Finance
Church Finances
General information and support for churches can be found on the denominational website here: Church finance - United Reformed Church The following links may be of particular interest:
Charity Commission registration Charity Registration - United Reformed Church
Charity Commission letter for exempt charities Charity Registration - United Reformed Church
Guidance on receipts & payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts pack (CC16) - GOV.UK
Appointing an independent examiner: Independent examination of charity accounts: guidance for trustees - GOV.UK
Independent examiners’ guidance Independent examination of charity accounts: examiners (CC32) - GOV.UK
The URC has block membership of the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT). Please email Financeofficer@nwsynod.org.uk for details of how to access this.
Copies of church accounts should be sent to the office each year. The best way of doing this is by email to Financeofficer@nwsynod.org.uk
M&M Contributions are collected by Church House and their preferred method is by Direct Debit. They also collect the Missional Partnership expenses contributions on behalf of the Synod and forward these to us. There is an annual process of determining the level of contributions and an independent panel deals with any appeals.
There is an annual online meeting for Church Treasurers hosted by the Finance Manager. Details are emailed to treasurers and can be found by searching events.
Custodian Funds
The Trust Company looks after a range of investments and savings on behalf of the churches. For withdrawals and deposits please contact Peter Smith. When withdrawing funds please include details of why this is necessary with your requests. When cumulative withdrawals in any 12 month period are more than £16,000 there are some additional processes to go through.
If you have new funds to invest for the mid to long term, we will be able to put you in touch with the two investments companies we use, both of whom meet the ethical requirements of the URC.
For short term deposits (e.g. funds likely to be needed within the next five years) we can open an account for you with one of two deposit takers. Both offer instant access and are linked to our custodian funds bank account. Please contact Peter Smith for more information.
Expenses
All expenses forms should be submitted to the Missional Partnership Convenor or your line manager for approval, before being sent to Synod Accounts.
We aim to process your expense claim within seven working days of receipt of an approved claim.
Synod annual accounts
The Synod annual accounts can be found here >>>