Charity finance series two: budgeting, futureproofing, and reporting
10:00 - 12:30
Finance can seem daunting, with all the confusing terminology and frustrating processes. Many charities, particularly smaller charities, avoid the complexities of finance, instead treating organisational finances like personal finances. That can create problems in terms of efficiency, transparency, reporting, accountability, and so much more. That’s why we want to give you a simple introduction to finance, covering budgeting, futureproofing, sustainability, and so much more.
Each workshop offers insight into key elements of charity finance. The first will examine budgeting, looking at how charities can keep finances under control, avoid poor decision-making, and promote long-term viability. The second will cover sustainability, with insight into income diversification, cash flow governance, cost control, and much more. The third workshop will look at reporting, giving a step-by-step guide and looking at the various requirements that charities must fulfill along the way.
Attendees can pick the workshop that most suits their needs, or they can attend all of them. Whatever best suits you. You can read below for a quick overview of each session and a more detailed breakdown will appear shortly in the tabs above. We look forward to seeing you.
This course is sponsored by Sage Foundation. Sage Foundation is committed to knocking down barriers so that everyone can thrive. We give time, technology, expertise and investment to impact our communities.
Sage Foundation NPO Success helps non-profit leaders to manage their organisations, reduce inefficient processes and increase their understanding of financial management by providing discounted product subscriptions along with free tools, resources and training.
Who are these workshops for?
The workshops are for any charity professional interested in finances or looking to improve their financial skills. You don’t have to be working directly in the area of finance to apply. The content is pitched at those with a lower financial experience level. We are particularly encouraging charities with an annual income of between £10 and 100K to apply.
Workshops are open on an application basis for up to 20 people, please review the deadlines below to be sure not to miss out. Please note that should the workshops fill up before the deadline then we will close the applications early.
We are also running this same workshop series in autumn - see dates here.
Workshop 1: A practical guide to effective budgeting
11th May 10:00-12:30
Applications for this workshop have now closed.
- The basics, the benefits, and the importance of budgeting
- How to create an effective budget for the future
- The basics of cash flow forecasting and cashflow process
- The need for long-term thinking and financial strategies
- Where to find useful resources
Workshop 2: Futureproofing and financial sustainability
25th May 10:00-12:30
Applications for this workshop have now closed.
- The fundamentals of financial sustainability
- How to review income reliance
- How to practice cash flow governance, cost control, and income diversification
- The importance of financial strategy, culture, leadership, and infrastructure
- How to write a sound financial management policy
Workshop 3: How charities can master financial reporting
8th June 10:00-12:30
Applications for this workshop have now closed.
- The difference between statutory accounts and management accounts
- Exactly what is needed for a useful financial statement
- How to report income and variances to budget and last year
- Understanding and reporting variables costs (cost of sales) and overheads
- How to generate a cashflow forecast, understand it and act on it
Featured Speakers
David Head
Workshop 1
Workshop 1: A practical guide to effective budgeting
11th May 10:00-12:30
Applications for this workshop have now closed.
What you can expect to learn:
- The basics, the benefits, and the importance of budgeting
- The definition and application of a statement of financial activities (SOFA)
- How to create an effective budget for the future, with real-life examples
- How to balance a budget, with reference to deficits, surplus, and reserves
- The basics of cash flow forecasting and cashflow process
- The need for long-term thinking and financial strategies
Who are these workshops for?
The workshops are for any charity professional interested in finances or looking to improve their financial skills. You don’t have to be working directly in the area of finance to apply. The content is pitched at those with a lower financial experience level. We are particularly encouraging charities with an annual income of between £10 and 100K to apply.
Workshops are open on an application basis for up to 20 people, please review the deadline to be sure not to miss out.
This course is sponsored by Sage Foundation. Sage Foundation is committed to knocking down barriers so that everyone can thrive. We give time, technology, expertise and investment to impact our communities.
Sage Foundation NPO Success helps non-profit leaders to manage their organisations, reduce inefficient processes and increase their understanding of financial management by providing discounted product subscriptions along with free tools, resources and training.
Workshop 2
Workshop 2: Futureproofing and financial sustainability
25th May 10:00-12:30
Applications for this workshop have now closed.
What you can expect to learn:
- The definition and the fundamentals of financial sustainability
- How to review income reliance, practice full cost recovery, and cost control
- How to practice effective cost control and income diversification
- How to practice cash flow governance, referencing invoicing, suppliers, record keeping, and more
- The importance of financial strategy, culture, leadership, and infrastructure
- How to futureproof and broadly improve organisational culture around finance
- How to write a sound financial management policy
Who are these workshops for?
The workshops are for any charity professional interested in finances or looking to improve their financial skills. You don’t have to be working directly in the area of finance to apply. The content is pitched at those with a lower financial experience level. We are particularly encouraging charities with an annual income of between £10 and 100K to apply.
Workshops are open on an application basis for up to 20 people, please review the deadline to be sure not to miss out.
This course is sponsored by Sage Foundation. Sage Foundation is committed to knocking down barriers so that everyone can thrive. We give time, technology, expertise and investment to impact our communities.
Sage Foundation NPO Success helps non-profit leaders to manage their organisations, reduce inefficient processes and increase their understanding of financial management by providing discounted product subscriptions along with free tools, resources and training.
Workshop 3
Workshop 3: How charities can master financial reporting
8th June 10:00-12:30
Applications for this workshop have now closed.
What you can expect to learn:
- The difference between statutory accounts and management accounts
- How to differentiate between internal and external reporting, with real-life examples
- The difference between variable and fixed costs, and the question of viability
- Exactly what is needed for a useful financial statement
- How to report to the Charity Commission and other necessary steps in compliance
- The need to prepare under SORP and how to include SOFA, balance sheets, and notes
- How to generate a cashflow forecast, understand it, and act on it
Who are these workshops for?
The workshops are for any charity professional interested in finances or looking to improve their financial skills. You don’t have to be working directly in the area of finance to apply. The content is pitched at those with a lower financial experience level. We are particularly encouraging charities with an annual income of between £10 and 100K to apply.
Workshops are open on an application basis for up to 20 people, please review the deadline to be sure not to miss out.
This course is sponsored by Sage Foundation. Sage Foundation is committed to knocking down barriers so that everyone can thrive. We give time, technology, expertise and investment to impact our communities.
Sage Foundation NPO Success helps non-profit leaders to manage their organisations, reduce inefficient processes and increase their understanding of financial management by providing discounted product subscriptions along with free tools, resources and training.
