Author
Peter Hübner, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 2/2023.
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 some insight into my duties as treasurer and board member.
This includes, firstly, invoice processing with invoice verification, booking, posting, and payment via online banking. Online banking encompasses more than just bookings; it also involves administrative tasks.
Another major task is membership fee collection, which involves preparing the automated direct debit run via the member database and our linked bank account. Approximately 85-90 of these % transactions are processed correctly. The remainder fall into two categories. One category requires a technical update to the direct debit mandates. The other involves invalid bank account details. 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 to request their current bank details. This amounts to roughly 10-15 such cases annually.
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 preparing statistics for the cash report, preparing for the cash audit, and managing the fixed 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 needs assessments and financial support for our self-help groups when a need is proven. Alongside this is the board work, which is also very enjoyable. This includes, among other things, discussing and passing resolutions.
I'm sure I've forgotten one or two tasks. But that's irrelevant, because what's important 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 and stable in 2024.
Please note the following information: Contributions for 2024 will be collected during the first quarter of 2024. Those still paying by themselves should please transfer their contribution by March 31, 2024. I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy start to 2024!
