Receipts

Offerings

Offerings at services are to be counted by two people who should record their count in the Parish register and initial same.

There should be adequate procedures for the physical security of monies between receipt and banking. This could include:

Removing the offering from the worship area before the congregation begins to move after the service.
Counting the offering in a locked room. Not allowing visitors into the room during counting.
Locking the money up in a safe. If the church does not have a safe in the Church, a responsible officer should take the offering from the premises after worship. Never leave the offering at the church when unattended other than in a locked safe.
Depositing the offering at the Bank at the first opportunity. Night safe facilities are available and should be considered by Churches with large weekly offerings.

To the extent practical, there should be adequate segregation of duties between persons receiving monies on behalf of the Parish (e.g. the counters), those depositing monies into the bank and those maintaining the accounting records.

There should be procedures for ensuring all monies are promptly banked intact [e.g. a person independent of the persons responsible for counting or banking may agree counters' records to bank deposit slip or bank statements]. Cash receipts are never to be used for making any payments.

Other Income

Adequate controls shall be established over the handling of other receipts (e.g. fund raising) particularly where cash is received, with a view to ensuring such monies are receipted and banked at the earliest opportunity but at least within a week of receipt.

Any income which is subject to GST should be identified and the GST recorded for subsequent recording on the BAS.