End-of-Year Finance Checklist for Community Organisations in Aotearoa

Community Networks • March 6, 2025

As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances. A bit of planning now can help ensure compliance, financial stability, and a strong start to the new year. 


Here’s a quick and practical checklist to guide you through the essentials: 


1. Review Your Financial Records 


Make sure all income, expenses, and bank reconciliations are accurate. If anything looks off, now’s the time to tidy it up. 


2. Get Your Annual Reporting Ready 


If your organisation is a registered charity, ensure you’re meeting the correct Tier 1-4 reporting requirements. If you're unsure, check with Charities Services NZ. 


⏳ Annual Return Deadline: Charities must file their Annual Return and financial statements within six months of their balance date. 


  • If your balance date is 31 March, your return is due by 30 September.
  • If your balance date is 30 June, your return is due by 31 December. 


Late filing can lead to de-registration, so don’t leave it to the last minute! 


3. Reconcile Grants & Funding 


Check that all funding has been correctly allocated and reported. Some funders may require a financial update or details on any unspent funds. 


4. Confirm Tax & Compliance Obligations 


  • File your Annual Return with Charities Services (if required). 
  • Ensure all GST, PAYE, and tax obligations are up to date to avoid any penalties. 


5. Preparing for an Audit 


  • Confirm whether your organisational documents or your Charities Services Tier level require an audit 
  • If so, get in touch with your auditor early to confirm timing and documents required 
  • Gather important documents early such as contracts, grant agreements and data for your Statement of Service Performance 


6. Check Reserves & Plan for Next Year 


Look at your reserves—do you have enough to sustain your work? Compare actual vs. budgeted spending and update your forecasts. 


7. Prepare for Your AGM 


  • Ensure financial statements are board-ready. 
  • A clear Treasurer’s Report can help communicate key financial insights to members. 


8. Review Governance & Risk Management 


  • Update financial policies and internal controls. 
  • Identify any financial risks and put strategies in place to manage them. 


Looking Ahead 


A strong financial foundation helps your organisation continue supporting your community effectively. Taking time now to review and plan can make a big difference in the year ahead. 


💡 Need more guidance? Check out Charities Services NZ or reach out to CNA for support. 

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Kia ora koutou, One of the greatest strengths of our sector is our willingness to come together, share knowledge, and lift each other up. Here at good ol’ CNA, we know from experience that strong relationships with our members help us grow and strengthen our own work. And we see our members doing the same with the networks and communities they support. We’re a network that builds capacity by engaging deeply with you—our members. Whether through our 50th Anniversary Hui, regular updates, or one-on-one kōrero, your insights help shape our direction, inform our advocacy, and refine the resources we provide. It’s through this two-way relationship that we grow stronger as an organisation—and the same holds true for you and your own networks. It’s why we bring everyone together every two years—to connect face to face, share lessons, and learn from one another. When you hear how another group has tackled leadership development or improved their financial systems, you gain ideas and inspiration to take home. And when you share your own success, you spark growth in others. From supporting better governance through our Tick for Governance Course (over 900 satisfied customers!) and strategic planning, to helping organisations improve fundraising, engaging with Banks, Select Committees, and collaboration—we all grow by reaching out and working together. CNA does this with our members, and our members do it with theirs. The ripple effect is powerful. Your network is so much more than an email list—it’s a community of experience, support, and strength. Let’s keep learning, building, and growing together. Here are 4 action points for to better engage with their members: Yell it to the Rooftops: Through newsletters and social media make sure to highlight member successes, share relevant news, and provide opportunities for feedback. Add this positivity to inspire others Throw a Party: Even if it’s a cuppa and a bikkie, these allow members to keep relationships, share knowledge, and collaborate in real-time in an easy atmosphere – we don’t’ have to be on the treadmill all the time. We are allowed to enjoy ourselves. Pick up the phone: Sometimes it’s great to get a call that’s not about an issue. Just to say ‘hello’, ‘I’m thinking of you’, ‘what’s on your mind?’. These strengthen our relationships and keep us in mind of each other, which may mean reminding each other of what we can support each other in. Share the aroha: Create spaces (online or in-person) where members can exchange ideas and experiences. When someone learns a new strategy or approach, share it widely to inspire innovation and growth across your network. Why reinvent the wheel? Take that idea and adapt it to your own organisation. These are just a few ways to increase your capacity, to deepen relationships, and to help each other upwards. Forward, Stronger! Patrick Davies Membership Engagement Officer

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