The Finance Chair for a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) unit, such as a troop, pack, or crew, is a crucial volunteer position responsible for managing the unit’s finances responsibly and transparently. This role ensures the unit has the necessary resources to deliver a quality Scouting program.
Key Responsibilities:
- Budgeting: Developing an annual budget in collaboration with the unit leader (Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Crew Advisor) and the committee. This involves projecting income (e.g., dues, fundraising) and expenses (e.g., camping fees, program supplies, advancement costs).
- Fundraising: Overseeing all fundraising activities. This includes planning events, managing volunteer participation, ensuring compliance with BSA fundraising policies, and tracking income and expenses. Often, this involves recruiting a fundraising committee and delegating specific tasks.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records. This includes tracking income and expenses, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports for the unit committee. Utilizing accounting software or spreadsheets is often helpful.
- Financial Reporting: Presenting regular financial reports to the unit committee, typically monthly or quarterly. These reports should provide a clear overview of the unit’s financial status, including income, expenses, and account balances.
- Payment Processing: Handling the payment of bills and expenses, ensuring that all payments are properly authorized and documented. This often involves writing checks, managing online payments, and reimbursing volunteers for approved expenses.
- Dues Collection: Managing the collection of annual dues from members, ensuring timely payment and accurate record-keeping. This may involve setting up payment plans or assisting families with financial hardship.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance with BSA financial policies and procedures, as well as all applicable laws and regulations. This includes maintaining proper insurance coverage and adhering to IRS guidelines for non-profit organizations.
- Auditing: Participating in the unit’s annual audit, which is typically conducted by the unit committee or a designated auditor. Providing all necessary financial records and information to facilitate the audit process.
- Training: Staying up-to-date on BSA financial policies and best practices by attending training courses and workshops. Sharing this knowledge with other unit leaders and volunteers.
- Banking: Managing the unit’s bank accounts, including opening new accounts, authorizing signatories, and monitoring account balances.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational and financial management skills. Familiarity with basic accounting principles, budgeting, and record-keeping is essential. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important for working effectively with other volunteers and families. Previous experience in a finance or accounting role is beneficial but not always required. Most importantly, the Finance Chair should be trustworthy, responsible, and committed to the mission of Scouting.
Benefits:
Serving as the Finance Chair provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to the success of the Scouting program and make a positive impact on the lives of young people. It also offers opportunities for personal and professional development, including enhancing financial management skills and leadership abilities.