by Joe Batts

The role of the Treasurer has expanded over the last 5 years that I have served as FAS Treasurer. Duties that were once spread among other board members are now more consolidated under the Treasurer. In addition, as the organization grows, greater accountability and reporting is needed. The Treasurer has always maintained the primary responsibility of managing all income and expenses and logging those accurately into Quickbooks and maintaining our non-profit registration with the State of Montana. Other expanded duties now include preparing and filing the annual IRS 990 form, preparing monthly financial reports for the board, preparing annual reports for membership, overseeing our investment accounts, and reviewing and paying annual insurance premiums. With consolidation also comes necessary financial oversight and internal audits. These continue to be done by both the Finance Committee and Bruce Tannehill, our past Treasurer.

With the help of a SCORE Consultant, Richard Dillon, we will be changing to a non-profit version of Quickbooks that will greatly improve our reporting and our understanding of GAAP accounting. We will keep you advised about our progress.

In February, I stepped down from the Treasurer position as I am taking on more duties with Montana Audubon as Vice President. At its February meeting, the FAS Board appointed Rod Wallette to serve out the rest of my term through May, and Rod has agreed to be nominated as Treasurer in our upcoming May election to serve another 2-year term.

Rod Wallette and Pete Metzmaker installing interpretive sign at 2018 OSNA Work Day – Photo Credit: Linda Winnie

During the next few months, I will support Rod and the Finance Committee in the final transfer of responsibilities, and will complete the transfer and conversion of our financial records now in a commercial edition of Quickbooks to the non-profit version. In addition, I will also be preparing a Charter for the Accounting and Investment functions that describes all the tasks that have to be done. This will provide a guidepost for the incumbent Treasurer and other board members to use.

Thank you all for your support. I have greatly enjoyed my time as your Treasurer, and I plan to remain on FAS board to support the organization and help as needed.