Believe it or not it’s surprisingly easy for seemingly normal people to achieve amazing results as a volunteer, changing lives for the better. All you need is a little time and belief in yourself.
Qualifying criteria
You will also need to tick at least one of these. It is not essential to be formally qualified.
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More than 3 years accounting experience
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Membership or affiliation to an accounting institute e.g. ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, CPA Canada, CPA Australia, CAANZ, AICPA
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Part-Qualified or AAT Accounting Technician with more than 5 years’ experience
You will also need excellent communication skills with fluency in written and spoken English, bags of initiative, resourcefulness, honesty, patience and of course compassion.
I’m worried my skills and experience aren’t relevant?
The needs of our partners stem from a lack of experience in all aspects of financial management, from the basics, such as bookkeeping and cash management, to more strategic planning and staff management. We are committed to supporting our partners over the long term and will do this by providing volunteers with a broad range of qualifications and skills.
Volunteers should look upon themselves as part of a team of independent consultants working on the areas they and their partner organisation feel are most appropriate. If at any time a volunteer feels unable to address critical issues, this will simply be factored into the next volunteer’s profile and terms of reference. It is this timely and constructive direction from one volunteer to the next that ensures our long term programme is always focused on supporting the right areas leading to effective development.
Do I need to be a British citizen or based in the UK?
We have placed accountants from over 50 countries including Canada, Australia, NZ, HK, France, Germany, Spain and US. Half of AfID's volunteers come from outside the UK and we are able to provide all the guidance and support you will need. We will introduce you to former volunteers, even those from your own country if requested. Should you decide to go on placement we will arrange calls between you, staff at the partner charity and past volunteers that have supported your chosen organization.
Can I take my partner / travel with a friend?
Yes, there are often opportunities for couples, colleagues and friends, to work together or close by at neighbouring partner organisations. If your friend or partner is not an accountant but would like to utilise their professional skills please forward their CV and we will arrange a convenient time to discuss the options. Non-accounting responsibilities can include one or more of the following;
I’m worried my skills and experience aren’t relevant?
The needs of our partners stem from a lack of experience in all aspects of financial management, from the basics, such as bookkeeping and cash management, to more strategic planning and staff management. We are committed to supporting our partners over the long term and will do this by providing volunteers with a broad range of qualifications and skills.
Volunteers should look upon themselves as part of a team of independent consultants working on the areas they and their partner organisation feel are most appropriate. If at any time a volunteer feels unable to address critical issues, this will simply be factored into the next volunteer’s profile and terms of reference. It is this timely and constructive direction from one volunteer to the next that ensures our long term programme is always focused on supporting the right areas leading to effective development.
Do I need to be a British citizen or based in the UK?
We have placed accountants from over 50 countries including Canada, Australia, NZ, HK, France, Germany, Spain and US. Half of AfID's volunteers come from outside the UK and we are able to provide all the guidance and support you will need. We will introduce you to former volunteers, even those from your own country if requested. Should you decide to go on placement we will arrange calls between you, staff at the partner charity and past volunteers that have supported your chosen organization.
Can I take my partner / travel with a friend?
Yes, there are often opportunities for couples, colleagues and friends, to work together or close by at neighbouring partner organisations. If your friend or partner is not an accountant but would like to utilise their professional skills please forward their CV and we will arrange a convenient time to discuss the options. Non-accounting responsibilities can include one or more of the following;
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Assisting with funding proposals
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Teaching Microsoft Office; Excel, Word & Powerpoint
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Teaching English
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Coaching sports
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Business development & young entrepreneur skills training
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Project management
Is there an age limit?
Definitely not. Like our many charity partners across Africa and Asia we hold wisdom, experience and maturity in very high regard. We would love to hear from anyone who feels they could make a positive difference to the lives of those less fortunate.
Definitely not. Like our many charity partners across Africa and Asia we hold wisdom, experience and maturity in very high regard. We would love to hear from anyone who feels they could make a positive difference to the lives of those less fortunate.
