About this role
Location: Home-based with regular travel across Cornwall
Hours: 28 hours per week (Part-Time)
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Parish Finance Team Leader
About the Role
My client is seeking an organised and detail-oriented Deanery Bookkeeper to support a portfolio of parishes across Cornwall. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines bookkeeping, Gift Aid administration, training, and financial support for parish teams.
Working closely with Parish Priests, volunteers, and parish staff, you will ensure that financial records and Gift Aid processes are maintained accurately and in line with diocesan procedures. The role is primarily home-based but requires regular travel to parishes throughout Cornwall.
Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping & Financial Administration
- Maintain parish accounting records using the Diocese's online accounting system (OPAS).
- Process receipts, payments, recurring transactions, and restricted funds.
- Reconcile bank accounts and cash records.
- Review financial information and identify any missing documentation or discrepancies.
- Support parishes in maintaining accurate financial records.
Gift Aid Administration
- Manage Gift Aid declarations and donor records.
- Process envelope allocations and cashless giving records.
- Reconcile Gift Aid and accounting records.
- Prepare annual Gift Aid returns and related documentation.
Year-End Reporting
- Prepare annual financial returns for submission to the Curia Finance Office.
- Respond to finance-related queries and provide supporting information.
- Assist parishes with annual donor communications and Gift Aid processes.
Parish Support & Training
- Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to parish staff and volunteers.
- Respond to queries via phone, email, and in-person visits.
- Help ensure compliance with diocesan financial procedures.
Audit & Monitoring
- Carry out internal audits, year-end reviews, and financial monitoring activities.
- Complete risk assessment discussions and produce written reports where required.
- Work with parishes to resolve financial and procedural issues.
About You
We are looking for someone with excellent bookkeeping skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of people. You will be comfortable working independently while managing multiple priorities across different locations.
Essential Requirements
- AAT qualification (full or part-qualified), equivalent qualification, or significant relevant experience.
- Previous bookkeeping experience.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently following initial training.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for regular travel across Cornwall (mileage reimbursed).
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
- Sympathy with and understanding of the ethos and mission of the Diocese of Plymouth.
If you are an experienced bookkeeper looking for a flexible, part-time role where you can make a meaningful contribution to local communities, we would love to hear from you.