The Nonprofit Bookkeeper

Aishat
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated fortnightly

The Nonprofit Bookkeeper shines a light on purpose-driven organisations — from charities and social enterprises to impact-led businesses. Hosted by Aishat, a finance and operations expert, this show blends practical financial tips, real-life stories, and strategic guidance for founders, funders, and changemakers. Expect solo episodes, expert guests, and honest conversations about money, mission, and making a difference.

  1. 2026 Small Charities Week: Day 5 - How Small Charities Can Build Reserves Without Feeling Guilty

    8 hr ago

    2026 Small Charities Week: Day 5 - How Small Charities Can Build Reserves Without Feeling Guilty

    🎁 Download your free Day 5 resource: Building Reserves: A Small Charity Action Plan here Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Most charity leaders agree that reserves are important. The real challenge is knowing how to build them when funding is tight, demand is increasing, and every pound already feels committed. In this episode, Aishat moves beyond the debate about whether reserves matter and explores practical ways small charities can start building financial resilience. From small annual surpluses and full cost recovery to unrestricted fundraising and intentional board decisions, this episode focuses on realistic actions rather than ideal circumstances. Because reserves aren't money sitting idle, they're what help charities continue delivering their mission when challenges arise. KEY TAKEAWAY Reserves are built through intentional decisionsHaving a clear plan for reserves is more important than the amount of reserves.BEST MOMENTS "Instead of asking, 'Should we have reserves?' we should ask, 'How do organisations actually build them?'" "Reserves aren't simply money sitting in a bank account. They're breathing space, time, flexibility and they're options." "Sometimes the path to stronger reserves begins with stronger budgeting." REFLECTION QUESTION If your board agreed tomorrow that reserves matter... What would happen next? Would there be: A plan? Identified funding sources? A timeline? Named responsibilities? Or would everyone simply agree they were important and move on? ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    10 min
  2. 2026 Small Charities Week: Day 4 - Restricted Funds: Looking Beyond the Bank Balance

    1 day ago

    2026 Small Charities Week: Day 4 - Restricted Funds: Looking Beyond the Bank Balance

    🎁 Download your free Day 4 resource: We've Got Money in the Bank – Can We Spend It? here Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Many charity leaders, trustees, and managers have experienced the same conversation: "We've got money in the bank. Why can't we spend it?" While restricted and unrestricted funds are often presented as an accounting topic, the real challenge is rarely understanding the definitions. The challenge comes when decisions need to be made. In this episode, Aishat explores why bank balances can be misleading, why cash doesn't always equal flexibility, and how understanding restrictions helps organisations make better decisions about spending, growth, recruitment, and sustainability. This isn't an episode about year-end accounts. It's an episode about decision-making. KEY TAKEAWAY Bank balances don't tell the whole storyCash does not always equal flexibilitySpending decisions require contextBetter decisions depend on better informationBEST MOMENTS "Today's episode could really be called, 'We've Got Money in the Bank, Can We Spend It?'" "People assume cash equals flexibility. Sometimes it does, but sometimes it doesn't." "Restricted funds aren't just a finance issue. They're a leadership issue." REFLECTION QUESTION If someone asked today, "How much money do we actually have available to spend?" Would your answer be based on: The bank balance? Or The bank balance, restrictions, commitments, and obligations? ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    11 min
  3. 2026 Small Charities Week: Day 3 - When One Person Is Holding All the Financial Knowledge

