Specialist Bookkeeping for Churches and Not for Profit Organisations

Financial Management for

Anglican Diocese of Sydney

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You will find information about the accounting package exclusive to Anglican Diocese of Sydney.

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Benkorp & the Anglican Diocese of Sydney

Introducing the Sydney Anglican Parish Accounting System (SAPAS)

Benkorp works with the Sydney Diocesan Secretariat finance team to develop and maintain the church accounting package specifically for the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.   The SAPAS Package has been used by many Parishes since it was first implemented in 1999.

Local churches have their own financial responsibilities as well as compliance with government and taxation requirements and reporting to the SDS Office.

Benkorp has significant experience and understanding of the requirements of church accounting. This experience is now applied to this project to help raise the standard of financial management for all Anglican Parishes in the Sydney Diocese.

We understand how demanding the responsibilities are in a local Parish and especially for volunteers and staff.

There is a solution for your Parish with some options for setup, training and ongoing support.

The SAPAS package is being used by many Parishes in this Diocese and there are more Parishes inquiring to take advantage of the benefits available. 

Reasons for looking at SAPAS now
• SAPAS is not being used already or you are not sure if you are using the standard SAPAS
• There is a new treasurer who wants to learn how to use the package
• It is time to implement some improvements for the local Parish finances.

What is SAPAS : Anglican Diocese of Sydney Accounting System Package?

It is the package specifically designed for use in all Parishes and churches in the Sydney Diocese.
SAPAS is built on the Xero accounting platform and designed to last for the long term.  It will provide you with full bookkeeping functionality as well as streamline your reporting, internal and external.
The SAPAS package is available now and has several options in the Package.

Read more in Service Descriptions and then follow the links to place your order for setup and training.

 

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Why use SAPAS ?

The Package enables your Parish to: 

  • maintain compliance for ATO and ACNC 
  • facilitate easy transfer for a new Treasurer 
  • access to experienced support for your treasurer and finance team 
  • use best practice of Xero for parish accounting 
  • use SDS standards for accounting

SAPAS has been developed and is maintained jointly by the Sydney Diocesan Secretariat (SDS) and Benkorp Management Services Pty Ltd (Benkorp).  

Benkorp is a Xero Gold Partner with extensive experience in church accounting. They have been assisting parishes handle their accounting and financial reporting requirements for over 20 years.

 The SAPAS Package includes  

  • the SDS standard chart of accounts and use of tracking categories 
  • reports suitable for reporting to SDS  
  • specialised training customised for the Sydney Diocese requirements and procedures
  • easy to use packages for new starters, whether transitioning from another accounting system (such as MYOB) or spreadsheets 
  • access to support for users including treasurers, bookkeepers and admin people, whether volunteers or staff 

 

Find out how to get started using this new package

Benkorp will set up a new fresh accounting system for your Parish and include features specifically for your local circumstances. 

There are several services being offered including the setup, training and ongoing support. 

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Do you need help with your bookkeeping and accounting?

Are you having any difficulty keeping up-to-date with the accounts or reporting?
Is your treasurer too busy to do all the bookkeeping, and needs help with reporting or the BAS?

Benkorp is available to provide all or part of your bookkeeping and accounting functions – regularly or during staff/volunteer absences.
READ MORE 

Do you want more assistance or training than is included in the standard package?

  • Are the accounts up-to-date and audit completed for the AGM?
  • Have all the BASs been submitted?
  • Are the expense claims for ministers and stafff being processed easily?  Are you using credit cards to simplify these processes?
  • Are your Parish’s annual financial reports ?

As part of this setup you could take the opportunity to catchup, be Xero trained and be well prepared for the future. 

From our Anglican Diocese of Sydney Customers

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“Our church has been working with Benkorp for over 10 years, in varying capacities. They have provided services from complete accounting & bookkeeping, to software and support, to advising and installing new products, to simply doing annual ‘roll-overs’ of our accounting software.
What has been particularly helpful is the way they are integrated with the accounting function of the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney. Benkorp’s SAPAS System of accounts is like a ‘one-stop’ shop – it meets all Diocesan, ACNC and our own financial information needs.
They are sensitive to the needs of churches, particularly smaller churches, and this has been a real blessing.
I happily recommend the team at Benkorp.”
Craig Segaert

