Association Treasurer Course

Lesson 1 • Defining the Treasurer's Position

Covers the legal and organisational basis for the treasurer role. Connects governance documents to day-to-day financial accountability.

Lesson 2 • Working with Staff and Volunteers

Explains how the treasurer collaborates with paid staff and volunteer committees. Clarifies boundaries between oversight and operational involvement.

Lesson 3 • Transition and Succession Planning

Addresses handoff procedures when a treasurer's term ends. Ensures continuity of financial knowledge and access.

Lesson 1 • Cash Flow Concepts

Distinguishes cash flow from net income and explains why associations can be profitable yet cash-poor. Prepares students for cash management topics in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Reading the Statement of Financial Position

Teaches interpretation of assets, liabilities, and net assets on the balance sheet equivalent. Connects balance sheet literacy to treasurer decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Chart of Accounts Setup

Explains how to organise income and expense categories for an association. A well-structured chart of accounts enables accurate reporting and budgeting.

Lesson 4 • Nonprofit Accounting Principles

Introduces accrual versus cash basis accounting and fund accounting concepts. Provides the conceptual framework for all subsequent financial topics.

Lesson 1 • Estimating Expenses

Teaches cost categorisation and estimation techniques for personnel, programmes, and overhead. Connects expense planning to realistic operational capacity.

Lesson 2 • Budget Planning Process

Outlines the annual calendar and stakeholder involvement needed to create a budget. Establishes budgeting as a governance-driven, not just financial, process.

Lesson 3 • Estimating Revenue

Covers methods for projecting membership dues, event income, sponsorships, and grants. Accurate revenue estimates prevent over-commitment of resources.

Lesson 4 • Budget Presentation and Approval

Guides the treasurer in presenting the draft budget clearly to the board. Effective presentation builds board confidence and speeds approval.

Lesson 1 • Disbursement Controls

Covers approval workflows for invoices, check signing, and electronic payments. Prevents unauthorised or duplicate payments.

Lesson 2 • Cash Handling Procedures

Establishes safe practices for receiving, counting, and depositing cash and checks. Reduces theft and error risk at the point of collection.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Internal Control

Defines segregation of duties, authorisation, and documentation as core control principles. Frames controls as risk management tools, not bureaucratic obstacles.

Lesson 4 • Fraud Prevention and Detection

Identifies common fraud schemes targeting associations and the controls that deter them. Students can assess vulnerability and implement targeted safeguards.

Lesson 1 • Bank Reconciliation

Teaches the monthly process of reconciling bank statements to the general ledger. Reconciliation catches errors and unauthorised transactions early.

Lesson 2 • Cash Flow Management

Explains how to forecast short-term cash needs and manage timing of receipts and payments. Prevents cash shortfalls during low-revenue periods.

Lesson 3 • Reserve Fund Management

Defines operating and capital reserves and explains how to set target levels. Adequate reserves protect the association from unexpected financial shocks.

Lesson 4 • Investment Oversight Basics

Introduces prudent investor principles and the treasurer's oversight role for longer-term funds. Students can evaluate investment policy statements and monitor manager performance.

Lesson 1 • Payroll and Employment Tax Obligations

Addresses employer tax withholding, deposits, and reporting for associations with paid staff. Payroll tax errors carry significant penalties and personal liability.

Lesson 2 • Sales Tax and Other Regulatory Filings

Covers sales tax exemption certificates, event-related tax obligations, and state registration renewals. Compliance with these obligations prevents fines and loss of good standing.

Lesson 3 • Annual Information Return Filing

Covers the annual informational return required of most tax-exempt organisations and its key schedules. Timely and accurate filing protects the association's public standing.

Lesson 4 • Tax-Exempt Status Fundamentals

Explains the basis for nonprofit tax exemption and the activities that can threaten it. Grounds compliance work in a clear understanding of the exemption's conditions.

Lesson 1 • Presenting Financials to Non-Financial Directors

Teaches techniques for translating numbers into narrative that board members can act on. Effective presentation reduces confusion and improves board decision quality.

Lesson 2 • Designing the Monthly Financial Package

Identifies the core reports and supporting schedules that belong in every board packet. A consistent package builds board financial literacy over time.

Lesson 3 • Communicating Financial Concerns

Guides the treasurer in raising financial red flags constructively and escalating serious issues. Timely communication prevents small problems from becoming crises.

Lesson 4 • Year-End Financial Reporting

Covers closing the books, preparing year-end statements, and presenting annual results. Year-end reports form the basis for audit, tax filing, and next-year planning.

Lesson 1 • Implementing Audit Recommendations

Guides the treasurer in developing a written response and action plan for audit findings. Closing findings demonstrates accountability and reduces future audit risk.

Lesson 2 • Selecting and Engaging an Auditor

Covers the request-for-proposal process, auditor independence requirements, and engagement letter terms. A well-selected auditor adds value beyond compliance.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Audit Findings

Explains audit opinions, management letters, and material weakness classifications. Interpreting findings correctly guides the association's response priorities.

Lesson 4 • Audit vs. Review vs. Compilation

Distinguishes the three levels of external financial examination and when each is appropriate. Helps the treasurer recommend the right engagement to the board.