The National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s College of Commerce (SJCC), Bengaluru, under SJCC Academic Consultancy Services, organised an eight-day Financial Administration Course from 17–24 August 2026 at NBCLC.

The programme was designed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of priests, religious superiors, procurators, accountants, treasurers, finance officers and institutional leaders involved in the financial administration of religious and charitable institutions. The course focused on financial management, accounting, auditing, taxation, banking, legal compliance and the administration of temporal goods in the Church.

The eight-day programme covered a wide range of relevant topics. The sessions included institutional governance, budgeting, accounting systems, FCRA compliance, Income Tax, cash-flow management, auditing, risk management, GST, TDS, PF, ESI, Professional Tax, Labour Codes and banking and investments. Particular emphasis was placed on internal financial controls, transparency, accountability and audit preparedness.

A significant component of the course was the canonical perspective on the administration of temporal goods. Fr. Jason Furtado, SJ, and Fr. Harry Noel Terry, SJ, guided the participants through the canonical responsibilities of juridical persons, ordinary and extraordinary administration, alienation of temporal goods and the role of Church personnel in financial administration.

The programme also included a technical session on statutory and financial audits, where Mr. Harish Kumar explained the five key audit assertions—existence, completeness, valuation, rights and obligations, and cut-off. Practical examples and case studies helped participants connect financial principles with their day-to-day responsibilities.

On the sixth day, the participants visited St. Joseph’s College of Commerce (SJCC). They were warmly welcomed by the Principal, Rev. Dr. Charles Lasrado, SJ, and the faculty. The participants were introduced to the history, achievements and academic development of the institution through presentations and media highlights, followed by a guided campus tour, refreshments and a group photograph. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for institutional interaction and learning.

The final day focused on financial statement analysis for charitable institutions, including cash-flow statements, financial sustainability, surplus cash management, dependence on donations and ratio analysis. Participants were encouraged to use financial information effectively for planning, decision-making and the long-term sustainability of their institutions.

The course successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of financial transparency, accountability, compliance, responsible stewardship and efficient administration of institutional resources. The combination of expert inputs, practical sessions, case studies, discussions and institutional exposure made the programme both enriching and relevant to the participants’ ministries and responsibilities.

We sincerely thank NBCLC and St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, for organising this valuable capacity-building programme. We are grateful to all the resource persons for sharing their expertise and practical experience. We also appreciate the organisers, coordinators, staff and participants for their dedicated efforts, active participation and cooperation throughout the programme.

The course concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting financial responsibility, transparency, accountability and good stewardship in religious and charitable institutions.