A Treasurer doesn’t have to be a qualified accountant, although this could be an advantage in larger parishes. A willing and numerate person would do an excellent job. The following are the most important qualities of a Treasurer:
Having a commitment to the Church’s mission and an appreciation of the role of the parish in the community.
Honesty: there must be no doubt about this and Parish Church Councils may want to follow up references for peace of mind.
Financial competence: not only the ability to keep records, but the will and determination to keep track of how finances are going.
Knowledge of the part the parish plays in the context of deanery, diocese, national church and our mission partners abroad, from both a financial and operational perspective.
Having the ability to present financial matters clearly to both the PCC and the wider church community.
Having the time to attend PCC meetings, PCC Standing Committee meetings, deanery and diocesan finance/consultation meetings and to be part of general church life.
Being able to treat personal financial information of individual church members on a confidential basis.
Being willing and able to work as a team with other members of the PCC, the parish priest and the wider church.
Qualifying as a Trustee as required by the Charity Commissioners: being over 18 years old and not being disqualified because of bankruptcy or criminal convictions for financial wrongdoing.