Hello from Nerida

Happy new financial year! Do you make new year's resolutions? At the change of financial year perhaps it is appropriate to make new financial resolutions? It is worth looking at your financial arrangements because the circumstances could have changed since setting up the existing arrangements. When was the last time you reviewed your situation? If it was more than a year ago, perhaps it is worth a revisit?

If you are involved in a community organisation, when was the last time you had a look at the way or reason things were done a certain way? When you ask the question is the answer "because we've always done it that way? The global financial crisis (GFC) is almost certainly impacting on your organisation directly or indirectly. As a result, it is time to review the processes in the organisation to see if there is a better, more efficient, cost effective way of doing it.

Is there a better way of tracking memberships? Could processes be improved with internet banking? Can you save time by sending out member notices by email? Is your accounting software providing the outcomes you need? Or are you using a square peg to plug a round hole? Are you doing it that way because "we've always done it that way?"

At Admin Bandit we think it is so important to do this well, that we are offering a new year's resolution special for our readers. Purchase an Admin Bandit 12 month licence before 10 July 2009 and we will add on 4 extra months of hosting. That is a saving of 33%.

Join the Admin Bandit revolution and bring great benefits to any grass roots organisation in which you are involved by purchasing a licence today.

Thank you to those who forwarded on the last newsletter. Please keep thinking of people in your network who might be interested in helpful information to support their community organisation and forward it on using the link at the bottom of this email.

Regards
Nerida Gill
Admin Bandit 

What to take to the auditor?

Some community organisations have just reached the end of their financial year and will be needing sign off from an auditor. What do you need to take to your auditor? If you're using a spreadsheet, how will you extract and present your accounts to the auditor. Does your system list all the reports you require for the auditor at the press of a button? Is it an easy process?

Good news is that Admin Bandit does!  Register for the demo to see how it works.

All this and much more for just $199 (GST incl) to get going. 

Understanding the role of the auditor

The role of the external auditor has often been misunderstood. This “expectation gap” has long been explained as being the gap between what the actual requirements and standards required of the auditor and audit process as compared to the expectations of the public as to what an auditor does in the audit process.

It has often been thought that the audit provides certainty as to the accuracy of the financial statements by the auditor undertaking a 100% check of the organisation’s accounts. It has also been thought that auditors should be able to provide early warning...more

The Volunteer Treasurer Network has been developed to provide a place for practical resources to help volunteer treasurers in their role. 

IGA Unsung Heroes Award - win $5000

Do you know someone who always puts the needs of others before their own? Someone who regularly gives up their time to volunteer for a charity or not-for-profit organisation? Why not nominate them for the IGA Community Chest Unsung Heroes Awards.

IGA's Community Chest Unsung Heroes Awards is a search for the selfless individuals who give up their time for the good of others – usually unpaid and often without thanks. We are asking local communities to identify these giving persons to recognise and reward their good deeds.

Each regional winner will receive $250 worth of IGA vouchers and a $250 cash donation will also be awarded to their nominated registered charity or not-for-profit organisation. Regional winners are then automatically in the running to take out the state prize.

As well as having the kudos of being the ‘2009 Unsung Hero’ of their state, state winners’ chosen registered charity or not-for-profit organisation will also receive a $5,000 donation.

Who will be the Unsung Heroes of 2009?
Unsung Heroes will range from the lady who visits her local nursing home each week to the father who tirelessly volunteers his time to coach his son’s soccer team every Saturday morning.

It has been a challenging year for Australians. With the devastating Black Saturday Bush Fires in Victoria and the severe flooding in Queensland we are sure to hear some inspiring stories about the many individuals who stepped up during these times of need.

Nominations close on 17 July 2009, so you'll need to act quickly. Fill out the nomination form here.