If you are a pastor or volunteer at a small church, your church probably does not have too many resources to spare for church accounting software. You may even still be using either pen and paper or a spreadsheet system to keep track of member contributions and church expenses. If you found your way to this post, though, you may be considering an upgrade. Here are some reasons we believe your church may benefit from making the switch to an affordable church accounting system.
Maintaining an accurate set of financial records provides the following benefits for small churches:
- Provides confidence to the church membership and supporters that the church’s finances are being handled with integrity and professionalism,
- Provides the basis for informed financial decisions, and
- Ensures compliance with government regulations and leadership oversight.
Accounting software is a great tool that can be used to provide for an accurate set of financial records.
When configured and used properly, accounting software can efficiently and accurately meet the church’s accounting needs:
- Check registers
- Credit card registers
- Bank and credit card reconciliations
- Paycheck and payroll tax calculations
- Payroll tax reports
- Financial reports (Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Budget Comparison reports)
- Printing 1099s and W-2s
Signing up for a church accounting software is a great start, but selecting one with integrated contribution tracking and online giving systems can significantly increase the accuracy and efficiency of the overall process. Since most small churches have limited resources, especially in terms of human capital, efficiency is extremely important. Any time you save on your administrative processes can be redirected into the church’s ministry efforts.
If your church accepts contributions that are restricted for a specific purpose (Building Fund, Missions Fund, etc…) then you must have a system to ensure the funds are spent on their designated purpose. The most efficient method of tracking those designated funds is to use church accounting software designed to track restricted funds (aka Fund Accounting).
How can I select the right accounting software for my church?
- Determine if your church needs fund accounting. If your church does not accept contributions that are restricted for a specific purpose, you could use a generic for-profit accounting software package. If your church does accept restricted contributions, in the long run you will be glad that you selected a fund accounting package specifically designed for churches.
- If you want to spend less time on administration and more time on ministry, search for packages where the contribution tracking and on-line contributions integrate with the accounting software.
- Evaluate your budget for accounting software and church management software. Many church management systems range from $30 – $200 per month, though some can even cost upwards of $1000 per month. Some of the more expensive packages include advanced features like child check-in. Surprisingly, many church management systems do not include the accounting function. FlockBase Software includes fully integrated feature-rich church accounting and management systems starting at just $24 per month. Email caley@flockbase.com or call (877) 883-5625 x102 to request more information.