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

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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A Governance Milestone

By Community Networks • February 3, 2026

Kia ora koutou, Running a not-for-profit in Aotearoa New Zealand isn’t for the faint-hearted. Funding pressures, rising compliance demands, volunteer burnout and changing community needs can make it feel like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. One of the clearest signs of that strength is CNA’s Tick for Governance course, which has now reached a major milestone — over 1,000 users have either completed the course or are actively working through it. That’s 1,000 trustees, board members and leaders investing in good governance and better outcomes for their communities. 🎉 Tick for Governance is special because it’s the only truly Kiwi governance course of its kind. It’s written by Kiwis, for Kiwis, grounded in the realities of how not-for-profits operate in Aotearoa. It’s also proudly supported by Charity Services and the Institute of Directors, giving organisations confidence that the learning is practical, credible and relevant. But CNA doesn’t stop at courses. We’re here to help build capacity and ease workloads through a growing suite of courses, apps and practical resources designed for the real world not-for-profits operate in. A standout example is our collaboration with WiseComply, a smart compliance app that takes a huge weight off governance and management teams. Just like Tick for Governance, WiseComply updates your legislative and compliance requirements as they happen, so you don’t have to constantly chase changes or worry about missing something critical. Less stress, more confidence, better governance, more casual cups of tea. We’re also expanding our highly successful Sharp Strategies series. These aren’t your average sit-and-listen presentations. Sharp Strategies go deeper, offering real-time answers from experts on the issues that actually keep you awake at night, especially with the impending re-registration of Incorporated Societies, the General Election and more. Practical, interactive and immediately useful. Together, these initiatives reflect what CNA is all about: creating meaningful building blocks that strengthen individual organisations, lift the sector as a whole, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand society. Five ways your organisation can get involved: Enrol your board in Tick for Governance to build confident, capable governance. Use WiseComply to simplify and stay on top of compliance obligations. Attend Sharp Strategies sessions to get direct, expert guidance on tough issues. Share CNA resources with staff and volunteers to build capability across your organisation. Make CNA learning part of your ongoing planning, not just a one-off fix. As we head into 2026, now is the perfect time to invest in your people, your governance and your future. Engage with CNA, use the tools on offer, and let’s keep building a stronger not-for-profit sector — together. In the words of a wise, wise man – “To Infinity, And Beyond!”

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