Part-Time Bookkeeper

First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto

Bookkeeper

First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto is a theologically and socially progressive Church. We are LGBTQ affirming and striving to be anti-racists. We have a long tradition of engagement in issues of social justice. The ideal candidate will share these values and actively work to help us advance them in the community. 

Position Overview: The Bookkeeper will manage the financial operations of First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto. This role ensures accurate financial recordkeeping, compliance with payroll and tax requirements, and timely communication with church leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity, discretion, and a strong commitment to supporting the mission and ministry of the church.

Terms of Employment: This is non-exempt position requiring approximately  3-5 hours a week with typical office hours 1 or 2 days per week. Occasional response to email and phone calls required M-F. 

Supervisor:  Pastor/Head of Staff with direction from the Finance Team   

Performance Review:  Conducted Annually.

The Bookkeeper will perform the following duties:

Bank Deposits

• Make weekly bank deposits for tithes, offerings, and other contributions.

Bill Payments

• Pay all church bills twice a month, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Payroll Management

• Prepare paychecks and process payroll taxes for church staff twice a month.
• Receive overtime requests and submit to the Pastor for approval, track vacation time, sick, and study leave for all staff.

Financial Record-keeping

• Enter all financial transactions, including deposits, expenses, and credit card charges, into QuickBooks Online.
• Oversight over spending on all church credit cards including assigning charges to appropriate budget lines and paying credit card bills.

Reconciliation

• Reconcile all bank and credit card statements monthly to ensure accurate records.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare and email monthly financial statements to the pastor, treasurer, and relevant committees.

Communication

• Work closely and collegially with the Pastor, Finance Chair, and Treasurer supporting them in their leadership roles for the congregation.
• Respond promptly to emails and calls related to financial matters from church staff, finance leadership, and vendor. This included responding to emails and calls M-F. 
• Provide monthly and requested finance reports for the Session and church Committees and teams.
• Create a monthly summary spreadsheet of actual performance to budget for the Finance chair to complete with comments for the church newsletter. 

Annual Budget Planning

• Support the Pastor and Church Finance Chair to build the annual budget for the Session’s review and approval.
• Enter into QuickBooks the annual budget approved by Session, coordinating with the Finance Chair

Employee Benefits Oversight

• Communicate with new hires regarding necessary tax documents. 
• Assist eligible employees to set up their retirement benefits. 

• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online is required.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn Quicken is required.
• Prior experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field, including familiarity with non-profit accounting.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and practices, including payroll taxes and reconciliations.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with church financial operations is a plus but not required.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PALO ALTO

Our Church Personnel Policy defines employees positions according to categories. The categories of this position are: Part-time, Non-pastoral staff, Non-worship staff, Permanent, and Non-Exempt. Accordingly the position includes the following benefits.  

• Vacation:  None
• Paid holidays: Eleven per calendar year. 
• Sick Leave:  None
• Retirement: Employer match of 8.5% of salary after one year of employment.
• Health Insurance: None