St Nicolas Anglican Maroubra

“During the past 5 months Benkorp assisted in the installation of the Xero Accounting Software.  I have found Benkorp to be both courteous and professional, possessing a wide knowledge of the product.
My initial contact with Benkorp was generated through the Sydney Anglican Diocese and I would have no hesitation in recommending Benkorp to any client needing the services of a very professional accounting services organisation.”
Alan Newing

All Saints Anglican Figtree

“Our church finances were a mess. No one could understand the reports. The staff were not being paid properly.  Liabilities weren’t being recorded properly. We didn’t know if we were insolvent or not.  The only real indicator of how we were going was looking at the bank account – and it wasn’t looking good.   It was taking 20 staff days a month just to record our transactions….Benkorp had worked with not-for-profit organisations for decades and have much experience with Anglican churches and our particular peculiarities.  They spent time with us understanding our particular issues and procedures, and working with us to create a solution that works for us.
Now our staff are paid.  We know what our liabilities are.  The reports reflect the financial reality.  We can understand our accounts and know exactly what is happening….Benkorp set up the new system, helped us set up new financial procedures – and then trained our staff.  It couldn’t be simpler. Managing our finances used to take 20 days a month – now it took 4.  Stress across the organisation dropped considerably – and the church office almost became a place people would want to work!
If you haven’t gotten Benkorp to set you up – you’re not only wasting time and money, but stopping people from doing ministry.  Let the experts work out the money stuff.  Let the church serve.”Mike Doyle

 

Minister at Berala Anglican Church
Ex Campus Bible Study

“Benkorp helped us setup and use Xero – a big improvement to our church’s financial management”Jonathon Squire

Harrington Park Anglican

“Since having Benkorp process our accounts, we know that everything is done the way the diocese wants it done and at the end of the year, the audit has been very smooth.
We were not skeptical before using Benkorp as they had been very useful to our parish with sorting out our accounts and BAS details before we contracted their services permanently.
What settled the decision for us was that Benkorp is closely aligned with the Sydney Diocese Accounting process and provides a continuing service when the parish wardens are elected on an annual basis”

Edwina Waddy

St Peters Anglican Church – Cremorne

Benkorp's

Xero set up service

Benkorp provides services to set up a new Xero file for your organisation. We have already set up over 250 new Xero files.

There are 2 main methods:

  1. Start a new Xero file from scratch, or
  2. Migrate your existing data from your MYOB file to a new Xero file
START A NEW XERO FILE FROM SCRATCH
  1. This service includes starting a new ‘fresh’ Xero file. Is a great option if your organisation has just begun or you want an opportunity to start a fresh file because your old file has got out-of-hand with too many accounts and Jobs that you can’t delete or adjust.

    It is best to start a fresh Xero at the beginning of a financial year or at least the beginning of a quarter (BAS Period).

    We have 2 options for a new Xero file setup from scratch

    1A. Basic Xero Setup includes:

    • Import your chart of accounts (provided in Excel format), or your head office’s standard chart of accounts if it exists
    • Customise a standard Profit and Loss report and Balance Sheet report to suit your chart of accounts
    • Assistance will be provided to help you get your automatic bank feeds operating asap.
    • Instruction document providing instructions to export and import bank transactions for most major banks for the catch-up period. The catch-up period is the time between the start date of your new Xero file and the date the bank feeds begin

      Our fee for this service is $770 incl GST

    1B. Basic Plus setup includes:

    • All Basic Xero Set up items
    • Assistance to enter your opening balances (trial balance) – up to 3 hours

      Our fee for this service is $1090 incl GST

MIGRATE YOUR EXISTING DATA FROM MYOB TO XERO

    This process enables historical transactions to be migrated to your new Xero file.

    A standard migration includes importing up to 2 years of historical transactions, depending on the last “rollover” date.
    Migration can be done at any time during the year.
    Migration is a good option when you are reasonably happy with the transactions and the setup of your MYOB file.
    Many old accounts and jobs that have not been used for several years and that you have not been able to delete in MYOB will most likely be able to be deleted in Xero.
    The migration of additional years can also be purchased.

    A basic migration can be completed approximately 2 weeks after receipt of your MYOB data file.

    We use a 3rd party, Xero partner, JetConvert to migrate the data. We have successfully used JetConvert for many migrations.

