An NGO financial management policy is basically a manual that covers the accounting policies, systems and procedures of the organization. It is developed not only for governing the financial transactions of the organization so that its staff can follow the set systematic procedures but also to fulfill local statutory requirements and demonstrate the strong management practices adopted by NGOs.
When you begin developing your NGO Financial Policy, you need to given introduction to it as given below:
Introduction
Scope of the NGO Financial Management Policy
The NGO Financial Management describes the accounting policies, systems and procedures to be used by the organization. The Policy will cover the input, processing, output, control and distribution of financial data. It has been developed to set out the accounting policies and procedures that will:
- Ensure that the organization’s books of accounts are prepared to conform to sound accounting principles and practices.
- Enable the management to obtain accurate and timely financial reports on monthly basis, thereby promoting sound financial management.
- Ensure correct and accountable use of funds and other resources. The approach used is in line with generally accepted accounting principles and organizations best practice reporting requirements.
The main purpose of the Policy is:
- To assist in the maintenance of controls.
- To provide a training and monitoring resource.
- To be used as a reference document by the staff, management, auditors and other stakeholders.
- The procedures have the following objectives:-
- To enhance completeness and accuracy of the data posted from source documents (say invoices, payments receipts, journal and cashbook) to the computerized system.
- To provide accurate and reliable reports to enable management to perform effective control over the operations of the organization.
- To detail the operation and administration procedures for input, processing, output and distribution of data to ensure security of data and documents.
The Policy has been written for use as follows:
- As a means of reference to management, supervisors, new and existing accountants staff, auditors, and as the basis of training staff, and ensuring that appropriate controls are in place.
- As a clearly defined list of the tasks to be carried out by each individual
- As a timetable for processing transactions and producing reports
- As a guide to evaluators and any monitoring consultant who may wish to review the institution’s progress.