Accounting

The Accounting Office manages the mandatory system of Central Financing that is established within the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
 
In parishes, schools, and other public juridic persons subject to the administrative authority of the bishop of Baton Rouge, fiscal accountability and bookkeeping is maintained in accord with the norms issued by the diocesan Finance Office.  
 
All parishes, schools, and other public juridic persons subject to the administrative authority of the bishop of Baton Rouge must participate in it. Groups dependent upon such institutions (e.g., parochial youth groups, altar societies, home-and-school associations, and school booster clubs) similarly must participate. 
 
All surplus funds are to be deposited with the diocesan Deposit and Loan Fund. Surplus funds are defined as those exceeding what can reasonably be projected for the coming month’s expenses. These funds on deposit shall earn interest at a variable rate announced by the diocesan Finance Office. Under no circumstances may these funds be kept in another kind of savings account, certificate of deposit, money market fund, treasury bill or bond, etc., or loaned to any individual or group, without the explicit written consent of the local Ordinary. Exceptions to participation in the program of diocesan Central Financing will not be made, although after written approval of the bishop of Baton Rouge, new or existing trust and endowment funds (excluding cemetery and mausoleum funds) may be established with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.