    Standard Migration includes migration of the following from your MYOB file:

    • Up to 2 years of historical transactions - Current plus previous financial year historical transactions
    • Use of your existing chart of accounts
    • Contact details – some details are not migrated (click here for more details)
    • Inventory items
    • Jobs – up to 100
    • MYOB file up to

    Benkorp also:

    • facilitates and checks the process
    • Creates a custom standard Profit and Loss report and Balance Sheet based on your chart if accounts
    • Provides:
      • Assistance to help you get your automatic bank feeds operating asap.
      • An Instruction document providing instructions to export and import bank transactions for most major banks for the catch-up period. The catch-up period is the time between the start date of your new Xero file and the date the bank feeds begin

        Our fee for this service is $990 incl GST

     

    Additional fees if any of the following are required or exist:

    • 100 or more jobs to be migrated
    • More than 50 employees
    • More than current and previous financial years’ transactions are required
    • There is already a Xero file for your ABN
    • Other adjustments are required.
    • Accelerated service is required
    • The MYOB file is large – (350MB-800MB)
    • You are using an AccountEdge file
    • Xero payroll & employees set up for STP

    MYOB Files that can be converted:

    • AccountRight Live
    • AccountRight Enterprise (depending on how it has been used (AU only))
    • All other AccountRight versions
    • MYOB Premier & MYOB Basics
    • AccountEdge
    • MYOB NEW Essentials (AU Only)
    • MYOB Business (AU Only)

     NB we cannot perform this migration if any of the following exists in the MYOB file:

    • the file is over 800MB.
    • has complicated inventory eg negative inventory or Multi-Currency/locations
    • Files with negative inventory
    • Is an MYOB Essentials File
    • Includes WET/WEG taxes
    • Includes some unusual Tax Rates
    • there are more than 500 Jobs/Categories
    • the MYOB file is corrupted
    • the MYOB file version is too old
    • There are multiple deposits applied against an order
    • there may be other unforeseen reasons

     Some Items will not be migrated

    • Some contact details (click here for more details)
    • Budget details
    • Inventory transactions
    • Recurring
    • Any attachments
    • Bank Rules
    • Fixed Asset registers
    • Billable expenses against Clients in Xero
    • Standard income and standard purchase accounts for contacts 
    • Existing reports
    CONVERT XERO CHART OF ACCOUNTS TO CHURCH OR NFP
    • convert your current church Xero system to the Church or NFP Standard Chart of Accounts
    • includes conversation with your liaison person to confirm mapping (max 45 mins)
    • make adjustments to existing accounts eg Journals if required
    • review and correct Advanced and Organisation Settings as necessary

    Convert one existing Xero file to Church standard setup starting from $660 incl GST depending on the complexities within the file.

    Notes:

    • When there are complications in the Chart of Accounts, Tracking Categories and Opening balances, we will review and discuss with you - examples, COA very many accounts, >100 jobs.
    • If any of these matters arise, and additional services are necessary, we will discuss with you and obtain your agreement before we begin.
    • Additional fees, of $195 incl GST per hour, may apply and will be discussed with you before commencing.
    PAYROLL SETUP SERVICE

    Benkorp has many years of experience setting up and running payrolls for hundreds of churches and not-for-profit organisations.

    1. Payroll Basic setup includes:
           The basic payroll facility and settings, includes payroll categories, calendar/s, super funds
    • STP compliant

      Our fee for this service is $330 incl GST
    1. Payroll Full setup includes:
          Detailed payroll setup of individual employees, within the Basic setup settings, includes:
    • basic employee details
    • wages, deductions, leave, benefits
    • superannuation
    • payroll special benefits, such as salary sacrifice, Non-Cash Benefits, Ministers’ Expense Benefits
    • Carried forward balances

      Our fee for this service is:
      Employees with benefits, salary sacrifice: $195 per employee incl GST
      Employees without benefits: $145 per employee incl GST

    XERO REPORT CUSTOMISATION

    Create custom reports in Xero for your needds

    $195 inc GST  per hour. Minimum 1 hour.

