How to Help Your Church Accountant Go from Good to Great

Many Churches Have a Great Accountant—But Is That Enough?

So many churches we talk to have a great accountant—someone who reliably handles the books and keeps things running. But often, church leaders aren’t sure how to help their accountant take the next step—using financial data to strengthen the church’s financial health and systems.

We often hear that accountants are great at execution but struggle to zoom out and see the bigger picture of what the numbers are really saying. Some may also resist exploring new tools that could make financial management easier and more effective.

What If Your Accounting Process Could Be Even Better?

Imagine if:

• You received financial reports just days after the month ended.
• Your staff got weekly updates on their budgets, helping them manage funds more effectively.
• You eliminate hours spent on receipt management, freeing your team to focus on ministry.
• Financial reports were so clear that even non-financial board members could easily understand them.

These improvements aren’t just wishful thinking—they’re possible for any church. The challenge is that many accountants simply don’t know what they don’t know. Most have worked for only one or two churches in their careers, meaning their experience is often limited. That’s where we come in.

Four Simple Steps to Elevate Your Accountant’s Impact

Improving your church’s financial processes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and a willingness to adapt, your accountant can move from simply managing numbers to optimizing your church’s financial future. Here’s how:

1. Bring in a Church Finance Expert

Consider hiring a short-term church finance consultant—not to replace your accountant, but to provide expert guidance. Over six to twelve months, they can introduce best practices used by successful churches and help streamline your financial processes.

2. Be Open to New Ideas

Many churches get stuck in the mindset of, "This is how we’ve always done it." But if you want better results, you need to be open to fresh approaches. Listen to expert advice, explore modern financial tools, and be willing to make changes that could benefit your church.

3. Give Time for Implementation

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Just as crafting a great sermon takes time and preparation, transitioning to better financial systems requires thoughtful planning. Give your accountant the runway they need to implement new processes effectively.

4. Focus on One Improvement at a Time

It’s easy to get excited about improvements and try to implement everything at once, but too much change too quickly can backfire. Instead, focus on one strategic improvement at a time to ensure each transition is successful.

Final Thoughts

Your church’s financial systems have the potential to be more efficient, transparent, and beneficial for your leadership team. By making small, strategic changes, you can empower your accountant to take your church’s finances to the next level.

If you’re ready to explore how to improve your church’s financial processes, we have two open spots for this service—one beginning in April and one in May. Schedule a call with Church Central Office today to learn how we can help your accountant implement best practices and create a more effective financial system for your church.

Click here to book a call and take the first step toward financial clarity and confidence.