Parish Bookkeeper

Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave + BH

Eye care vouchers

Discount scheme

Employer pension 5%

Cycle to work

Enhanced family pay

Employee assistance programme

Life assurance

Job summary

Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster seeks a reliable Parish Bookkeeper to manage financial administration for Hitchin parish. You will handle payments, income, reconciliations and reporting, ensuring records align with diocesan procedures.

The role requires AAT or equivalent, excellent communication, and strong organisational skills. The successful applicant will work independently to support church mission and our values of competence, reliability, honesty, perseverance, and love.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with bookkeeping and accounting tasks for a parish or not-for-profit.
• AAT or equivalent qualification is required.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Process authorised payments via HSBCnet and cheques.
• Record all 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 accurate parishioner donation and planned giving records.
• Administer Gift Aid records and registrations.
• Monitor online giving platforms and update records accordingly.
• Respond to financial queries from parishioners.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent worker

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Commitment to values

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

OPAS

HSBCnet

Job description

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

• 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.

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.

Desirable

• 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.

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.

£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.

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
• Life assurance/ Death in Service benefit