    Order a Subscription and Set up

    Descriptions of the

    Bookkeeping and

    Accounting for Churches

    Ongoing Bookkeeping and Accounting

    The pain in DIY bookkeeping

    Bookkeeping and the work associated with it is often a chore for people around a church who feel bogged down week after week with paperwork,

    • BAS and compliance requirements for the ATO,
    • regular (monthly) finance reports,
    • payments to be made
    • customer invoices to be raised 

    This is the service that can free-up your volunteers and staff so that they can get on with the ministry and mission of your church

     

    The Benkorp bookkeeping service

    Using a bookkeeping service will alleviate the pressures on a local Church to find and retain their own bookkeeper, accountant and/or treasurer – whether that person is staff or volunteer.

    Our church clients find this very helpful because it is becoming increasingly difficult for churches to find members who have the time, capacity or expertise to maintain the bookkeeping and accounting.

    This is an increasingly complex area of church life and people don’t need to be stressed with these pressures.

    Members of the congregation want to enjoy church life and express their faith in serving people and the community.

     

    Up-to-date accounts and compliance

    Current and accurate accounts allows the church to

    • stay up-to-date with all the compliance updates such as ATO and ACNC,
    • make payments on time,
    • ensure that users of church facilities are invoiced for their usage and
    • monitor income offerings and donations,
    • prepare reports for local committees and the denominational head o

     

    Find out more now

    Simply contact the Benkorp Team to discuss your situation and requirements.

    Our team is ready to help you and your church so that your needs for proper financial management are well served.

     

    Fees for ongoing bookkeeping

    Based on your Requirements Questionnaire, Benkorp prepares a presentation for your church. After discussion and agreement with you a fee is agreed

    The fee is an annual fee for all services provided by Benkorp and then invoiced to the church monthly

     

    There are 2 Service Plan options:

    • Full Service - Benkorp maintains all the bookkeeping, finance compliance requirements and prepare regular reporting for the council/board
    • Shared Service - your church and Benkorp share the bookkeeping and accounting following an agreed schedule with clear processes

     

    Make life easier for the current  treasurer and the next treasurer

    Often the role is quite onerous and avoided by members of the church.

    Therefore, by implementing a plan for ongoing services the church management will make it much easier for your church to attract a treasurer. Using specialised outsourced services relieves that pressure and need for a treasurer to have bookkeeping, accounting and financial expertise. They can fulfil their role by liaising with this outsourcing service provided by Benkorp.

     

    Consider one of the 2 plans and discuss with us how your church could take advantage of the service

     

    1. FULL SERVICE BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING

    A complete online service provided by Benkorp, using the Xero Accounting system, including:

    • Income – offerings, donations, rentals and hires
    • Bill (supplier invoices) processing and payments
    • Bank entries
    • Bank reconciliations
    • Payroll processing and related requirements with employee portal
    • Superannuation
    • Month-end reconciliations
    • Reporting - local councils, boards, committees external obligations
    • ATO including BAS
    • Worker’s Compensation form completion
    • Liaise with, and prepare for, your financial year-end audit/assurance
    • Annual review meetings with your treasurer/team and more

    Book a Discovery Session with one of the Benkorp Team 

     

    1. JOINT/SHARED SERVICE BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING

    The local church is responsible for some of the basic administrative and bookkeeping functions using the Xero UCAP system.

    • This is a great way to save money if you have a savvy admin person on staff or volunteering.
    • Benkorp will complete the remaining financial management functions as agreed, and Benkorp provides the training and support to enable a team effort.

    Book a Discovery Session with one of the Benkorp Team 

     

    1. SPECIAL SERVICE ACCOUNTING

    At your request for Benkorp to work through accounting issues and troubleshooting.

    Relates to “technical” accounting and bookkeeping issues rather than simply Xero procedures. These maybe too difficult or complicated for your staff or volunteers to resolve without assistance.

    May include matters such as:

    • resolving reconciliation issues,
    • extended investigation and highlighting of problems with transactions,
    • matters arising from an assurance review, ongoing review or audit

    Clients with another form of Benkorp Agreement, fees $135 per hour

    Clients without another Benkorp Agreement, ie ad hoc, fees $150 per hour

    Note: if your church is not yet using Xero, this is the best opportunity to start.

    Simply complete an Order Form for a Standard Package

     

    Note: All prices Exclude GST

    Privacy and Contractual Policies

    All services provided by Benkorp are covered by our Terms and Conditions LINK

    Our liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Further information on the scheme is available from the Professional Standards Councils’: https://www.psc.gov.au/

    Book a Chat with one of the Benkorp team.