Taking over the role as volunteer treasurer of an NFP can be a daunting task. Often it can be difficult to know where to start. Being organised is vital to your role as your accounts need to be balanced, and all monies accounted for. Healthy and accurate finances will ensure that your charity can achieve its mission.

Sorting out your basic supply checklist can help you run a smooth office. Here are some of the things you will need on a day to day basis.

Pens, pencils and notepads

Make sure that you have plenty of pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes and notebooks to get you through the day. Pens have a habit of disappearing so make sure you have an ample supply of blues, blacks and reds to fulfil your needs and keep your to-do list up to date. While most things are electronic – having notepads to jot down notes and cross off things on your list is incredibly satisfying and helpful.

Binders and a hole punch

Depending on the systems used, there is undoubtedly a system which requires a series of binders for filing. Double check that you have enough to move forward and that you have a hole punch ready to go. Having to hunt down these things when you need them can be terribly frustrating and slow you down.

Calculator

You wouldn’t be much of a volunteer treasurer without a fully functional calculator. While most computers and laptops have a calculator app, it is worth having a separate one on your desk to do those quick calculations.

Calendar

Make sure you have a calendar – either a paper or an electronic version will suffice. Keep a tab of all your filing requirements and other important dates, so you don’t get charged late fees and penalties. Check and update it regularly.

Money tins and cash-related books

Make sure that you have supplies to be able to offer receipts, write and deposit the cheques, store the money until you can deposit it into a bank. An efficient volunteer treasurer is one who can represent their charity in the best way possible.

Up to date software

Having easy to use and informative software will be the backbone of your role. Reliable financial information is important when it comes to your charity’s decision-making. Admin Bandit has a number of packages to suit non-profits of all shapes and sizes.

Regardless of who you report to, or even how regularly, maintaining accurate and up to date accounts is imperative for the smooth running of your volunteer office. Go over your checklist and make sure you have everything to start 2017 off on the right foot.

What other tools and supplies have you found helpful?