Welcome to this page specifically for local URC church treasurers in Southern Synod. You may have been in post for many years, newly appointed or just curious about what the role involves. Please feed back to us any ideas, questions or things it would be helpful to see on this page.
Role
An overview of role is set out in the URC document “They’ve asked me to be a Church Treasurer”. Your church constitution should set out the term of office for the role (for example three or five years, renewable once) and a local role description can be helpful setting out the specific duties to support your own church and ensure appropriate financial controls and reporting. If you haven’t got a constitution it is a good idea to encourage elders to develop one for ratification at church meeting. This sets out how your church operates and ensures everyone has a voice. A template constitution is available from the national URC
Synod Communications
The Treasurer takes the lead on financial administration and reporting for the church, working with the elders as trustees (whether or not the church itself is a charity in its own right). Accounts must be prepared and presented at the church Annual General Meeting and the financial situation of the church reported to elders and church meetings regularly, particularly when strategic decisions or large items of expenditure are planned.
Treasurers are communicated with directly by Synod officers relating to issues such as Minister’s pay, allowances and tax returns, responding to consultations about the level of Ministry and Mission Fund payable annually to Synod, and submission of annual accounts.
Charity Registration and Trustees
Some churches will be registered as charities in their own right, others, usually with smaller turnover operate under the Synod Trust registration. Charity legislation is changing and if you are uncertain please contact Catherine Kingdom, Finance and Trust officer at the Synod office.
All elders on appointment are also deemed to be Charity Trustees of the assets of their local church. A useful booklet on the role of Charity Trustees can be found here
Elders As Charity Trustees – Church Land Buildings 2016
Further information
See the URC Website finance pages for comprehensive details of returns, templates and tips, or contact treasurers in your neighbouring churches, the synod office, or the website of the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT)
Last updated 4 July 2023