By Kevin Peters
If you subscribe to this blog or happen upon in passing, chances are you either are an accountant or have an interest in accounting related topics. I recall as a junior accounting student at ETSU, one of my professors stating, when people find out you are an accountant, you will be asked to serve on a board. I have found that prophesy to be true. As an accountant, people see us as a technical expert and someone that “likes numbers.” Service to a not-for-profit can be very rewarding whether it be a service organization, booster club or your church, opportunities abound. There are several important considerations to keep in mind before agreeing to serve on a board and other considerations if you currently serve and are asked to recruit additional members. Some of these considerations are:
DON’T JUST AGREE TO SERVE OUT OF OBLIGATION OR TO BUILD YOUR RESUME
You need to consider what your passions are and what causes are important to you. I cringe when you ask someone to serve in a role and their response is, ‘if nobody else will, I guess I will.” Try to match your skill set with a not-for-profit you believe and support their mission.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Talk with others on the board or the executive director, checkout their website, understand what type of fundraisers they have. Obtain their latest budget, audit/review or other financial information. Inquire as to what your financial obligation might be. Determine when the board meets (location, time, and frequency of meetings). You don’t want to agree to serve and then find out all the meetings are at a time that is not convenient to you.
ORIENTATION
Inquire as to any form of board orientation which should allow you the opportunity to learn more about the organization, its current members and an opportunity to ask questions.
CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FIRST
This can be a great way to learn more about the organization and its missions. Volunteering first can allow you an opportunity to get your feet wet.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO
If you determine you can no longer meet the time commitment, please consider resigning from the board. Just having your name on the roster and not attending is not helping the organization.
Service on a not-for-profit board can be a great opportunity for accountants to give back and use your knowledge and expertise to help very worthy organizations.