At Emerson, finances are handled by a large team of volunteers who each provide a valuable service to the church and together keep the finances humming along.

Key to this process is the Controller and the Deputy Controller who together are responsible for the financial operations of the church and the maintenance of accurate and secure financial records. Core to their success is their ability to recruit and train volunteers (currently more than 15 folks) for the Finance Team (FT) who handle the daily functions such as counting the Sunday contribution, depositing funds into the checking account, keeping QuickBooks updated and reconciled with the checking, preparing and distributing the monthly financial statements, providing the final approval on check requisitions, keeping track of numerous details (such as making sure annual filings are completed timely with various agencies, the insurance is kept updated and renewed, and the procedure manual is updated. The FT supports the Finance Manager who develops the annual budget and oversees the annual canvass. The FT also maintains records of pledges, pledge payments and other contributions of records and sends out quarterly pledge statements to members and friends. The FT works with other volunteers and staff, including the Director of Religious Education, the Plant Manager and various committee chairs regarding their budgeted expenses. The FT is also responsible for issuing employee paychecks, vendor checks, and 1099s. The FT meets from time to time to coordinate their efforts.

The other key leader responsible for the financial success of Emerson is the Finance Manager who has responsibility for annual budgeting (along with the team of Managers), the annual canvass, and fundraising. Critical to this position is the ability to recruit new volunteers each year for these seasonal activities, ensuring there is transition from the prior year and inspiring a new effort in the current year.  The Finance Manager is a member of the Executive, and also coordinates with the other Managers in managing the administrative affairs of the church. Currently the church is recruiting both a Finance Manager and a Co-Finance Manager, as well as canvass co-chairs for next year.

The Fund Custodian has custody of Emerson’s investment funds and meets with the Treasurer, who is the other member of the Investment Committee, from time to time to review investment performance and manage the investments. The investments have been key to the Mortgage Reduction Initiative, a program implemented in 2014 with the goal of paying off the mortgage by June 2016, and to funding some of the monthly payments on the mortgage in the current fiscal year, allowing the church to achieve a break-even budget while supporting its staff and programs.

Last, with oversight for all the church finances, is the Treasurer who is also a member of the board. The Treasurer supervises the Controller, is the Finance Manager’s liaison with the board, and sits on the Investment Committee. The Treasurer is also chair of the Mortgage Reduction Initiative which had a successful campaign to solicit donations, helping to ensure the mortgage is paid off five years ahead of schedule. The Treasurer provides transparency to the church finances to all the members via articles to the Leaves newsletter and finance presentations at church meetings. The current Treasurer has held this position for four years, helping to uphold a tradition of gratitude in the financial management of Emerson UU Church.

Emerson holds an annual fall fundraiser, a silent and live auction featuring items that many of the church’s members create or contribute such as game nights, home made dinners, outings, art classes, meditation classes, etc.  In the spring is the annual church canvass where members pledge to donate throughout the year.  Smaller fundraisers include concerts, theatrical performances, family dances, and special sales.

Canvass Materials

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012

Investment Committee Reports

• 2016 (Synopsis)
• 2015
• 2011-2014

Investment Funds Regulation

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Marilyn Kaufman Memorial Fund

• Gift Agreement
• Congregational Vote

Profit & Loss Reports

• Fiscal Year 2015
• Fiscal Year 2014
• Fiscal Year 2013
• Fiscal Year 2012
• Fiscal Year 2011

Cash Flow Reports

• June 30th, 2015
• June 30th, 2014
• June 30th, 2013
• November 30th, 2012
• June 30th, 2012