AAT qualification or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Process authorised payments via HSBCnet and cheques.
• Record income and expenditure on OPAS.
• Complete monthly bank reconciliations.
• Prepare quarterly reports for Parish Finance Committee meetings.
• Complete the Annual Financial Return and meet deadlines.
• Maintain parishioner donation records and planned giving.
• Administer Gift Aid records and registrations.
• Monitor online giving platforms and update records.
• Liaise with parishioners and respond to financial queries.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Finance

Education

AAT qualification

Tools

HSBCnet

OPAS

Job description

£15.40 per hour| Permanent | Part-time 5 HPW | Hitchin, Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew | Closing date 9th October midday | Interview date to be confirmed

Hitchin Parish is seeking a reliable and experienced Bookkeeper to oversee the financial administration of the parish. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong bookkeeping and accounting skills who enjoys working independently while supporting the mission and activities of the Catholic Church.

As Parish Bookkeeper, you will have overall responsibility for maintaining parish accounts, ensuring financial records are accurate, up to date, and managed in accordance with diocesan procedures.

About the Role

You will be responsible for a wide range of financial and bookkeeping duties, including:

• Processing authorised payments via HSBCnet and cheques.
• Recording all income and expenditure on the diocesan accounting system, OPAS.
• Completing monthly bank reconciliations.
• Preparing quarterly reports for Parish Finance Committee meetings.
• Completing the Annual Financial Return and ensuring submission deadlines are met.
• Maintaining accurate records of parishioner donations and planned giving contributions.
• Administering Gift Aid records and planned giving registrations.
• Monitoring online giving platforms and updating parish financial records accordingly.
• Liaising with parishioners and responding to financial queries

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is not only competent in bookkeeping but who also embodies our diocesan values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love.

• Experience in a similar bookkeeping, finance, or accounting role, with experience of financial accounting software.
• An AAT qualification or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Good problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Diocese of Westminster.
• Sensitivity and respect when working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A basic understanding of the Catholic Church and its structure.
• Experience working within a church, charity, voluntary-sector, or not-for-profit environment.
• A desire to contribute to the work and mission of the Catholic Church.

Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential.

What we offer you

In return for your hard work and commitment to us, you will receive a competitive reward package which will include, but is not limited to:

• 23 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)
• Vouchers for free eye tests and £50 towards the cost of glasses
• Reward Gateway scheme offering discounts on a wide range of products and services
• Pension scheme for eligible employees – 5% paid by the employer
• Salary exchange (salary sacrifice) for pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Who we are

We are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a faith-driven charity rooted in service, tradition, and community.

At the core of our mission is a commitment to faith, education, and social justice. Guided by the Archbishop, we serve over 90,000 students across 208 schools, support 212 vibrant parishes, and drive countless social initiatives that bring hope and compassion to those in need. Our work extends beyond the Church walls, positively shaping communities and transforming lives.

We uphold the values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love—principles that define our mission and shape the way we serve. As we grow our team, we seek individuals who not only possess the skills for the role but also embody these values in their daily work.

If you are looking for a role where your talents, faith, and commitment to service can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Diversity & Inclusion at the Diocese of Westminster and place it at the heart of our aim which is to reflect and connect with the diverse communities that we serve.

Find Us

Address
Human Resources Department,
Vaughan House,
46 Francis Street,
London SW1P 1QN.

Telephone
020 7798 9001

Hours
Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM

About This Site

This is the official website of the Human Resources Department of the Diocese of Westminster.