In response to the many requests for help from our UK based charity partners and the generous offer of support from our extensive network of over 10,000 qualified accountants, we are now offering UK based charities a UK volunteer accountant programme. The programme is designed to give charities with limited resources access to pro-bono qualified accounting expertise and is an excellent way to reduce a reliance on expensive temps.
Typical areas our UK volunteers have supported to date include the following*;
- Year-end accounts preparation
- Charities Commission reporting
- Audit preparation
- Bookkeeping & reconciliation
- Assistance with system implementations,
- Developing financial procedures & controls
- Budget preparation & Finaincial planning
- Cash-flow forecasting & cash management
- Coaching of inexperienced staff members
*Please note these are only examples and additional areas of focus may be appropriate.
Remote pro-bono Technical Assistance
During the Corona virus pandemic we will not be organising onsite face to face assignments, we are arranging remote technical support whereby experienced finance & accounting professionals can support non-profits via email, telephone and video conferencing. This also means we can now provide remote support to organisations globally and offer volunteer roles to professionals unable to travel. This will remain a service after the pandemic. If you are an organisation that would welcome this type of support please email partners@afid.org.uk
How long are volunteers available for?
Most UK volunteer accountants offer their support on a short term (2-4 weeks), part-time or on a remote basis; longer or more full-time availability may be possible. It is however very important that our volunteers are viewed as 'an extra pair of experienced hands during a difficult time' rather than a cheap source of labour. We have found that on almost every placement our volunteers have expanded their original remit due to their high level of experience and consultative approach.
Charities partners supported to date include Action Aid, Asylum Welcome, CAFOD, CIFAL, Coaches Across Continents, Educaid, Friendship UK, Global Angels, Health Poverty Action, Jubilee Action, Oxfam, Amenity Trust, Mardi UK, OXFAM, Partners for Change, Practical Action, Rights Practice, Street Invest, Teach a Man to Fish, Y Care, WSUP.
If you have any questions about any aspect of this programme please contact us on 0208 741 7000.
