Financial Management for Community Boards
Financial Management for Community Boards
Build your confidence in reading financial reports, asking the right questions, and make sound financial decisions as a board member.
This course is designed for community board and committee members who want to better understand their financial responsibilities and support the long-term sustainability of their organisation.
Across a live opening session, self-paced online modules and a final reflection session, you’ll explore:
- what financial governance means for boards
- your legal obligations as a director or committee member
- the key financial reports every board member should understand
- how to spot financial warning signs
- financial planning, risk and sustainability
- funding, investments and future planning
- how boards can use financial information to support purpose and impact.
The course includes:
Opening session (22 September 2026, 10am-11am)
A live facilitated session introducing the key ideas and setting the foundations for effective financial governance.
Self-paced online course (to complete before the final session)
Three online units covering financial governance, financial planning and funding sustainability.
Final session (6 October 2026, 10am-11am)
A live facilitated session for reflection, group discussion, practical activities, next steps and where to go for help.
Pricing
ICDA member price: $499 (inc. GST)
Non-member price: $599 (inc. GST).
Membership is free. Join today!
What’s covered?
This live online session introduces the key concepts and responsibilities of financial governance for community boards.
Topics include:
- financial governance and board responsibilities
- financial language and key concepts
- budgeting and financial planning
- understanding financial reports
- risk, controls and fraud prevention
- compliance and reporting obligations
- using financial information to support organisational sustainability
Learn the foundations of financial governance and the key financial knowledge every board member needs.
Topics include:
- financial terminology and core concepts
- legal obligations of directors and committee members
- understanding profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements
- how to investigate and interpret financial reports
- identifying warning signs and financial risks
- financial compliance obligations
- case studies and practical examples
- top tips and knowledge checks
Explore how boards support long-term organisational sustainability through planning and risk management.
Topics include:
- financial strategy and financial planning
- roles and responsibilities in financial planning
- links between financial plans and strategic plans
- financial risk assessment and management
- key financial ratios and indicators
- the impact of inflation
- asset management and sustainability planning
Understand the funding environment and the board’s role in supporting sustainable revenue and future growth.
Topics include:
- the not-for-profit funding environment
- reviewing and diversifying revenue sources
- the board’s role in seeking funding
- investments and reserves
- succession planning
- monitoring and evaluating financial strategy
This facilitated session brings participants together to reflect on key learnings and discuss practical next steps.
Activities include:
- group discussion and reflection
- practical activities and scenarios
- identifying next steps for your organisation
- further resources and support options
Who should attend?
This course is for board members, committee members and senior leaders of community organisations, not-for-profits, charities, clubs and associations.
No finance background is required.
FAQs
This course is designed for board and committee members of community organisations, charities, clubs and not-for-profits who want to build their confidence in financial governance.
It is suitable for:
- new and experienced board members
- treasurers and finance subcommittee members
- CEOs and senior staff who work closely with boards
- volunteer-led organisations and larger not-for-profits alike
No finance or accounting background is required. The course is designed to explain financial concepts in practical, accessible language.
This course explores the foundations of good financial governance for community organisations, charities and not-for-profits.
Participants will learn how to:
- understand their financial governance responsibilities
- read and interpret key financial reports
- identify financial risks and warning signs
- support budgeting and financial planning
- understand compliance and reporting obligations
- contribute to long-term financial sustainability
- understand the board’s role in funding, investments and future planning
Topics covered include:
- financial governance and legal responsibilities
- profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements
- budgeting and financial strategy
- risk management and financial controls
- financial planning and sustainability
- funding diversification and revenue sources
- investments and reserves
- succession planning and strategic oversight
The course includes live facilitated sessions, self-paced online learning, practical examples and interactive activities designed specifically for community board members.
Yes, this course is delivered online, making it accessible to participants in all Australian towns, cities, states, and territories.
You will receive a certificate for each of the 3 units of the self-paced components of this course.
The program dates are specified above. From start to finish, there is approximately 3 weeks.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- understand the financial governance responsibilities of board members
- read and interpret key financial reports with greater confidence
- ask informed questions about financial performance and risk
- identify financial warning signs and emerging issues
- contribute to budgeting and financial planning discussions
- understand key compliance and reporting obligations
- support better financial decision-making at board level
- contribute to the long-term sustainability of your organisation
You’ll also build practical skills in:
- analysing profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements
- understanding financial controls and risk management
- using financial information to support strategic planning
- reviewing funding sources and financial sustainability
- evaluating financial performance against organisational goals
The course is designed to make financial concepts practical, accessible and relevant for community board members — no finance background is required.