Which callings can access MLS data online

[heblemm]

Why are financial clerks excluded from access to clerk resources? I realize that as a financial clerk my primary responsibility is financial, but I frequently assist in membership as well. For example, I had to do the quarterly report last month as our ward clerk was out from surgery. If the church really is transitioning to have all MLS functions online, this will be a hindrance to financial clerks being able to assist in other areas when needed. The same would go for membership clerks needing access to the financial side when needed.

[aebrown]

Why are financial clerks excluded from access to clerk resources? I realize that as a financial clerk my primary responsibility is financial, but I frequently assist in membership as well. For example, I had to do the quarterly report last month as our ward clerk was out from surgery. If the church really is transitioning to have all MLS functions online, this will be a hindrance to financial clerks being able to assist in other areas when needed. The same would go for membership clerks needing access to the financial side when needed.

If your bishop wants you to perform functions other than financial, then you need to have the standard calling of "Ward Assistant Clerk". That could be instead of, or in addition to, your current calling.

[russellhltn]

Why are financial clerks excluded from access to clerk resources?

First off, none of the decision-makers are here on the forum, so we don't know for sure. But we can tell you that there are currently no financial functions on-line. So there is no need for a financial-only person to get into the clerk resources.

I think a broader answer is to prevent "too many cooks in the kitchen" syndrome. You don't want too many people to have rights to membership information/functions.

Since you are doing things outside of the financial area, I'd suggest you discuss with the stake about being added as a just "Assistant Clerk" without the " - Financial". I believe that will allow you to have access to the tools. You can keep the "- Financial" calling so anyone looking for the Finance clerk will know who to call.

[scgallafent]

What aebrown and russellhltn said. The information on assistant clerk assignments is in Handbook 1, 13.4.3. All assistant clerks are not the same. The software allows you to make those distinctions and then handles permissions based on current policy. Note that there is a distinction in the handbook regarding clerks assigned to finances that does not apply to other assistant clerks.

I suggest you review that with your bishop, clarify assignments, and then the calling and permissions assigned in MLS should reflect the result. If you're assisting in areas other than finance, you're doing more than just "Ward Assistant Clerk--Finance." My assignment is "Ward Assistant Clerk--Membership." I don't have any finance rights in MLS and I don't have to stay late after church.

[FlintCrump]

I hope this is a simple question but I am having trouble searching through the forums to find out if it has already been answered.

I know that clerks can access quite a lot of MLS functionality online. Which other callings presently are able to access MLS functionality such as detailed ward lists and member records online?

I get chased a lot by ward leaders to give them up to date ward lists. I London people are constantly moving in and out so the ward list and member records are changing all the time. I would rather not get too bogged down in sending out updated ward lists if I can try and get as many leaders to have access to the ward list directly. I am already trying to make sure all the key leaders have an MLS account for the computer but fear that on Sunday the computer is likely to be hogged by the clerks and bishopric and those with other computers will struggle to get any time on it.

If presently only the bishopric and clerks have access then at least I know and will try and make the best of it.

[FlintCrump]

Sorry about that last post. I haven't used this system much. Below is what I meant to do:

I would rather not get too bogged down in sending out updated ward lists if I can try and get as many leaders to have access to the ward list directly.

IN RESPONSE: I would refer members and leaders to access the ward list on the smartphone app LDS Tools. It has helped relieve that issue.

Keep up the valiant work you are doing!