Stephen Burnett and Bonnie Burgess will lead a three-hour presentation on financial management in parishes. Using real-life examples to illustrate the responsibilities of clergy and vestries for financial management in parishes, the presentation will be very useful for clergy, vestry members, treasurers, and parish administrators. 

Stephen Burnett is Chair of the Finance Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, a retired Deloitte partner, and a Trustee of the University of the South. Bonnie Burgess is Director of Administration and Finance for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, having served for 20 years as an executive with the Bank of America.  

Workshop topics include:
1. Canonical requirements.
2. Financial roles and responsibilities within the parish.
3. Internal control and accountability.
4. Common elements that make for a fraud environment.
5. Clerical leadership regarding internal control.
6. Audit plans and requirements.
7. What should I be asking when I interview or accept a new position?
8. Tax and audit issues and requirements. Discussion of insurance.
9. Basics of budgeting and reading and interpreting financial statements.
10. Discussion of related issues such as capital campaigns, special offerings, and discretionary funds.
11. Reporting requirements to the vestry, diocese, parish membership, and IRS.

Prerequisite reading – Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs.

This workshop is open to the public and made possible by the Rose Fund.