This section contains a range of resources to foster good practice in parish finance. This includes information about the treasurer’s role and key tasks, good practice for handling cash, Gift Aid and how to produce accounts which will comply with the Charity Commission’s guidance:
Appointing a new treasurer
What to look for in a new treasurer & key tasks
Getting Started – Resources for new treasurers
A New Treasurers Guide – shared with kind permission by ACAT (The Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers)
Disclaimer for New Treasurers Guide:
Please note: the version of the New Treasurers Guide available here was published in 2017. Although it still contains useful information, some areas may be out of date. The latest version is updated regularly and is available exclusively to ACAT members via their website.
Accounting for different types of funds
Church of England Parochial Fees 2025
Accounting & Reporting
Overview to reporting and accounting
Thresholds – what you are required to do as your income increases.
Other topics
Gift Aid – a series of guides to help you make the most of Gift Aid, and to help you comply with HMRC’s requirements.
Funding Guides – helping you access broader streams of funding, particularly for capital projects.
Guides to employing people, paying them and pensions and auto-enrolment.
Filling out the FATCA forms (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act)
Reserves – what to do, whether you’ve got lots, or none!
Managing Restricted Funds & how to tidy up outdated ones.
Guidance on accounting/financial issues when parishes merge
An overview to the legal framework for parishes
Other sources of support
The Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT) supports church officers with managing church finances. ACAT offers practical help and guidance to treasurers and trustees across all denominations on a range of topics including bookkeeping, fundraising, legal responsibilities, health and safety and more. Members get access to the Treasurer’s Handbook, regular newsletters and an advice line offering tailored guidance. https://www.acat.uk.com/
ACAT also offers online and in-person training courses, as well as an annual conference featuring expert speakers. These are open to both members and non-members, with separate booking fees and are a great way to learn and network. https://www.acat.uk.com/training-events/
Many dioceses have a block membership with ACAT, which means individual churches within those dioceses can join for free. Check if your diocese is a member via https://www.acat.uk.com/block-memberships/.
Data Developments is the official church accounting software partner of the Church of England.
Read more about their software solutions.
The team at Data Developments also offer some training for treasurers throughout the year via online webinars.