An effective finance committee proposes a budget; then raises, manages, and distributes the financial resources of the congregation to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the congregation. There are at least three officers in the finance area. These three roles may not be held by the same individual nor by related individuals.

• Role of the Finance Committee and Chairperson Job Description. The finance chair works with the leadership team chair, the church staff, and other ministry leaders to fulfill the mission of the church. The finance chair works with the trustees to handle designated gifts and bequests in accordance with the Book of Discipline. This person will guide the work of the finance team through the year, including planning agendas and presiding at meetings. The finance chair will gather all budget requests to be reviewed by the committee, inform the congregation and pastor(s) about the church’s financial situation, and recommend to the church council any changes that need to be made in the budget after it has been approved.
• Financial Secretary Job Description and Resources. An effective financial secretary will receive, record, and deposit all funds received by your congregation in a timely, thorough and confidential manner. The financial secretary will work with the treasurer and committee on finance to develop policies and procedures so that funds can be made available to support the ministry of your congregation.
• Church Treasurer Job Description and Resources. An effective church treasurer disburses all funds received into the church treasury in a responsible and organized manner, with funds identified and bills paid when due so that the mission and ministry of the congregation is effective.

Here are some documents and forms that are helpful for pastors and committees managing financial aspects of ministry. Most of these resources come from the General Council on Finance and Administration [GCFA]. GCFA coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church.

• GCFA Local Church and Clergy Tax Resources. The GCFA Tax Packet contains numerous documents addressing a variety of tax matters pertaining to United Methodist clergy and local churches. From time to time, new documents are added and existing documents are revised or updated. Please check this website frequently for the latest information.
• GCFA Local Church Legal Resources. This Manual is a byproduct of GCFA’s responsibility to protect the legal interests of the denomination. Its purpose is to provide basic information about legal issues common to organizations throughout The United Methodist Church. It is not intended to be a substitute for experienced legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Each situation is different and local laws will vary, so always consult a local attorney or other professional advisor.
• GCFA Local Church Audit Guide. The United Methodist Book of Discipline assigns the responsibility for the annual audit of financial records to the committee on finance. The committee “shall make provisions for an annual audit of the financial statements of the local church and all its organizations and accounts. The committee shall make a full and complete report to the annual charge conference” (258.4d). The purpose of this audit guide is to assist the committee in its work.
• GCAH Record Retention Recommendations. This manual is for local church history and records committees and for the annual conference commission on archives and history, because these are the groups responsible for the creation of a records management program for the local church and annual conference. This manual is also for the local church historian and the conference archivist; often the ones who must implement these plans and perhaps even assist in designing them.
• GCFA Group Ruling Request Form.
• Social Security (Self-Employment Tax) Publication
• Local Church Fund Balance Report (Audit) Word PDF Excel
• W-2 Resource for church treasurers