Volunteer Information Sheet
Member of an Audit Committee
To: The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, c/o Ms. Maria F. Manocchio
From: Name of volunteer:
Street
City State Zip Code
Telephone fax: email:
Home Congregation name Town
Deanery
Term: Please indicate below by checking the term of service you have selected:
Three Years Two Years One Year
(2015-2016-2017) (2015-2016) (2015 only)
(Note: by agreeing to serve you do not commit to serve on any particular panel or at a time or place which is not agreeable to you.)
Independence Declaration (refer to the back of this form for a discussion of “independence”:
I do not consider myself independent with respect to the following congregation(s), (if any):
Name Town
Skills and Experience:
Please identify your skills and experience below. (refer to the back of this form for further information):
Check here if you have served on an audit committee panel before:
Future Training:
Check here if you would like to teach other volunteers how to audit:
Check here if you would like to receive further training in serving on an audit committee:
Signed:
Please return this form by mail to:
Ms. Maria F. Manocchio
Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
1064 Brighton Road
Tonawanda, NY 14150
or
This form may be returned by fax to: (716) 881-1724
Additional Information for Volunteer Auditors
What is an audit?
An audit is a formal periodic checking of the accounts and financial records of the congregation:
(i) To “attest” to the reliability (affirm their truthfulness; bear witness to their validity) to the persons who are relying on the congregation’s management to exercise good stewardship.
(ii) To determine the “fairness” of the financial statements. This goes beyond mere correctness to
examine if all disclosures have been made to inform users of the financial statement of all material facts and circumstances which they are entitled to or would expect to know.
(iii) To test the accounting system to see if adequate procedures are in place to enable the management
(a) to safeguard resources against waste, fraud and inefficiency;
(b) to promote accuracy and reliability in accounting and operating data; and
(c) to encourage and measure compliance with congregation policies, donor designations and internal restrictions on the use of funds.
The stewardship of church resources is of concern to the entire church. An audit report is addressed not only to the congregation but also to the wider church in the person of the Bishop. An audit report does not only “attest” to the accuracy and reliability of the last year but looks to the future by making recommendations to improve the system and encourage the use of “best practices” in financial matters.
What audit procedures are used?
A good source for congregation audit committees is Chapter VI “Audit Guidelines for Congregations” of The Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs, published by ECUSA. That chapter contains an audit program checklist, instructions for audit program and sample audit committee findings. The web site of the diocese: contains information for audit committee guidance.
What is Independence?
Each member of the audit committee should be “independent” of both decision-making and financial record-keeping functions of the congregation that is under audit by the panel. The “decision making” functions of a congregation are considered to have been made by the rector or vicar, the wardens, and the paid employees of the congregation. Individual members of the vestry or mission council, are part of the “leadership” and therefore participate collectively in decision making. But they are no automatically disqualified on the grounds of independence by virtue of election or service. However, they are not encouraged to become members of the audit committee of their congregation if sufficient others are available to serve.
The “financial record keeping” functions are considered to be performed by those people who function as administrator, parish secretary, bookkeeper, or treasurer. Persons who are “offering counters” are not automatically disqualified on the grounds of independence by virtue of such service, but they are not encouraged to become members of the audit committee for their congregation if sufficient others are available to serve.
Persons who are married to or members of the immediate family of, the persons who are disqualified in the manner described above are also disqualified by reason of the marital or blood relationship.
What do you mean by skills or experience?
You do not have to be an accountant or an auditor to serve on an audit committee. Your qualification also does not relate to your theological perspective - you do not have to be Episcopalian or even Christian. But it is helpful if you understand the polity, processes and mission of an Episcopal congregation. Each member of an audit committee should have sufficient financial skills and experience to conduct a competent audit. Relevant formal education, prior service on an audit committee, training provided by the diocese, are indications of competence, as is secular employment in areas of finance or financial statements.
Will I be paid for my services?
No. This is a non-stipendiary ministry. The congregation may make provision to reimburse you for out-of pocket costs you incur, if any, and may compensate you for travel costs.