    2 days ago

    2026 Small Charities Week: Day 3 - When One Person Is Holding All the Financial Knowledge

    🎁 Download your free Day 3 resource: Finance Resilience Checklist here Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Many small charities rely heavily on one trusted individual to manage the finances. They know the bookkeeping system, the banking, the payroll, the grant reporting, the passwords, the deadlines, and often the history behind every financial decision. The problem isn't that they're doing anything wrong. The problem is that the organisation may have become dependent on them. In this episode, Aishat explores key-person risk, volunteer dependency, founder dependency, and practical ways small charities can build financial resilience without creating additional complexity or employing a larger finance team. KEY TAKEAWAY Documentation is one of the simplest forms of resilienceKey-person risk often develops graduallySuccession planning isn't just for CEOsBEST MOMENTS "The issue isn't whether volunteers are committed. The issue is whether the organization could continue if a key volunteer became unavailable." "The founder isn't intentionally creating risk. Often, they're simply trying to keep things moving." "Knowledge doesn't need to sit entirely inside one person's head." REFLECTION QUESTION If your key finance person was unexpectedly unavailable for the next month, what would happen? Could: Payroll still run?Bills still be paid?Trustees still receive reports?Grant claims still be submitted? ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    10 min
  4. 2026 Small Charities Week – Day 2: Cashflow Pressure Doesn't Always Mean Failure

    3 days ago

    2026 Small Charities Week – Day 2: Cashflow Pressure Doesn't Always Mean Failure

    🎁 Download your free Day 2 resource: Cashflow Warning Signs Checklist here Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Cashflow is one of the most common sources of stress for charity leaders, trustees, and finance staff. A delayed grant payment, an upcoming payroll run, or a lower-than-expected bank balance can quickly create anxiety. But does cashflow pressure automatically mean a charity is in trouble? In this episode, Aishat explores the important distinction between cashflow challenges and organisational sustainability. She discusses common causes of cashflow pressure, explains why timing issues and sustainability issues are not the same thing, and shares practical questions trustees and leaders should be asking. The goal isn't to eliminate concern. It's to help organisations respond with greater clarity, confidence, and calm. KEY TAKEAWAY Cashflow pressure does not automatically mean organisational failureTiming and sustainability are different challengesBank balances only tell part of the storyBEST MOMENTS "Cash flow isn't something they read about in a report, it's something they feel." "One of the biggest misconceptions is that cash flow problems only happen in struggling organizations." "A timing problem asks, when will the money arrive? While a sustainability problem asks, will enough money arrive at all?" REFLECTION QUESTION Are you currently dealing with a timing issue or a sustainability issue? Understanding the difference may change the conversation entirely. ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    11 min
  5. 2026 Small Charity Week – Day 1: Strong Finance Without a Big Finance Team

    4 days ago

    2026 Small Charity Week – Day 1: Strong Finance Without a Big Finance Team

    🎁 As part of Small Charities Week, I've created a free Finance Health Check to help you identify strengths, gaps, and priorities in your charity's finance arrangements. Download it here Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Small charities are often expected to meet the same financial standards as much larger organisations, but without the same resources, systems, or staffing. In this opening episode of Small Charities Week 2026, Aishat explores what good finance really looks like when you're working with a small team, limited capacity, and competing priorities. This episode looks at proportionate finance management, the difference between capacity and capability, common risks faced by small charities, and the practical foundations that support financial sustainability. This conversation offers a realistic framework for building stronger financial foundations without unnecessary complexity. KEY TAKEAWAY Capacity and capability are not the same thingGood finance is built on strong foundationsFinance is about confidence, not just complianceBEST MOMENTS ""Finance should always be proportionate." "Good finance isn't about having the biggest team. It's about having the right foundations." QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION As you listened, how would your organisation answer these questions? Do we know our current cash position?Can we identify our restricted funds?Are all bank accounts reconciled?Are trustees receiving useful financial information?Could someone else step in if our key finance person became unavailable?ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    16 min
  6. What Trustees Should Expect From Management Accounts. And What They Shouldn't

