Financial Management for Effective & Sustainable Programmes

Why is this course needed?

Everyone involved in working with NGOs shares the responsibility of making sure that their limited resources are used to help people effectively. Good practice in financial management will help NGO staff to use programme funds to maximum effect, now and in the future.

•Good financial management is critically important for NGOs. You cannot achieve your goals without it.
•Financial management is everyone's responsibility - trustees and programme managers as well as finance staff.
•Good financial management depends on programme staff and finance staff working together.
• Effective use of resources depends on field staff making good judgements based on a rich dialogue with the communities they are helping.

These key messages are all addressed by the FM5 course.

Purpose
The purpose of this course is to build the capacity of NGO managers to manage resources in a cost-effective and accountable way, to achieve objectives and create an environment for good performance to take place.

In particular, the course will build the confidence and financial skills of NGO managers:

•to implement robust and practical finance systems that promote integrity, transparency and accountability;

•to make good judgements on the effective use of programme resources to meet beneficiary communities' priorities; and;
•to plan for and manage resources and stakeholder relationships to build financial sustainability.

Who should attend?
This course is designed for managers of small to medium-sized NGOs who are responsible for managing their organisation's financial resources; and for programme managers in international NGOs who support field offices and/or advise local partner NGOs.

It is especially suitable for:

• Non-finance managers who want to improve their knowledge of financial management and are committed to integrating financial management into programme management.

• Finance staff interested in applying their skills and knowledge to implement appropriate finance systems and broaden their knowledge on strategic financial management issues.

Previous financial management experience or financial training is not a requirement for this course. A good standard of education and the ability to work comfortably in English is essential.

Course Content
This ten-day course has four component modules:

•Module 1: Accountability and effectiveness in NGOs (3 days)
The course starts by exploring the dual challenges of financial accountability (both ‘downwards' and ‘upwards') and what NGOs must do to ensure their resources are used effectively to meet the priorities of the communities they work with.

This will include a look at some new and challenging initiatives that involve beneficiaries in project design and management; and the impact of fraud and corruption on NGO work.

•Module 2: Integrating financial management in programme management (3 days)
The course then moves on to a more practical look at the four ‘Building Blocks' of financial management - financial planning, keeping accounts, internal controls and financial reporting & monitoring. We will explore how the tools and techniques can be rolled out at field level so that programme staff are empowered to manage resources in the most effective way.

This part of the course includes an optional session on field accounting for those with limited experience in this area, and a surgery session to share challenges for those with more advanced experience.

•Module 3: Managing for financial sustainability (3 days)
This module looks at the more strategic aspects of financial management including risk assessment and scenario planning; building financing strategies and managing reserves; and managing key stakeholder relationships, including the tension of upwards versus downwards accountability.

•Module 4: The way forward (half a day)
On the final day, we will reflect together on the practical tools and key messages explored during the two weeks and look at how you plan to integrate ideas into your own work.

The course will close at lunch time on day 10 with a final evaluation and feedback session.