Get control of your club’s finances
Training programme for boards of independent sports clubs and sports federations
A clear understanding of finances and accounting is essential for building a healthy and sustainable sports organization. This training programme focuses on the board’s role in financial management, ensuring that the chairperson, treasurer, and all board members actively share responsibility for the organization’s financial health.
Purpose
The course strengthens the board’s collective understanding of finance, accounting, and governance responsibilities.
The goal is for the entire board to gain insight into the organization’s finances and be able to make informed decisions based on reliable financial information.
Target Group
Board members of sports clubs and sports federations, with particular relevance for:
- Treasurers
- Chairpersons
- Other board members with responsibility for, or interest in, financial management
Programme content
1. Understanding Your Organization’s Finances
We introduce the key concepts and principles that every board member should understand.
Topics include:
- What is an annual financial statement, and why is it important?
- Budgeting, accounting, and financial management
- The responsibilities of non-profit organizations and their boards
2. Annual financial reporting requirements
Financial statements should provide a true and fair view of the organization’s financial position.
Participants will work with:
- Requirements for preparing annual accounts
- Recording income and expenses in the correct financial period (accrual accounting)
- Identifying and reporting assets and liabilities
3. Board responsibility and cooperation with the treasurer
Financial management is a shared responsibility and not solely the treasurer’s task.
Themes include:
- Ongoing financial monitoring and oversight
- Regular financial updates at board meetings
- Collaboration between the board, treasurer, and auditor
4. Day-to-Day financial management
How can your organization maintain good financial control and structure?
Topics include:
- Recording income and expenses on an ongoing basis
- Managing receipts, invoices, and supporting documentation
- Monitoring membership fees, grants, and payments
5. Annual accounts – From preparation to presentation
We guide participants through the process from year-end closing to the General Assembly.
Topics include:
- Account reconciliation and verification
- Preparing income statements and balance sheets
- Presenting financial statements to members
6. Auditing and transparency
Credible financial reporting requires transparency and accountability.
Topics include:
- The role and responsibilities of the auditor
- Who has the right to access financial information
- Responding to requirements from municipalities, foundations, and partners
7. Financial planning, annual calendars and key deadlines
Maintaining strong financial oversight requires planning and structure.
Participants will explore:
- The year’s most important financial tasks
- Deadlines for grants, reporting requirements, and taxation
- The connection between finances and the organization’s activities
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the programme, your board will:
- Have a stronger understanding of the organization’s finances
- Be able to read and interpret financial statements
- Work more systematically with budgeting and financial follow-up
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management
- Be better equipped to support the long-term sustainability of the organization
Programme format
The programme can be tailored to suit your organization’s needs and delivered as:
- Workshops
- Finance-focused thematic modules
- A comprehensive programme for the entire board
The training emphasizes practical tools, real-life examples, and hands-on exercises that participants can apply immediately within their own organization.
