How to Choose the Right Bookkeeper for Your Church
When your ministry decides on a bookkeeper, understand your options and what questions to ask.
The Bookkeeper Aisle at Your Local Trader Joe’s
Choosing the right bookkeeper for your church is a lot like buying cereal.
Here’s what we mean. The next time you head to your local grocery store to find your Grape Nuts, you’ll discover you can’t. The number of options is overwhelming! Name, store, specialty, and generic brands scream with loud colors and animated pictures: Pick me!
The same is true when choosing a bookkeeper for your church’s finances. There are plenty of options, but it’s good to remember that some will serve your needs better than others. Also, cheaper doesn’t mean they’re a better value!
Below, read about:
What Are the Four Types of Church Bookkeepers?
- The Volunteer
- The Staffer
- The Local Mom & Pop Shop
- The Church-focused Bookkeeper
3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Bookkeeper for Your Church
- Q1: Do you have experience with churches?
- Q2: Do you understand the local church and its mission?
- Q3: Will your processes make our jobs easier?
The Four Types of Church Bookkeepers
1. The Volunteer: Finally some Help!
Volunteers can be an asset to your team, though their ability to focus on your finances is often limited. Life happens, and their commitment levels can vary greatly.
Just remember: Many volunteers juggle a full-time career, a family, and other activities in addition to their church responsibilities. It’s essential to know their limitations for their sake and the sake of the ministry.
Note: One volunteer you must always say “no” to: You. Or your spouse, sibling, mom…
Related Case Study: City Hope Church
2. The Staffer: Consistency and Continuity
A staff member can better focus on your church’s accounting, and they’re likely on the same mission as you.
And though they may need outside help at times, it’s this person’s job to keep their eye on the money and the associated systems.
However, a staff person might come with limited prior experience or lack insight into the unique world of church finance. It’s important to make sure they have the support they need:
- Policies that ensure two sets of eyes are on every bill
- Access to information about church payroll exceptions
- The ability to accurately report whether your money is on (or off) your mission
Related Case Study: Dwelling Place Anaheim
3. The Mom & Pop Shop: Generalized Expertise
When you work with local CPAs and bookkeepers who understand how businesses and non-profits work, you benefit from the expertise of those who understand many of the best practices you need to handle your money well.
But your local accounting company may also work with a plumber, a retailer, a restaurant, and a local pet charity. A church’s needs — missional alignment, special tax considerations, and day-to-day operations — tend to differ.
The local pro may or may not know how to get you everything you need to do ministry well.
Related Case Study: Anchor Church in Maitland, Fla.
4. The Church-focused Bookkeeper: From Passable to Professional
When a company is focused entirely on churches (hint-hint), they can:
- Specialize in best practices and systems designed specifically for churches
- Offer the support of a team (versus a single staff member) that serves 100’s of churches
- Be available without “going on vacation” (like staff or volunteers will do) which provides zero disruption to paying your bills, processing payroll, etc
When you’re ready to choose, make sure you enter your first meeting armed with three big questions.
3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Bookkeeper for Your Church
Q1: Do you have experience with churches?
- How many churches do you work with, and how long have they been clients?
- How many previous church clients have you worked with?
- Do you understand how payroll and withholding works for churches?
- What are you actively learning from your other church clients?
Q2: Do you understand the local church and its mission?
- In your mind, what makes a church different from a business or non-profit?
- Why do you believe people would give their time and money to our church?
- How can you communicate effectively with a pastoral leader and their board?
Q3: Will your processes make our jobs easier?
- What systems do you use to handle payables, check requests, and reimbursements?
- Do you use tools that are easy for church teams to use — including volunteers?
- How do your systems and processes help protect from error and fraud?
- What does your monthly reporting look like?
What’s Your Selection?
When you’re prepared to choose a bookkeeper for your church, we’d love to answer those questions for you. The truth is: The mission of the Church — and the mission of your church — is too important to leave the finances to chance.
Parable Church Accounting and Bookkeeping is a team of financial storytellers with superpowers in church accounting, bookkeeping, and consulting. We help leaders place every dollar on mission so their money can tell a better story about God’s kingdom.
If you want to see if we’re right for you, schedule a call.