Parish Bookkeeper

Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Eye test vouchers

Discount scheme

Pension plan

Salary sacrifice

Cycle to work

Parental leave pay

Employee assistance

Life assurance

Job summary

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster is seeking a meticulous Parish Bookkeeper to manage financial records for two parish communities. Working closely with the Parish Priest, Parish Administrator and Finance Committee, you will ensure accurate accounting, timely reporting, and compliance with diocesan procedures using OPAS.

Responsibilities include bank reconciliations, processing payments, administering Planned Giving and Gift Aid, and supporting budgeting and financial planning.

Qualifications

• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience in a similar role.
• Experience using computerised accounting systems.
• AAT qualification or equivalent.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
• A collaborative approach combined with the ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Recording parish income and expenditure using the diocesan accounting system (OPAS).
• Completing monthly bank reconciliations and processing payments.
• Preparing quarterly financial reports for Finance Committee meetings.
• Maintaining accurate financial records and documentation.
• Supporting budget preparation and ongoing budget monitoring.
• Administering Planned Giving and Gift Aid records.
• Monitoring and recording online and contactless donations.
• Preparing annual financial returns and year-end reports.
• Liaising with suppliers and resolving payment or invoice queries.

Skills

Bookkeeping experience

Accounting software

AAT qualification

Organised

Communication skills

Meet deadlines

Independent working

MS Office

Education

AAT qualification

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Working closely with the Parish Priest, Parish Administrator, Finance Committee and volunteers, you will play a key role in ensuring the effective management of parish finances and compliance with diocesan financial procedures. As Parish Bookkeeper, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, preparing reports, and supporting financial planning and controls across both parishes. You will also oversee Planned Giving administration and Gift Aid processes, ensuring donations are recorded accurately and in line with current requirements.

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Parish Bookkeeper to support the financial administration of two vibrant Catholic parishes. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced bookkeeping professional who values accuracy, integrity, and service, and who would enjoy making a meaningful contribution to parish life. 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.

Responsibilities

• Recording parish income and expenditure using the diocesan accounting system (OPAS)
• Completing monthly bank reconciliations
• Processing payments and managing recurring transactions
• Preparing quarterly financial reports for Finance Committee meetings
• Maintaining accurate financial records and documentation
• Supporting budget preparation and ongoing budget monitoring
• Administering Planned Giving and Gift Aid records
• Monitoring and recording online and contactless donations
• Preparing annual financial returns and year-end reports
• Liaising with suppliers and resolving payment or invoice queries

Required Qualifications

• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience in a similar role
• Experience using computerised accounting systems
• An AAT qualification or equivalent
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
• A collaborative approach combined with the ability to work independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook

Desirable Qualities

• Experience within a charity, faith-based or non-profit organisation
• An understanding of the Catholic Church and its structure
• A commitment to supporting the mission and values of the Catholic Church
• Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential.

Company Overview

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. 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.

Contract & Compensation

£15.50 per hour | Permanent | Part-time 12 HPW | St Matthew's Church, Northwood and St Joseph's Church, Carpenders Park & South Oxhey | Closing date 30^th October Midday | Interview date 5^th November.

Benefits

• 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
• Life assurance/ Death in Service benefit