Not for Profits Encouraged to Harness Expertise

Corporate Australia has enthusiastically embraced cross-sectoral collaboration, with peak accounting body CPA member registrations for the Mentor the Treasurer program sailing past 200 – now, Not for Profits are being encouraged to rise to the challenge.

The CPA registration tally currently outstrips Not for Profit applications for the free program, which is run through a partnership between CPA Australia and Pro Bono Australia and offers treasurers in Not for Profit organisations access to mentoring by a qualified CPA member.

With mentors ready to assist, small volunteer-run organisations and small Not for Profits with five or less staff or an annual income of less than $100,000 are encouraged to join the scheme and take advantage of the expertise on offer.

Participation in the program offers treasurers the opportunity to benefit from CPA Australia members’ professional support and guidance which in turn enables the acquisition of new skills and knowledge to fulfil the requirements of the treasurer’s role.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for smaller Not for Profits to access skilled professionals expert in financial matters,” Pro Bono Australia Founder Karen Mahlab said.

“Financial skills are key to taking advantage of opportunities and complying with governance issues.”

The business world and the social sector are increasingly collaborating as stakeholders in the social economy – Not for Profits to achieve their social mission and corporates to engage with communities and fulfil their social goals.

CPA Australia General Manager of Public Sector Engagement, Kerry Mayne, said the program had been enthusiastically embraced by the CPA Australia community.

“Applications have been received from all over the country, and continue to roll in. One mentor even volunteered from Hong Kong,” Mayne said.

“Mentoring eager people is a very rewarding experience,” CPA mentor Lindsay Doig said.

“Helping to expand their knowledge, giving them the confidence to tackle more challenging tasks, and watching them develop and enjoy a previously-daunting role gives me, as a mentor, at least as much satisfaction as my mentees have enjoyed."

The registration process for the program is ongoing for both CPA mentors and Not for Profit mentees.

Check out the website here.