TREASURER’S REPORT AGM 15 JULY 2017
– Natalie van Wulven, Treasurer
The financial year 01 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 reflects an uneventful fiscal year. Stepping into the role Peter had filled for so long was quite daunting and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his patience, assistance and mentorship. I also wish to thank Colette Chung at Head Office for her continued assistance and great sense of humor!
The year started with difficulties at the bank that took quite some effort and time to get us FICA’d and registered for online banking. The Kogelberg branch entered the digital age with all banking transactions now done online. The accounting was also transferred from a manual system to the Pastel Online system, which happens to be the same system used by head office. My colleague and branch member Sandra Horn ably assists me in this regard. These new systems and processes should insure greater compliance and reduced risk. This change over has also ensured greater VAT compliance and refunds coming in more timeously.
Money continued to flow in from the sale of books produced in the previous financial year ensuring a good cash flow. Quotes for the reprint of the YPIK were obtained during the course of the year. This proved challenging as there were some significant changes in the printing environment with the printers used previously being sold out and not all printers will print small numbers at a good price! It was also agreed to cash in the call account, (previously held in lieu of insurance for the hack) for the reprint of the books and for additional chain saws. This was done in early 2017 and all monies have now been spent and/or allocated. Just to note, insurance of saws bought by Head Office in 2015 is now covered by head office.
There was no fundraiser in this fiscal year. Jeannie took over the membership portfolio and there has been a focus on membership acquisition and retention, which has shown a slight growth in membership this year. Additional membership and retention of members is pertinent to the sustainability of the branch and provides much needed funds to execute projects. It is the opinion of this treasurer that this area remains a vital focus of the branch.
Talks have continued to enjoy good membership support and cash donations collected cover (most times) the cost of the talks and speaker fee/donation. The Hack receives the bulk of monthly financial support and fundraising monies have been spent solely on education. This past fiscal year we spent just over R 14 000. This was predominantly on books donated, Whale Coast Conservation, KZN Education Trust and Pikkewyntjies.
The coming year will be challenging in terms of ensuring good cash flows in an ever-shrinking donations environment. More focus will need to be on fundraising, membership retention, growth and participation and succession plans for the future.
Thank you
Profit and Loss 2016/2017
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 31 March 2017
Trial Balance 31 March 2017