Parish Bookkeeper (Job Ref: 873-PALMG)
£16 per hour| Permanent | Part-time 16 HPW | St Monica’s Church, Palmers Green, N13 | Closing date 12th June Midday | Interview date to be 15th June
Employee Rewards and benefits 2026
About the Role
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Parish Bookkeeper to support the effective financial management of St Monica’s Church in Palmers Green.
Working closely with the Parish Priest, Parish Administrator, and volunteers, you will play a key role in ensuring that parish finances are managed accurately, transparently, and in line with diocesan procedures.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong bookkeeping experience who values working within a community-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of all parish income and expenditure using the OPAS accounting system
- Complete monthly bank reconciliations
- Prepare quarterly financial reports and the Annual Financial Return
- Manage petty cash and credit card transactions
- Ensure all financial records comply with audit and diocesan requirements
Parish Giving & Donations
- Administer Planned Giving and Gift Aid processes in line with HMRC guidance
- Maintain accurate donor records and process Gift Aid declarations
- Reconcile contactless, online, and envelope donations
- Respond to parishioner queries regarding donations
Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Support the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget
- Track income and expenditure against budget forecasts
- Provide financial insight to support decision-making
Administration & Compliance
- Maintain organised financial records and documentation
- Liaise with suppliers and resolve invoice queries
- Support financial controls including oversight of counting procedures
- Undertake required training (e.g. safeguarding and financial reporting)
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is not only competent in bookkeeping but who also embodies our diocesan values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Able to work independently and use their own initiative
- Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information
- Flexible, approachable, and professional in manner
- Experienced in financial accounting systems and Microsoft Office
Essential Requirements:
- AAT qualification (or equivalent)
- Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience
- Strong Excel and general IT skills
- Understanding of, and sympathy with, the mission and values of the Catholic Church
Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential.
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 we are
We are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a faith-driven charity rooted in service, tradition, and community.
At the core of our mission is a commitment to faith, education, and social justice. Guided by the Archbishop, 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.
Diversity & Inclusion at the Diocese of Westminster and place it at the heart of our aim which is to reflect and connect with the diverse communities that we serve.