Author
Peter Hübner, Treasurer
Dear members, dear Alphas,
Dear readers,
You've now almost reached the last page of this journal, and the final article could easily be skipped, or is it worth reading? That, of course, is a decision everyone must make for themselves. In issue 1/2023, I promised to give you some insight into my duties as treasurer and board member. These include: First, processing invoices, including invoice verification, posting, coding, and payment via online banking. Online banking involves more than just transactions; it also entails administrative tasks. Another major aspect is collecting membership fees, which involves preparing the automated direct debit process using the member database and our linked bank account. Approximately 85-90 direct debits (%) are processed correctly. The remaining ones fall into two categories: one where the direct debit mandates need to be updated technically, and the other where bank details are invalid. This means that in these cases, we were not notified of a change in bank details. This generates unnecessary additional fees and work, as I have to contact each member individually and request their current bank details. This amounts to approximately 10-15 cases per year.
A third area of responsibility is sponsorship and fundraising (soliciting donations) in cooperation with the Chairwoman, Marion Wilkens. In addition to numerous phone calls and complex applications, the proper use of funds must be documented in the form of expenditure reports, entries in the transparency register, and on our website. Furthermore, donations exceeding €300 must be confirmed by issuing donation receipts.
Other tasks include compiling statistics for the cash report, preparing for the cash audit, and managing the assets (inventory list). Not to be forgotten is payroll accounting (for mini-jobs), including reporting to the Mini-Job Center and the employers' liability insurance association, as well as assessing needs and providing financial support to our self-help groups when required. In addition, there's the board work, which I also really enjoy. This includes discussing and passing resolutions. I'm sure I've forgotten one or two tasks. But that's irrelevant; what matters is that I enjoy doing it, even if it takes up some time alongside my full-time job.
Now, a look ahead to next year: The financing of our patient organization, with all its expenses such as counseling, journals, newsletters, and the information day, is secured upon receipt of grants and donations! This also includes membership fees, which will remain unchanged in 2024. Please note the following: Membership fees for 2024 will be collected during the first quarter of 2024. Those who are still paying out of pocket should transfer their fees by March 31, 2024.
I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a good start to a healthy and, above all, peaceful year 2024!
Yours sincerely, Peter Hübner