    9 Jun

    What Trustees Should Expect From Management Accounts. And What They Shouldn't

    Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z In this episode, Aishat explores what management accounts are really designed to do, why they matter for good governance, and how trustees can use them to support better decision-making. She discusses the difference between receiving information and creating understanding, the role of judgement in financial oversight, and why asking the right questions often matters more than finding the right answers. Whether you're a trustee, CEO, finance lead, or senior manager, this episode will help you think differently about the reports in your board pack. KEY TAKEAWAY Management accounts are about understanding, not just reportingTrustees should expect insight, context, and visibility of risk from management accountsThe quality of the discussion matters as much as the quality of the reportBEST MOMENTS "Management accounts are not there to tell you everything, but they should help you ask better questions. And often, in governance, the quality of our questions matters just as much as the quality of our answers." QUESTIONS FOR TRUSTEES AND BOARDS As you review your next set of management accounts, consider: Do these reports help us understand what is happening in the organisation?Are we focusing on the right numbers?What risks or trends are emerging?Are we receiving enough context to make informed decisions?Would a new trustee understand these reports?Are we discussing the implications of the numbers, or simply reviewing them?ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    19 min
  7. Reporting by Activity: Does Your Reporting Reflect How You Operate?

    12 May

    Reporting by Activity: Does Your Reporting Reflect How You Operate?

    Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z In this episode, Aishat explores a question many charities are quietly wrestling with as discussions around the updated Charity SORP continue: Should charities continue reporting expenditure under one broad “charitable activities” heading, or is it time to break reporting down by programme, service area, or activity? This is not simply a technical accounting conversation. It is a governance conversation. A visibility conversation. And ultimately, a decision-making conversation. The episode explores how this issue can show up differently in small charities, growing organisations, and larger, more established charities with complex structures and multiple funding streams. KEY TAKEAWAY Organisational growth often creates complexity faster than reporting structures evolve.Financial reporting should help organisations tell an honest and useful story about their mission, activities, complexity, and reality.Reporting by activity is not a brand-new concept introduced by the updated Charity SORP. The principle of helping readers understand how resources are used has existed for a long time.BEST MOMENTS “Your accounts are part of your organisation’s storytelling too.” “Compliance should not be the ceiling; it should be the baseline.” “Your accounts are part of your organisation’s storytelling too.” ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Beyond her professional endeavours with non-profits, Aishat is deeply committed to supporting single mothers in navigating financial challenges and champions financial literacy among young Black adults. She thrives in conversations about money, empowerment, and purposeful work. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    14 min
  8. Where Are Your Reserves, Really? Looking Beyond the Headline Figure

    14 Apr

    Where Are Your Reserves, Really? Looking Beyond the Headline Figure

    Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Reserves are often expressed as months of expenditure, which can feel reassuring — but the reality is often more nuanced. A charity may report healthy reserves and still experience periods where cash feels tight or flexibility feels limited. This episode explores why reserves do not always match the bank balance, particularly in larger or more complex organisations, and how reserves interact with cashflow, funding structures, and operational commitments. The aim is to help trustees and senior leaders interpret reserves with greater confidence, supporting calmer, more informed governance and decision-making. KEY TAKEAWAY Reserves are not the same as cash in the bank — they represent overall financial capacity, not necessarily immediate liquidity.Headline reserves figures may appear strong while underlying flexibility is more limited.Understanding how reserves interact with cashflow, funding structure, and strategy helps boards interpret financial information with greater confidence.BEST MOMENTS “Reserves are not a separate bank account. They are an accounting concept derived from the organisation’s balance sheet position.” “So although the reserves figure is real, it does not necessarily mean the organisation has that amount sitting freely in its bank account.” “Reserves describe financial capacity. Cashflow describes financial timing.” ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Beyond her professional endeavours with non-profits, Aishat is deeply committed to supporting single mothers in navigating financial challenges and champions financial literacy among young Black adults. She thrives in conversations about money, empowerment, and purposeful work. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok

    18 min
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About

The Nonprofit Bookkeeper shines a light on purpose-driven organisations — from charities and social enterprises to impact-led businesses. Hosted by Aishat, a finance and operations expert, this show blends practical financial tips, real-life stories, and strategic guidance for founders, funders, and changemakers. Expect solo episodes, expert guests, and honest conversations about money, mission, and making a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    Aishat
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Nonprofit Bookkeeper 2024
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Bookkeeper