Good financial management is essential for your club’s survival and is an important part of good governance. Often clubs appoint a financial director with some accounting experience to take on this responsibility. However, every board/committee member should understand a club’s accounts and financial reports.
The term ‘financial management’ refers to the planning, directing, monitoring, organising, and controlling of the monetary resources of an organisation in such a manner to best contribute to helping an organisation accomplish its objectives.
For clubs, financial management and reporting involves elected and appointed members to the board, treasurers, officers, being able to:
- Read and interpret financial statements and consider financial reports and legal requirements
- Examine the types of reports which should be provided to the board
- Reflect on the financial and non-financial metrics which provide knowledge about your club’s organisational performance
- Assess the board’s or committee of management’s responsibilities regarding reporting against legislative and funding requirements
- Effectively manage club funds
- Implement sound financial practices and understand your organisations financial position and obligations.
Clubs should keep accurate and up-to-date records of financial transactions. The exact requirements may vary depending on the legal structure of your club.
Even if you have a treasurer in place or have an auditor checking your accounts, the law is clear that members of the Board or Management Committee of an incorporated association and the directors of corporations are directly responsible for making sure that the finances are accurate and up-to-date.
A requirement to provide financial reports and have your accounts audited depends on the legal structure of your club and your gross annual turnover.
Clubs incorporated as associations under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) (the Act) must ensure proper accounting and other records are maintained and must distribute copies of financial statements as required by the Act.
The Board must ensure proper accounting and other records are maintained and must distribute copies of financial statements as required by the Act.
Clubs who are incorporated under the Act must prepare a financial report to be presented to their members at the AGM.
Auditing requirements vary based on the gross receipts for the last financial year and are outlined below:
| Tier | Gross Revenue | Current Assets | Reporting and Auditing Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | More than $250,000 | More than $500,000 | Tier 1 associations must prepare financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. |
| 2 | Less than $250,000 | Less than $500,000 | Tier 2 associations must prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the association's affairs. |
If your organisation does not clearly fit into either category or you require more information about accounting and auditing for incorporated associations contact NSW Fair Trading.
Officeholders of clubs incorporated as companies limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 need to understand their legal obligations. This includes keeping accurate financial records, passing solvency resolutions, and keeping company details up to date.
More information about accounting and auditing for companies limited by guarantee can be found at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).
Your state or national body is a good first port of call for advice and assistance.
- The Office of Sport’s Financial Management Framework can assist your club to improve its financial management.
- NSW Fair Trading
- Australian Taxation Office
- Australian Securities and Investment Commission
- Business.gov.au
- Our Community – Community Financial Centre
- Club Help – Financial Management
Disclaimer
As with any resource, this does not replace obtaining legal advice on each sport specific requirement and it is recommended you do so.
The information provided in this resource is for your information only. The authors and the NSW Office of Sport accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information or your reliance upon it.