The treasurer’s job is, in many ways, the most important job on the board of an organization. The club treasurer is responsible for all of a club’s money, both incoming and outgoing, and needs to keep accurate records to ensure legal compliance.

Collecting Dues

Collecting dues is a near-universal job of a club treasurer. The job of collecting dues begins when the club’s year begins, whether that is August as is typical of school clubs or January as with service organizations. The job of collecting dues is simple but requires good record keeping. Treasurers should keep a list of people who have paid their dues so as to keep up with club membership.

Paying Bills

One of the treasurer’s jobs is to pay bills for the clubs. In school settings, this may be done through requisitions from school administrators while in a community organization, the club typically has a checking account. The treasurer needs to record all bills paid and why they were paid in case further explanations are required.

Preparing a Budget

The budget is the foundational document of a club. Although some clubs prefer to plan an event then find a way to fund it, doing so can cause a strain on the club. The club treasurer should insist on putting together a budget before beginning any fundraising efforts. The budget should include all expenses, even small administrative expenses.

Reporting Financial Information

A typical organizational board meeting requires a financial report from the club’s treasurer. This financial report should include the starting and ending balances of any accounts. Any money collected should be covered, and bills paid should be listed. The financial report should be easy to understand, and the treasurer should be open to answering questions about it.

Preparing a Successor

When a new treasurer is elected, the current treasurer needs to prepare that person by explaining the record-keeping process and letting the successor get a look at all of the information.

Treasurers and Controllers Employment and Labor Information 2023

Treasurers and Controllers Employment Brief:

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

Treasurers and Controllers Job Description

Here is a Job Description an employer might post for potential Treasurers and Controllers.

Treasurers and Controllers Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide direction and assistance to other organizational units regarding accounting and budgeting policies and procedures and efficient control and utilization of financial resources.
• Develop internal control policies, guidelines, and procedures for activities, such as budget administration, cash and credit management, and accounting.
• Supervise employees performing financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting duties.
• Lead staff training and development in budgeting and financial management areas.
• Delegate authority for the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection, and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments.
• Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of accounting and other financial staff, recommending and implementing personnel actions, such as promotions and dismissals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
• Receive cash and checks and make deposits.
• Prepare and file annual tax returns or prepare financial information so that outside accountants can complete tax returns.

Typical Daily Tasks of Treasurers and Controllers:

• Getting Information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Approve expenditures. Determine resource needs.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates.
• Analyzing Data or Information: Analyze financial records to improve budgeting or planning. Analyze financial records to improve efficiency.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization.
• Working with Computers.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Establish interpersonal business relationships to facilitate work activities.
• Processing Information: Compile operational data.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Determine pricing or monetary policies. Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures. Develop organizational policies or programs.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work.

Treasurers and Controllers Skills and Requirements:

• SpreadsheetsUsing a computer application to enter, manipulate, and format text and numerical data; insert, delete, and manipulate cells, rows, and columns; and create and save worksheets, charts, and graphs.
• Management of Material Resources Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
• Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Equipment Maintenance Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Technology Design Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
• Management of Personnel Resources Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Treasurers and Controllers Salary and Wages:

Average Salary: 58,450. Education: typical education requirements include High school diploma or equivalent.

Data from May 2023 courtesy of U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.