Building on the success of our pro-bono assignments in 2024, Accounting for International Development (AfID) will be increasing the number of ‘in-person’ technical-assistance assignments in 2025. If your organisation, or your overseas partners would welcome targeted support with financial management / reporting from an experienced & qualified accountant please read on. The new 4 x Assignment Option format (below) was well-received and will continue, with each assignment option comprising of a dedicated focus and unique set of responsibilities. Whilst this will form the foundation of each assignment partners are still encouraged to add context, alongside additional needs that relate to their local situation. 

If you feel Remote / Online support would be more appropriate than in-person support, please scroll down for more information, and if your charity is seeking a new Trustee or Treasurer and you would welcome candidates with accounting experience and qualification please also get in touch.

IN-PERSON technical assistance assignment options;
 
ASSIGNMENT A: Finance & Accounting Health Check

• Conduct an independent review of your financial management systems, processes & controls
• Produce a written recommendations report to strengthen & streamline current processes
• Work with local staff to start implementing some of the agreed changes
• Update your Finance Manual, or begin developing one, to incorporate improved procedure 

ASSIGNMENT B: Financial Management Support

• Conduct an initial review of how the organisation’s financial resources are monitored, controlled & reported, highlighting any areas of concern
• Work with local staff to strengthen daily accounting processes and procedures
• Develop budget monitoring, cash flow forecasting and cash management tools
• Advise on how to efficiently and effectively manage donor reporting requirements

ASSIGNMENT C: Financial Planning Advice

• Undertake an initial assessment of your financial situation and ongoing sustainability
• Review your business plan, or help you to develop one, including budgets
• Coach senior management staff in utilising financial information in their decision making
• Support you in developing a 3-year or 5-year strategic plan 

ASSIGNMENT D: Systems Development

• Review the current use of your accounting programme, making recommendation on how to get the most out of the software
• Advise on possible technological solutions and automation to reduce workload
• Advise on the suitability of current systems and recommend alternatives where appropriate
• If required, oversee the implementation of a new accounting package 

REMOTE Online support/ Pro-bono technical assistance
 
Working remotely online with a qualified accountant can feel less demanding for inexperienced staff member than an in-person placement, with a volunteer typically providing support for typically  2-4 hours a week. Assignments are quicker and easier to arrange, typically within 2 weeks. We have also simplified the process by offering 6 x remote volunteer assignment options (below). Please let us know if you feel your organisation, or your associated partners would welcome a discussion around one or more assignment options.

Option 1 : Process Improvement Project:

Our volunteer will conduct a detailed review of any current processes and make recommendations as to how these can be strengthened &/or streamlined. Then start working with finance staff to implement agreed changes.

Option 2 : Accounting Software Optimisation: 

Our volunteer will review the use of your accounting software (Excel, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage etc.) and provide advice on how it can be used more effectively.

Option 3 : Policy Development:

Our volunteer will review any current finance policies you feel may have become outdated, out of line with current practice or lacking in sufficient detail, &/or work with you to develop policies for adoption in areas where currently there are none.

Option 4 : Independent Examination: 

Our volunteer, a suitably qualified professional with knowledge of IE requirements, will undertake an external review of the organisation’s accounts and provide the statement required to meet your legal obligations.

Option 5 : Mentoring / Coaching: 

Our volunteer will provide one-to-one mentoring or coaching to a member (or members) of your finance team, to help them develop professionally – from support in the basics of financial management to strategic decision making.

Option 6 : Business Planning: 

Our volunteer will help you develop your strategic planning to ensure the future sustainability of the organisation. This could involve reviewing your future growth plans, income stream diversification, the development of a 3 or 5-year strategic plan.

If your needs do not align directly with any of those detailed above, we are be happy to talk through your requirements and develop a more suitable remote volunteer project. 

If you have questions, about any aspect of our in-person or remote assignments or Trustee / Treasurer recruitment, please email info@afid.org.uk or call +44 (0)208 123 7552.