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valtreas;134446 wrote: Hi, New on the boards here. I'm starting my 2nd year as treasurer. This is a very difficult position to fill and keep. We changed our by-laws to lengthen the term of treasurer so that if we got someone who was capable and wanted to stay, they could.
This position involves so much more than just "keeping a checkbook". Of our entire Board, I have the longest job description and am the only one who has a true 12 month position. Everyone else gets a summer break. I don't. Bills still need to be paid. Our fiscal year ends on June 30th which means closing out the books. Funding requests come in over the summer. I still have to go to school a few times a week.
If you are having trouble filling/keeping this position, by all means, change your by-laws and offer some incentive for this position. We are all volunteers, absolutely. However, the treasurer is responsible for running a business. If you are a 501(c)(3), you are a legal business in the eyes of the IRS, Department of State and local government. You are the lead officer for the business, not the president. The treasurer is the one who signs off on everything for tax purposes. It's a huge responsibility and you must interview potential candidates carefully. Perhaps your organization isn't as complex as ours. It's the treasurer's butt on the line with the IRS. Think about what a CPA or related fields make. We are volunteers and do it because we care about the kids. During school I'll put in 50+ hours doing the books, budgets, correspondence, requests, grants, etc..
No one ever tells you the reality of this position because it would scare people away. I handled close to $150,000.00 last year. Anything you can do to make this position more appealing to someone, do it. It will be money well-spent. And spend the money on a good accounting system. All of your volunteers are important and should be cherished. Your treasurer is the one who actually runs the organization. Don't forget to show your appreciation for him/her.
Hope this helps!