By Brian C. Loose, CPA, Anders + CPA Advisors

The Finance Committee is a vital part of any not-for-profit organization, but the position often comes with some unknowns. Determining responsibilities as a Finance Committee member is necessary for securing the financial health of the organization. Members have a fiduciary duty to ensure the financial matters of the organization are in line with the mission of that organization.

Below are six of the main responsibilities of Finance Committee members:

1. Maintaining accurate and complete financial records
   The Finance Committee’s most important role is to ensure the records of the organization are accurate and complete. It’s important to review all available information and compare to prior year information, budgeted balances or other useful benchmarks. Ask questions if the data is not in line with what is expected.

2. Preparing and presenting accurate, timely and meaningful financial statements to the board. The board is tasked with making decisions that effect the operations of the organization, so they need the latest and best information. Relevant and accurate financials allow them to make decisions properly with more time to react. Outdated information is hard to react to, as new circumstances have already arisen, and there is a possibility it is too late to correct something that could be harmful.

3. Helping the board understand the organization’s finances
   In addition to presenting information to the board, the board needs to be able to understand the finances of the organization. Some financial reports provide a great deal of data, and it can be helpful for the Finance Committee to highlight important information. Helping the board interpret the numbers will allow them to ask more meaningful questions. A deeper understanding of the finances helps the board plan for the future more accurately.

4. Budgeting and anticipating financial problems
   The budget is a blueprint for the upcoming fiscal period, and sets a guide for spending in the upcoming year. The Finance Committee should receive input from all decisions makers to allow the budget to carry out the mission of the upcoming year. It’s also important that the Finance Committee anticipate costs that may not be mission related, but be necessary for operations, and plan accordingly.

5. Safeguarding the organization’s assets
   The Finance Committee needs to ensure the assets of the organization are properly maintained. This can be done by implementing proper accounting policies and procedures, and incorporating internal controls. The internal controls procedures need to be regularly reviewed so they are working properly to safeguard assets.

6. Complying with federal, state and other reporting requirements
   There is the potential the organization has multiple reporting requirements, and the Finance Committee is responsible for making sure all requirements are met. These requirements can affect the organization’s tax status, eligibility for grants and contributions or have other legal and financial implications.

Becoming a member of a not-for-profit Finance Committee is a great responsibility, but the most important thing is to ask questions, review everything thoroughly and don’t hesitate to ask for help to understand your role. Learn more about the Anders Not-for-Profit team or contact an Anders advisor to find out how we can help your organization.

Disclaimer: LEAD for Pollinators, Inc. is not a CPA or attorney. For legal and accounting advice consult a licensed attorney or accountant.