Church bookkeeping services for every size of congregation.
Not every church needs an outsourced bookkeeper. Every church needs a system it will actually use. Bellwether offers three paths, so a church of 40 or a church of 4,000 can both keep good books.
Compare your options
Every engagement starts with a complimentary review before we recommend anything, we look at how money comes in, who counts it, who signs checks, and who reconciles the bank accounts. Most churches discover at least one gap in their internal controls. We help you close it, whichever service you choose.
We keep the books for you
Best for: churches that want a dedicated professional on the job
Get StartedYou do the books, we equip you
Best for: small churches with a willing volunteer or secretary
Start with GoodBooksOrder on paper
Best for: very small churches starting from scratch
Get the record bookNot sure which fits?
Book a free consultation and we’ll recommend the right one.
A second set of eyes on your church’s finances
Not every church needs ongoing bookkeeping, but every church benefits from an expert review. Through secure access to your records and video meetings with your team, we deliver the insight of a traditional on-site review with less disruption, no travel costs, and clear written recommendations you can act on.
Starting at: $750
A complete remote review of your church’s financial health.
What’s included:
- ✓ Secure access to your online accounting software (or shared reports)
- ✓ Video meetings with key personnel
- ✓ Review of financial statements, contributions, expenses, bank reconciliations and internal controls
- ✓ Written findings and practical recommendations
Starting at: $500
Build a new church budget, or get an expert analysis of the one you have.
What’s included:
- ✓ Secure access to your financial software or shared budget documents
- ✓ Video meetings with key leaders to discuss goals, priorities and constraints
- ✓ Collaborative development of a realistic budget, or a thorough analysis of your current one
- ✓ Clear recommendations and a polished budget summary, delivered electronically
Starting at: $750
Find and close the gaps that put your church’s money and people at risk.
What’s included:
- ✓ Secure access to your financial software, policies and key documents
- ✓ Video meetings with key personnel to understand current processes
- ✓ Evaluation of controls over contributions, cash handling, expenses, payroll and financial reporting
- ✓ Written findings with practical recommendations, delivered electronically
Starting at: $300
Design or refine your chart of accounts for clearer reports and better fund tracking.
What’s included:
- ✓ Secure access to your current chart of accounts, software setup and sample reports
- ✓ Video meetings with finance staff and leadership to understand reporting needs and fund structures
- ✓ Evaluation of accounts for contributions, restricted funds, ministries, payroll and administrative expenses
- ✓ Written recommendations with a proposed chart of accounts, numbering system and implementation guidance
Tell us which review you need, share secure access to your software or documents. You’ll receive written findings and practical recommendations electronically. All fees are starting prices based on your church’s size and complexity, and we’ll confirm your price before any work begins.
The book every church board should read
Preventing Fraud in Church Accounting
Preventing Fraud in Church Accounting, Second Edition, by Lee Ann Crockett, Retired CPA. A short, practical guide your leadership can finish in one committee meeting.
$62 billion: estimated lost worldwide to fraud and embezzlement from Christian giving in 2023 (Center for the Study of Global Christianity)
Budget accountability. How creating and reviewing the budget keeps every ministry leader accountable
No one is immune to temptation, and the strongest deterrent is the fear of getting caught. Good controls protect your money and the people who handle it.
ANALYTICS OVERVIEW
5
Key Lessons
Formats
Kindle or paperback
Preventing Fraud in Church Accounting · by Lee Ann Crockett, Retired CPA
For pastors and ministry staff
Pastor Pay and Taxes
Clergy are taxed unlike any other employee. We help churches set up pastor pay correctly, and help pastors stay compliant and keep more of what they earn.
SECA tax compliance. Planning for self-employment tax so pastors aren’t caught off guard
Salary structures. Guidance on structuring the full pay, including salary, housing and reimbursements
Real-time tracking. Monitor housing allowance and SECA-related expenses year-round, not just at tax time
Cloud storage. A secure platform built for licensed and commissioned clergy, so every receipt lives in one place
PASTOR PAY & TAXES, DONE RIGHT
Built for licensed and commissioned clergy · Led by CPAs who serve churches
Common questions about Bellwether Church Solutions.
What’s the best accounting software for a small church?
For most small churches on a cash basis, we recommend Xero (through GoodBooks). Larger churches that want a bookkeeper on the file do well with QuickBooks Online through our full-service plan.
Do we keep control of our church’s money and data?
Yes. The church owns its data, approves all payments, and has 24/7 access to its books. You can export your data anytime.
Do you prepare year-end contribution statements?
Yes. Full-service clients receive annual donor contribution statements and 1099 vendor reporting.
Do you work with churches outside your area?
Yes. Our bookkeeping is fully virtual, so we serve churches and nonprofits across the U.S.
Do you also serve nonprofits?
Yes. Our processes fit ministries, associations and other faith-based nonprofits, not only churches.
Ready for books you can trust?
Book a free consultation. We will review how your church handles its finances today and recommend the simplest path forward.