Budgeting & Financial Management for NGOs

Course Summary

Overview
This professional development programme equips NGO staff with the knowledge and tools to manage budgets and finances effectively, transparently, and in compliance with sector standards. It moves from foundational financial principles through to strategic financial leadership, providing a complete framework for sound organisational finance.
Format: 5 Parts · 20 Modules · 30–40 hours · Blended delivery (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
Audience: Finance staff, programme managers, executive leadership, and board members
Prerequisites: No formal accounting qualification required

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Construct realistic, mission-aligned operational and project budgets
Apply core financial management principles within the NGO context
Manage donor funds accurately and in compliance with grant requirements
Design and implement internal financial control systems
Prepare for and successfully navigate external audits
Use financial data to inform strategic decision-making
Communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences
Build the foundations for long-term organisational financial sustainability


Course Structure

Part 1 covers fund accounting, financial statements, chart of accounts, and financial roles.
Part 2 addresses budgeting methods, full cost recovery, grant budgets, and variance analysis.
Part 3 focuses on internal controls, fraud prevention, financial policies, and risk registers.
Part 4 covers donor financial reporting, audit preparation, and statutory accounts.
Part 5 addresses multi-year planning, income diversification, governance, and financial systems.