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gah - finances!

5 replies

Alwaysyoudoyou · 18/09/2024 14:13

I work for a tiny charity. Our MD has gone on a sabbatical so a few of us have taken on portions of the workload as it wasn't really enough time to hire someone/train them up etc. I offered to take on payroll/HR and have somehow ended up with all the general finance stuff. We didn't discuss this during the handover meetings (where we spoke about how to do the payroll) but is now in the general handover notes and videos.

I suck at finance.

I get completely overwhelmed and into a panic which then means I end up making further mistakes because I'm in a tizz about it. Currently trying to follow the 'step by step' instructions and it feels like every other step is missing or incomplete. Like there's a bit about how to do something for one part of the business at the end of each month, but then doesn't explicitly say that that then needs repeating for each individual part...but that would be logical no?! Not sure. Manager is absolutely uncontactable. I feel like I'm going to hand this back in 6 months and everything is going to be an absolute mess because I was incompetent. Have genuinely noone to ask either, mentioned it to a few colleagues and got an 'oh that sounds tough, glad that wasn't left with me!!'

Trying to tell myself this is just the first month and it'll get easier with practice but surely if I do it incorrectly the first time that's only going to compound the issue for the future months as I repeat the errors!!

Not sure of the point of the post, just feeling very overwhelmed, lost and like I'm making a mess of something genuinely important.

OP posts:
Swimmingatdusk · 18/09/2024 14:22

Are there accountants, auditors or someone with financial knowledge among the trustees who could help you?

Alwaysyoudoyou · 18/09/2024 14:25

hey @Swimmingatdusk I'm not sure. I can ask the directors if it's in their skillset, that's a good idea. We have external book keepers, but they're on holiday till the end of the month and there are things which are meant to be done today. I'm hoping though if I do it, then they can check it and let me know if I did anything wrong. Though we have to pay them for their time, so want to do this as little as possible as they shouldn't be needing to train our staff in how to do the things we need to do before they can do their stuff....

OP posts:
Swimmingatdusk · 18/09/2024 14:34

Yes but if the staff need training they need training somehow. I imagine not paying anyone to cover the MDs absence is saving the charity money, and you can only do what you can do. If there’s a retired finance person among the trustees they might be happy to help. Or depending on nature of the work and who you have links with, maybe someone else could support you as a volunteer for the charity. Again someone recently retired or working but with some time might enjoy this kind of time-limited role. That’s if the charity can’t afford to pay for support for you. Hope you get support somehow!

Alwaysyoudoyou · 19/09/2024 13:37

Had a break through today, my DH sat down and went through some bits with me and has managed to explain it in a way which makes sense (which is the first time in 20 years someone has succeeded at that!). Feeling more positive today.

OP posts:
Swimmingatdusk · 19/09/2024 19:15

That’s great!

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