ANNOUNCEMENTS
Securing Church Financial Records
Financial Records should be kept in a secured/locked room or filing cabinet.
- The financial records include giving information, check stock, and payroll records.
- A secured/locked room or filing cabinet seems obvious but what about those people who go into the locked room to photocopy, pick up a report from the printer, cleaners, or the pastor who has a master key. And how many people have access to the filing cabinet because it holds other documents or item.
Review your policies and procedures and adjust. Your attention to these details will make your members feel secure about their contributions and their information.
Who can sign checks for the Church?
Check signers (physical and electronic) for churches, whether employees or volunteers, are generally protected from personal liability under the Uniform Commerical Code.
However, there are exceptions:
- If the signer knowingly issues a check that will bounce, they could be held liable for fraud.
- Fraud claims require proof that the signer was aware of insufficient funds at the time the check was issued.
A Church can reduce liability risks for check signers by using the following practices:
- Ensure that all checks prominently display the church’s name.
- Require signers to include their titles, such as “as treasurer,” when signing checks.
- Implement strong internal controls, such as requiring dual signatures for checks over a certain amount.
SUSAN CARPENTER
Director of Finance
954-785-2220, x.304
scarpenter@vibrantpresbyter.org
Presbytery of Tropical Florida
405 S.E. 15th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
