On Track - The Treasurer Role

As a new, or even not so new, treasurer you might wonder what exactly it is you are meant to do. This workshop covers what your responsibilities are, and aren’t.

A treasurer’s main job is to make sure the board/committee gets financial information that is accurate and fit for decision-making, and to take the lead in budgeting. This involves having a bookkeeping system that can easily produce good information, being able to explain what it all means, and having some processes that keep the organisation’s assets safe. It does absolutely not mean you should do everything involving money yourself.

The workshop explains some of the basics of bookkeeping and budgeting, and safeguards for your money and other assets, including spreading responsibilities. It also clarifies the legal expectations on all governance members with respect to finances.

This workshop is presented by Harald Breiding-Buss of Community Capacity Accounting, a not-for-profit working with about 500 community organisations providing end-of-year financial reports, audits and reviews, training, and hands-on help in financial and governance matters. Their work is heavily subsidised for small groups, and often free.

Harald has worked in small not-for-profits for most of his working life, and understands governance and accounting not just from the perspective of how the ‘experts’ want it done, but also what is actually happening on the ground and is realistic. As part of CCA he has excellent networks with all major funders in the region and understands their perspective and requirements well.

Aimed at Treasurers in particular, but other Board/committee members would also benefit.