Volunteer Bookkeeper (Support for Financial Controller)
Purpose of the Role
Cornerstone Counselling exists to bring hope, stability, and compassionate support to our community. The Volunteer Bookkeeper plays a quiet but vital part in that mission. By supporting our Financial Controller with accurate, steady financial administration, you help ensure that every counselling session, every act of care, and every moment of support is backed by a strong and trustworthy foundation.
This role is ideal for someone who not only enjoys organised, detail‑focused work, but also has a genuine heart for mental health support and a passion for strengthening the wellbeing of individuals and families in our community. Your contribution would help make our counselling services accessible, sustainable, and rooted in integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Recording & Data Entry
- Enter income and expenditure into our accounting system (Xero) with accuracy and consistency.
- Maintain up‑to‑date digital and paper records for receipts, invoices, and payments.
Invoice & Payment Support
- Prepare and log supplier invoices for approval.
- Track outstanding payments and flag items requiring follow up.
- Assist with generating simple financial summaries for internal use.
Donation & Fundraising Tracking
- Record incoming donations from events, donations, sponsorship, and regular givers.
- Maintain donor spreadsheets and ensure entries match bank records.
- Support the issuing of thank‑you acknowledgements where needed.
Monthly & Quarterly Support Tasks
- Help prepare basic reports for trustees and the finance team.
- Assist our Financial Controller with month‑end checks and document organisation.
- Keep financial files tidy, accessible, and audit‑ready.
Gift Aid Reclaiming Support
- Assist the Financial Controller by maintaining accurate records of Gift Aid declarations from eligible donors.
- Support the preparation and submission of Gift Aid claims to HMRC, ensuring all documentation is complete and compliant.
- Help resolve Gift Aid queries by liaising with donors and the Financial Controller.
- Keep Gift Aid records organised and audit-ready, contributing to transparent and effective financial administration.
General Office Finance Support
- Maintain orderly digital folders and ensure documents are stored correctly and compliantly.
- Support the team with ad‑hoc admin tasks during busy periods.
- Uphold confidentiality and data‑protection standards at all times.
Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For
- A genuine heart for supporting mental health and a passion for strengthening the wellbeing of our local community.
- Comfortable with numbers and basic financial processes.
- Good attention to detail and a methodical approach.
- Familiarity with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets).
- Reliability, discretion, and a commitment to confidentiality.
- A calm, supportive presence who enjoys being part of a team.
Helpful but not essential – training can be provided.`
- Experience with bookkeeping or finance admin.
- Knowledge of Xero accounting system.
Time Commitment
- Ideally 4–8 hours per week, flexible around your availability.
- Can be completed remotely, depending on tasks.
Why This Role Matters
Accurate financial administration is the backbone of a healthy charity. By supporting our Financial Controller with the day‑to‑day bookkeeping, you’ll help ensure Cornerstone Counselling remains sustainable, transparent, and able to focus its energy where it matters most, supporting individuals and families in our community.