Financial Management for Small NGOs

Description

This course is designed for programme staff and managers who find themselves responsible for financial management – often with little formal training. It covers basic bookkeeping, cash handling, and financial controls appropriate for small NGOs with limited administrative capacity. The course focuses on building simple, sustainable systems rather than complex accounting theory. Learners will gain practical skills in recording income and expenses, managing petty cash, and preparing basic financial reports. It also covers the distinction between restricted and unrestricted funds – a critical concept for grant compliance. By the end, learners will be able to set up a basic bookkeeping system, implement simple internal controls, and prepare a monthly financial summary. This is an essential course for anyone managing finances in a small NGO.

What will you learn

• Set up a basic bookkeeping system using spreadsheets or simple accounting software.

• Implement simple internal financial controls appropriate for a small organisation.

• Understand the difference between restricted and unrestricted funds and manage them accordingly.

• Prepare a simple monthly financial summary for management and donor reporting.

• Manage petty cash effectively and reconcile cash transactions.

• Identify and prevent common financial risks, including fraud.

• Build confidence in handling NGO finances without a formal accounting background.

Requirements

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