Treasurers Manual
Managing the finances of the Church is one of the most important responsibilities any Church Committee faces. This booklet is designed to help all Treasurers of SNU Church Committees, especially those new to the position. The accounting within a Church is a very responsible area of Church Committee work and whilst the Treasurer takes control of all monies received, banks and records it and pays all bills and other expenses as directed by the Committee and/or members in general meeting, the Committee are very much involved with Church finances. It is hoped that others on the Church Committee will be encouraged to read this booklet in order that they will not only understand the Church finances but will be able to assist the Treasurer in an emergency. It will also stand them in good stead if, at some future date, they decide to accept nomination for the position of Treasurer! Many Churches appoint an Assistant Treasurer to assist and cover in case of holiday or absence of the Treasurer.
The whole Committee is responsible for the proper keeping of the finances of the Church. Spiritualist Churches have been exempted from paying taxes. This is the result of being granted charitable status. It is a condition of being granted charitable status, however, that financial records are maintained.
If a Church arms itself with as much knowledge as possible, with a Committee in harmony working as a team, then the Church should be a credit to its members, to the Spiritualists’ National Union and to the spirit people for which its doors are open. The Church Rules require all members of the Committee to have a current copy of the Rules for Churches to support them in their roles. These can be ordered Here. The Church Rules provide an outline description of the role of Treasurer.
This document is aimed at providing the Treasurer with a good understanding of their role but further information may be found below:-
SNU Rules for Churches
Charity Commission Website