Parish Bookkeeper

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

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave + bank holidays

Eye care vouchers (£50 glasses)

Rewards Gateway discounts

Employer pension 5%

Salary sacrifice/pension

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced parental pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster is seeking a highly organised Parish Bookkeeper to support the financial administration of two parishes: St Matthew’s Church, Northwood, and St Joseph’s Church, Carpenders Park & South Oxhey. This part-time role is 12 hours per week and pays £15.50 per hour, with duties including recording income/expenditure, reconciliations, Gift Aid, and reporting.

You will work closely with the Parish Priest, Parish Administrator and Finance Committee to ensure

Qualifications

• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience in a similar role.
• Experience using computerised accounting systems.
• An AAT qualification or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• 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.

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.
• Supporting financial control procedures and parish counting processes

Skills

Previous bookkeeping experience

Computerised accounting systems

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

OPAS

Job description

£15.50 per hour| Permanent | Part-time 12HPW | 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

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.

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.

About the Role

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.

Key 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
• Supporting financial control procedures and parish counting processes

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.

• 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
• 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.

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.