Our Ministry
Financial Management for Faith Communities
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QuickBooks set-up, training, and support
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Bookkeeping. Consultation, Payroll
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On-site Training, Remote access, Videos
About Us
More than twenty-five years of expertise
Since 1996, Karen McArthur has specialized in financial management for churches and faith communities, integrating her skills and study in math, economics, and theology. Following her education at Wellesley College and Harvard Divinity School, she was ordained by the United Church of Christ in 1987 and has provided pastoral leadership for five New England congregations, most recently focusing on stewardship. In addition, over the past forty years, she has served as Treasurer of nine non-profit organizations. Her ministry is based at First Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, UCC, where she serves as Minister of Stewardship and Finance. Rev. McArthur is available for consultation and training both in person and on-line. She is available to consult with Pastors and Finance Committees, train administrators, present to conferences, and lead workshops.
Our Team
REV. KAREN McARTHUR
JENNIFER BROSKY
VALERIE FINK
KAREN FISK
MARIANNE WILLIAMS
Testimonials
Latest news
Monthly Zoom for Finance
We host a monthly opportunity for treasurers, administrators, or clergy to meet to share questions or ideas on financial topics of interest. Usually third Thursdays, at 11am Eastern time. The
Deposit Insurance
How does the news about two recent bank collapses affect you, a church leader? It doesn’t…at least not directly, unless your church accounts are held at one of those banks.
Year-end Contributions 2022
As the end of the year approaches, it is important to document contributions properly, so that donors may deduct the charitable contribution on their income tax return. The proper dating
Year-end Contributions 2021
As the end of the year approaches, it is important to document contributions properly, so that donors may deduct the charitable contribution on their income tax return. This is especially
Employee Retention Credit Updates
As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued into 2021, the COVID-19 Relief that was signed on December 27, 2020 has changed the Employee Retention Credit, expanding it and making it more
Paycheck Protection Program – First and Second Draw
In late December, Congress passed Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, establishing parameters for expanding the Paycheck Protection Program to reopen it for initial loans
Paid Family & Medical Leave Opt-In Process
We have just received information on the process for a church or religious organization to opt in to the program, as posted on the PFML website: If you are
Annual Massachusetts Health Insurance Reporting Requirement — due by December 15
Health Insurance reform has changed from year to year, at both the federal and state levels. Effective November 2018, any Massachusetts employer with six or more employees is required to
Another PPP Simplification
On October 8th, the SBA released Form3508S, to be used by employers whose PPP loans were $50,000 or less. This form asks for your verification that all of the
Clergy Withholding and the new W-4
According to IRS rules, income tax withholding for ministers is voluntary. If you do not complete a W-4 form, or if you indicate “exempt”, no federal tax will be