The Nonprofit Bookkeeper

Aishat
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. Two Numbers, Two Stories: Cash vs Surplus

    FEB 10

    Two Numbers, Two Stories: Cash vs Surplus

    Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC “We’ve got money in the bank, so why are you saying we’re tight?” This episode tackles one of the most common (and costly) misunderstandings in charity finance: confusing cash with surplus. In calm, plain English, Aishat explains why these two numbers often tell very different stories; and how mixing them up can lead boards into false reassurance, unnecessary panic, or poor strategic decisions. This is an essential listen for trustees, CEOs, and senior leaders who want to understand the numbers without fear, jargon, or judgement. KEY TAKEAWAY Cash is timing. Surplus is performance. They are connected, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference helps boards move from fear to clarity, and from reactive decisions to confident governance. BEST MOMENTS “Cash answers one question: what can we physically pay today?” “Surplus tells you whether you lived within your means — not how much money you have.” “Cash feels real. Surplus feels abstract. That’s why boards mix them up.” “This isn’t a performance problem — it’s a cashflow issue.” “Financial clarity isn’t about control. It’s about confidence.” 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

    9 min
  2. Budgets Aren’t Control Tools. They’re Navigation Tools

    JAN 20

    Budgets Aren’t Control Tools. They’re Navigation Tools

    Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC In this episode, Aishat reframes one of the most misunderstood tools in charity finance: the budget. Too often, boards treat budgets as fixed rules; something to stick to perfectly or apologise for when reality doesn’t cooperate. But real life doesn’t behave like a spreadsheet. This conversation explores why budgets are better understood as navigation tools rather than control mechanisms, especially in the early stages of a budget cycle, and how this mindset shift leads to healthier board conversations, better decision-making, and stronger governance. KEY TAKEAWAY Budgets are built on assumptions, not guaranteesVariances early in a budget cycle often reflect timing, not troubleControl-focused budget conversations shut down insight and learningNavigation-focused conversations encourage transparency and better decisionsStrong boards respond thoughtfully when reality doesn’t match the planBEST MOMENTS “A budget isn’t a control tool. It’s a navigation tool.” “When a budget moves, it doesn’t mean someone has failed — it means something has changed.” “You can’t control your way to sustainability. You can only navigate your way there.” “Budgets support governance — they break under micromanagement.” BOARD REFLECTION PROMPTS You might find it helpful to reflect on these questions at your next board or finance committee meeting: What assumptions were built into this budget?What has changed since the budget was set?Are we using the budget to control activity, or to guide decisions? 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

    8 min
  3. SORP 2026: What Trustees of Small Charities Need to Know

    12/16/2025

    SORP 2026: What Trustees of Small Charities Need to Know

    Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC SORP 2026 is now published, and while it’s often described as a technical accounting update, its biggest implications for small charities are about clarity, explanation, and good governance, not technical detail. In this episode, Aishat speaks directly to trustees of small charities, particularly those without finance backgrounds or in-house finance teams. The focus is on what trustees need to understand, what they don’t need to worry about, and the questions they should feel confident asking. KEY TAKEAWAY SORP 2026 is not about doing more accounting; it’s about clearer explanation and transparencyTrustees don’t need to know the technical detail, but they do need to ask whether accounts reflect the updated frameworkImpact reporting matters for small charities, but it’s about storytelling, not complex measurementThe Trustees’ Annual Report is a key trustee responsibility: it should clearly link activities, outcomes, use of funds, and public benefitRestricted funds still require clear explanation, regardless of charity sizeRESOURCES Charities SORP 2026 (official guidance) BEST MOMENTS “Trustees are not expected to become experts in SORP, you’re expected to understand enough to ask the right questions.” “The Trustees’ Annual Report is your voice as a board: it should reflect what you believe is happening in the charity, not just what the numbers say.” “Asking whether the accounts reflect the updated SORP isn’t micromanagement; it’s good governance.” 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

    9 min
  4. Financial Accountability and Legacy: Leaving the Charity Stronger Than You Found It (Money Matters for Boards)

    11/07/2025

    Financial Accountability and Legacy: Leaving the Charity Stronger Than You Found It (Money Matters for Boards)

    Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC In this final episode of our special Trustees Week series, Aishat wraps up the week by exploring what financial stewardship truly means - legacy. It’s not just about clean audits or balanced budgets. It’s about leaving behind clarity, transparency, and systems that make sense long after you’ve stepped down. Aishat explains how accountability is really about trust, not ticking boxes — and why culture, not compliance, is what keeps charities strong. You’ll learn what practical habits build lasting financial confidence and how to ensure your charity remains financially resilient, year after year. KEY TAKEAWAY Accountability equals trust. It’s about stewardship, not scrutiny.Legacy equals clarity. Leave behind systems and understanding, not just spreadsheets.Culture matters.Good governance is a rhythm built through small, consistent habits.BEST MOMENTS “Legacy isn’t just what you built — it’s what continues to make sense after you’re gone.” “You can have perfect policies and still fail if the culture is ‘don’t ask.’” “Confident boards build stronger charities.” 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

    11 min
  5. Restricted, Unrestricted and Reserves: What Trustees Need to Get Right (Money Matters for Boards)

    11/06/2025

    Restricted, Unrestricted and Reserves: What Trustees Need to Get Right (Money Matters for Boards)

