Community Bookkeeper
The Community Bookkeeper initiative involves the implementation of a new, more streamlined accounting system for NGOs—the Standard Chart of Accounts.
The Standard Chart of Accounts is designed to help NGOs with financial management and reporting and to simplify and standardise bookkeeping practices. Over time, it will reduce administrative duplication, provide a common approach to the capture of accounting information and enable standard codes and terms to be used across NGOs and government departments.
The Standard Chart of Accounts was developed by the Queensland University of Technology in partnership with Queensland Treasury.
Futher assistance with its implementation is available on the Developing your organisation website which includes:
- detailed manuals on how to convert to the Standard Chart of Accounts
- information specifically developed to help NGOs with financial management and reporting
- an email contact for your account queries.
Who does this initiative apply to?
The Community Bookkeeper initiative relates to all NGOs funded by the Department of Communities or Disability Services Queensland. All other not-for-profit organisations are also able to access the Standard Chart of Accounts and supporting resources.
Conversion to the Standard Chart of Accounts is encouraged and supported but is not mandatory. However, Queensland Treasury supports the Standard Chart of Accounts and it is likely that other government departments will eventually incorporate it in their financial reporting processes.
Last updated: 27 August 2008.
Trainer Maureen O'Brien (left) points out major features of the Standard Chart of Accounts to Ray Roberts (Townsville West Community Centre) and Alison Goodwin (Inclusion Works) at the Townsville training session in June 2006.