Parish Bookkeeper – Sunbury-on-Thames

Key information

Closing date: 12pm, Monday 2 June 2025

£15.85 per hour / £3,296.80 per annum

Part-time, 4 hours per week

Permanent Contract

Based in Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16

Interviews: w/c 9 June 2025

 

Please find below the job description for this role:

Bookkeeper Job Description – Sunbury

 

St Ignatius’ Parish in Sunbury-on-Thames is seeking a methodical and reliable Parish Bookkeeper to manage the parish’s financial accounts in accordance with diocesan procedures. This part-time role is crucial to ensuring the parish’s financial operations run smoothly, transparently, and in compliance with Church and diocesan requirements.

Reporting directly to the Parish Priest, the successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing income and expenditure through the diocesan finance system (OPAS), and ensuring timely submission of all required reports.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain and update parish accounts using the Diocesan OPAS system.
  • Carry out monthly bank reconciliations and manage petty cash float.
  • Process and reconcile credit card expenditure with receipts.
  • Prepare the Annual Financial Return and other reports as needed.
  • Manage the Gift Aid and Planned Giving systems, including liaising with parishioners and ensuring accurate records.
  • Administer regular donations, standing orders, envelopes, and online giving platforms.
  • Prepare financial reports for Parish Finance Committee meetings, if required.
  • Undertake necessary diocesan training, including safeguarding and financial compliance.

This means there’s lots to get involved in – and to be excited about.

 

About You

The ideal candidate will:

  • Have relevant bookkeeping or accounting experience, preferably with an AAT qualification or equivalent.
  • Be confident using Microsoft Office, especially Excel (v-lookups, linked sheets).
  • Be familiar with accounting software and comfortable learning new systems.
  • Possess excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload independently.
  • Show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all dealings.
  • Demonstrate a genuine desire to support the Catholic Church’s mission.

Experience in a faith-based, charitable, or non-profit environment would be an advantage, as would a working knowledge of diocesan finance systems.

 

What we offer you

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

 

Who are we?

We are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a faith-driven charity rooted in service, tradition, and community. Our offices are ideally located near Victoria Station, just a short walk from the inspiring surroundings of St James’s Park and Westminster Cathedral—the heart of Catholic life in the Diocese.

At the core of our mission is a commitment to faith, education, and social justice. Guided by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, 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.

 

Application details

Our people are incredibly important to us, and we value and respect diversity in all its forms (seen and unseen). We particularly welcome applications from those from Black and Asian backgrounds, as well as candidates with disabilities and from the communities in which we work. We would like to increase representation of these groups among our staff as we know greater diversity will lead to an even greater impact for our work.

To be considered for the role, please complete an online application. CVs will NOT be considered, therefore, please do not send them. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please note that you will need to be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position. You must provide proof of Right to Work in the UK.  We reserve the right to remove the vacancy before closing date.