    🎁Download: Your Trustees Fund and Reserves Explainer Pack Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC It’s Day 4 of our Trustee Week series, Money Matters for Boards! So far, we’ve explored how money connects to mission, how to read the numbers, and how budgets can tell your charity’s story. Today, we’re tackling one of the trickiest yet most crucial topics in charity finance — restricted, unrestricted, and reserves. Aishat breaks down what each fund type really means, how to keep your charity in control of its finances, and why trustees should never assume “money in the bank” equals “money to spend.” You’ll learn how to build healthy financial flexibility, protect your charity from risk, and strengthen long-term sustainability. KEY TAKEAWAY Restricted funds are money promised for a specific purpose.Unrestricted funds are your charity’s breathing space, used for core costs, governance, and new opportunities.Reserves are your safety net, built from unrestricted funds to protect your mission when things change.Transparency builds trust. Clear reporting helps trustees see where flexibility exists.Consistency beats windfalls. Rebuilding reserves slowly and deliberately keeps your charity resilient.BEST MOMENTS “Money in the bank isn’t always money you can spend.” “Unrestricted funds are your charity’s breathing space. Without enough, a charity can look busy on paper but still struggle to survive.” “Reserves aren’t about hoarding money — they’re about being ready.” 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

    11 min
  6. Budgets That Tell the Right Story: Shaping the Numbers Behind Your Mission (Money Matters for Boards)

    11/05/2025

    Budgets That Tell the Right Story: Shaping the Numbers Behind Your Mission (Money Matters for Boards)

    🎁Download: The Trustee's Budget Review Checklist Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC Welcome to Day 3 of Money Matters for Boards, the Trustees’ Week series on The Nonprofit Bookkeeper. In this episode, Aishat moves from reading numbers to shaping them; because a good budget isn’t just about maths, it’s about meaning. Too often, budgets are approved in the final five minutes of a board meeting, but they’re one of the most powerful tools trustees have. They translate strategy into numbers and values into action. From asking the right questions to spotting red flags, this episode guides trustees through how to review, challenge, and approve budgets with confidence, turning spreadsheets into stories of mission and impact. KEY TAKEAWAY A budget is a story, not a spreadsheet.Ask the right questions.Challenge with curiosity.Budgets evolve; review regularly.BEST MOMENTS “I suppose our values didn’t make it into the spreadsheet.” “There’s a difference between a budget and a wishlist.” “Challenge done well builds trust.” “You’re not just balancing columns — you’re balancing vision with viability.” 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

    10 min
  7. Trustees and the Numbers: How to Stay on Top Without Getting Lost (Money Matters for Boards)

    11/04/2025

    Trustees and the Numbers: How to Stay on Top Without Getting Lost (Money Matters for Boards)

    🎁Download the free Board Finance Confidence Checklist to help your board assess confidence and spot training gaps.. Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC In this hands-on episode of The Nonprofit Bookkeeper, Aishat takes trustees beyond spreadsheets and into the stories behind the numbers. Too often, charity boards approve reports without truly understanding them, missing early signs of financial stress. Aishat explains the five key things every trustee should look for in their financial reports, how to turn numbers into strategy, and how to build a culture of financial confidence on your board. If you’ve ever looked at a finance report and thought, “I probably should understand this better,” this episode is for you. KEY TAKEAWAY Trustees don’t need to be accountants — but they do need to be curious..Healthy boards link numbers to stories.Build finance into every board conversation.Numbers without decisions are decoration.BEST MOMENTS “Understanding your numbers doesn’t mean becoming a finance expert. It means recognising what healthy looks like, what danger looks like, and when to ask for help.” “Numbers are just information. It’s the questions you attach to them that create accountability.” “A confused trustee is a risk. A curious trustee is an asset.” 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

    12 min
  8. Money and Mission: Why Finance Is Everyone’s Responsibility (Money Matters for Boards)

    11/03/2025

    Money and Mission: Why Finance Is Everyone’s Responsibility (Money Matters for Boards)

    🎁Download your free Money and Mission One Pager Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - Z Check out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANC This week the focus is on Money Matters for Boards - short solo episodes designed to help trustees lead with confidence, clarity, and calm in all things finance. In today’s episode, Aishat starts at the heart of every charity: the connection between money and mission. Too often, finance sits in the corner of the board agenda — it's the bit that makes everyone either sit up straight or quietly sink lower into their chair. But the truth is, finance isn’t separate from your charity's mission; it’s your charity's mission in action. When boards treat money as everyone’s responsibility, they strengthen not just their balance sheets but their impact, credibility, and sustainability. KEY TAKEAWAY Finance is mission in action. The way you manage money is how you deliver impact.Curiosity beats competence. You don’t need to be an accountant — just stay engaged and ask questions.Shared responsibility builds stronger boards. When everyone understands the numbers, everyone protects the mission.BEST MOMENTS “Your role isn’t to prepare the numbers; it’s to understand their meaning.” “Small charities need the most financial awareness because they don’t have a safety net.” “You don’t need to be an accountant — you just need to be curious.” “If you believe in your cause, you must also believe in protecting its financial health.” 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

    12 min
See All (67)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Nonprofit Bookkeeper 2024
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Bookkeeper