Charity Digital Academy: How to manage charity finances

Finance can feel daunting, with the confusing terminology and frustrating processes. Charities of all shapes and sizes find themselves struggling with finances, which can cause myriad problems: lack of transparency, absent accountability, reduced efficiency, inaccurate reporting, and so on.

This course aims, in just three hours, to help you make sense of your finances. It provides a simple, straightforward, plain-English introduction, covering budgeting, reporting, governance, sustainability, futureproofing, and so much more. In two back-to-back sessions, each lasting approximately 80 minutes, the course offers key insights into the essential elements of charity finance.

The first session is based around budgeting. It will look at how charities can keep finances under control, avoid poor decision-making, and promote long-term viability. The second session digs a little deeper, exploring income diversification, cash flow control, and internal and external reporting. And there will be plenty of time to ask questions and discuss issues relevant to your own organisation.

Who is the course suited to:

The workshop is perfect for any charity professional interested in finances or looking to improve their financial planning and reporting skills. You don’t have to be a finance expert to join us. The course is a safe space to ask questions of the presenter and your peers.

Detail about the sessions:

Session 1: A guide to effective budgeting and sustainability

• The basics, benefits, and importance of budgeting
• How to create an effective budget
• What are variances and how do we report them?
• The fundamentals of financial sustainability
• A brief look at the need for strategic thinking

Break (20 mins)

Session 2: Financial management and financial reporting

• Understanding fixed and variable costs
• The basics of cash flow and cashflow forecasting
• Cost control
• Income diversification
• Internal and external charity finance reporting
• The Trustees Annual Report & Accounts (TARA)