Career Changer - Katy

"Volunteering prompted me to want to work with people who needed training and who would really benefit from having my skill set passed on to them. There is no way I would have got my subsequent job in Malawi without undertaking my volunteer role first."

Remote-Online Volunteer Support

Remote-Online Support

 

Finance and accounting expertise for non-profits — delivered remotely and arranged quickly

 

For over 15 years, Accounting for International Development (AfID) has connected charities and social enterprises with qualified accountants who volunteer their time to strengthen financial management within organisations across the globe.

 

To make our support faster and more accessible, all AfID assignments now begin with a Remote-Online Support placement. This proven approach ensures you can access the expertise you need without delay — with in-person support to follow if required.

 

 

Why Remote-Online Support?

 

In response to many requests for help from UK and overseas partners — and thanks to the generous offers of support from our network of over 10,000 qualified accountants — AfID launched a remote volunteering programme during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

This model proved so effective that it continues today, giving our partners the ability to:

  • Access pro-bono, qualified technical expertise otherwise out of reach

  • Start support within 2-3 weeks without the logistics of hosting in-person

  • Tap into a wider pool of available professionals, many with direct NGO experience
     

Case Study – A Partner in Education (Rwanda)

 

APIE needed support to reconfigure Xero and strengthen their financial systems. AfID volunteer Irena, an experienced Finance Director, provided 10 days of part-time remote support. She designed a finance manual, created templates, reconfigured Xero, and trained staff to use the new system confidently. Read the full story.

 

“Irena quickly grasped our challenges and built a simple, fit-for-purpose system. Her coaching has given our team real confidence.” — Hannah Messer, UK Operations Manager

 

 

A typical 1st remote-online placement

 

Your AfID volunteer will work with you and your team online to:

  • Review your financial systems and processes
  • Understand your priorities and challenges
  • Identify urgent areas of concern (e.g. donor reporting, compliance, cashflow management)
  • Provide clear, practical recommendations and an action plan
  • Coach and transfer knowledge to your staff

This is a simple, low-commitment way to start accessing AfID’s critical support. If you later decide to welcome on-site assistance, your AfID accountant will arrive better prepared and able to deliver targeted, impactful support in a shorter timeframe.

 

Other online-remote assignment options

 

If your organisation has more specific, identifiable needs, we can also facilitate placements based around one of the following six areas of focus:

 

  1. Process improvement
    Strengthen and streamline your finance processes. The volunteer reviews current systems, recommends improvements, and works with staff to implement agreed changes.
     
  2. Accounting software optimisation
    Make the most of your existing tools (Excel, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage etc.). The volunteer advises on features, integrations and practical solutions to increase efficiency and reduce errors.
     
  3. Policy development
    Ensure your finance policies are up-to-date, aligned with best practice and legally compliant. The volunteer can refresh existing policies or help draft new ones where gaps exist.
     
  4. Independent examination
    Meet your statutory obligations. A suitably qualified volunteer conducts an external review of accounts and provides the statement required for compliance.
     
  5. Mentoring & coaching
    Build staff capacity. The volunteer offers tailored one-to-one support — from strengthening basic finance skills to developing senior staff for strategic decision-making.
     
  6. Business planning
    Plan for sustainability and growth. The volunteer helps review growth plans, diversify income streams, and develop or update a 3–5 year strategic or business plan.

 

Case Study – Tribe + Glory (Uganda)

 

This social enterprise needed to build the skills of their Ugandan finance manager. AfID volunteer Monica, an FCCA-qualified accountant, supported them remotely for six months. She designed a stock-keeping system, improved their cash book and board reporting, and mentored their finance staff. Read the full story.

 

“The time Monica spent with our accountant has been profoundly significant in her confidence and progress. Having remote help has been a complete gift.” — Caragh Bennet, CEO

 

 

FAQs

 

Here are some common questions we get about our Remote-Online Support programme:

 

  • How much time will we need to commit?
    We tailor support to your capacity. Many partners work with our volunteers for around 2-4 hours a week over a 1-3 month period, though longer or more full-time support may be possible.
     
  • What tools do volunteers use for remote support?
    Our volunteers are typically able to accommodate your preferred tools, but good options include Zoom, Teams, GoogleDrive, DropBox and of course email, or even WhatsApp.
     
  • Do volunteers sign confidentiality agreements?
    Yes. AfID has a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by you, the volunteer and AfID, which includes confidentiality and data protection clauses.
     
  • Can we receive on-site support later?
    Absolutely. Starting remotely makes any later in-person placement more productive, targeted, and impactful.
     
  • Which organisations have you supported before?
    AfID has worked with a wide range of partners including ActionAid, Asylum Welcome, CAFOD, Educaid, Friendship UK, Global Angels, Health Poverty Action, Oxfam, Practical Action, Street Invest, Teach a Man to Fish, Y Care, and many more across 50+ countries.
     
  • Can you help us find a Trustee or Treasurer?
    Yes. Many of our accountants are keen to join boards as Trustees, Treasurers, or Chairs of Finance Committees. Each year, we successfully assist with the appointment of accounting and finance professionals into governance roles for both UK and overseas partners.
     
  • How much does it cost?
    There is a small annual membership fee, plus a placement fee for each volunteer matched with you. This is scaled to your organisation’s annual income and the hours of support received.

 

Case Study – Health Improvement Project Zanzibar (Zanzibar)

 

Health Improvement Project Zanzibar needed to upgrade financial management but lacked resources for commercial consultancy. AfID volunteer Julie, an ACA with international NGO experience, provided a few hours of remote support each week over two months. She created a chart of accounts, improved reporting processes, and integrated finance tools across their UK and local offices. Read the full story.

 

“Julie made a real impact on our work, even though she wasn’t there in person. It’s amazing what can be achieved through virtual working.” — Jess Price, UK Fundraising Manager

 

 

Ready to get started?

 

Getting started is quick and easy:

  1. We’ll discuss your organisation’s needs on a short call
  2. We’ll introduce a suitable volunteer
  3. You’ll agree a flexible work pattern that fits your team
  4. We will provide all the support and guidance you need to make the placement a success.

One of our volunteers could be supporting your organisation in just a couple of weeks. Get in touch today:

  • Email: info@afid.org.uk
  • Call: +44 (0)208 610 0929
  • Online: Complete our short form here.