Leaders' responsibilities for record keeping

The stake president oversees stake record keeping and approves all stake expenses and payments. Likewise, the bishop oversees ward record keeping and approves all ward expenses and payments. The stake president and bishop may assign their counselors and clerks to do much of the record-keeping work under their direction. (For more detail, see Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 13.3.1, 13.4.1.)

Stake president's responsibilities for record keeping

The stake president is ultimately responsible for all record keeping in his stake.

Membership records	Make sure each ward’s membership records are audited each year. Make sure each ward submits the Quarterly Report on time. Sign Melchizedek Priesthood ordination certificates and make sure they are delivered.
Financial records	Approve all stake expenses. Approve the stake budget. Make sure that the stake audit committee is functioning and that financial audits are performed twice a year. Make sure each ward submits the annual Tithing Declaration Report on time.
Historical records	Oversee the preparation and submission of the stake Annual History.
Other record-keeping responsibilities	Make sure each ward has worthy and competent priesthood holders serving as clerks and assistant clerks. Make sure stake and ward leaders fulfill their record-keeping responsibilities. Make sure records are kept confidential.

Bishop's responsibilities for record keeping

The bishop is ultimately responsible for all record keeping in his ward.

Membership records	Update and correct membership records Prepare and submit the Quarterly Report Prepare, sign, and deliver ordinance certificates Correct problems identified in membership record audits
Financial records	Review and sign the Unit Financial Statement each month Process members’ donations Prepare the ward budget Review donation records with members Submit the annual Tithing Declaration Report Correct problems identified in financial audits
Historical records	Assign a clerk to compile the annual ward history Provide guidance and direction so the assignment can be completed
Other record-keeping responsibilities	Approve access rights in MLS Make sure Church records are kept confidential

See also

• Clerks overview
• Stake clerk
• Ward clerk