Parish Bookkeeper (Job Ref:898-NORWD/CARPK)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Eye test vouchers

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Employee assistance programme

Life assurance

Job summary

The Diocese of Westminster is seeking a Parish Bookkeeper for two Catholic parishes in Northwood and Carpenders Park/South Oxhey. The role covers parish accounting, Gift Aid and Planned Giving, payments, bank reconciliations and budget support on the OPAS system.

It is a permanent part-time post for 12 hours a week with a focus on accurate records, timely reporting and collaboration with the Finance Committee. AAT qualification or equivalent is essential.

Qualifications

• AAT qualification or equivalent is essential.
• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience in a similar role.
• Experience using computerised accounting systems.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative yet capable of working independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Record parish income and expenditure on the OPAS accounting system.
• Complete monthly bank reconciliations.
• Process payments and manage recurring transactions.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports for Finance Committee meetings.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation.
• Support budget preparation and ongoing monitoring.
• Administer Planned Giving and Gift Aid records.
• Monitor and record online and contactless donations.
• Prepare annual financial returns and year-end reports.
• Liaise with suppliers and resolve payment queries.
• Support financial control procedures and parish counting processes.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Prioritisation

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

OPAS accounting system

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Parish Bookkeeper for two Catholic parishes, St Matthew's in Northwood and St Joseph's in Carpenders Park and South Oxhey, within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster. The post keeps parish accounts on the diocesan OPAS system, covering bank reconciliations, payments, quarterly reports for the Finance Committee, budgets and year-end returns. It is a permanent part-time role of 12 hours a week, with Gift Aid and Planned Giving administration among its duties. An AAT qualification or equivalent is essential.

What the job involves

• Recording parish income and expenditure on the diocesan OPAS accounting system
• 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’s required

Qualifications

• AAT qualification or equivalent

Experience

• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience in a similar role
• Experience using computerised accounting systems

Skills & knowledge

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Managing multiple priorities and working to deadlines
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook

Other

• Embodying the diocesan values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance and Love

Nice to have

• Experience within a charity, faith-based or non-profit organisation
• Understanding of the Catholic Church and its structure
• Commitment to supporting the mission and values of the Catholic Church

What’s offered

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata for part-time staff
• Vouchers for free eye tests and £50 towards the cost of glasses
• Reward Gateway scheme with discounts on products and services
• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution, and salary exchange for pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance and death in service benefit