Work with Ugandan Coalition for Crisis Prevention

 

I was able to make some suggestions with regard to their strategic focus almost immediately as whilst UCCP is a very ambitious organisation, its objectives were so varied that it was not clear to an outsider what their role as an organisation was. We have since held a meeting that lasted a full day analysing the organisation strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and after that drafted four key objectives, and formulated an action plan to achieve them.

 

My role has been extremely diverse. Today, I am training two graduates in finance to be financial management accountants. I have revised the basic debits and credits and will be showing them how to prepare accounts using IFRS for SMEs, and also how to create budgets, cash flows and variance reports.

 

A new system of controls and accounting process is desperately needed to facilitate the accounting function so a I am designing a system that will be implemented in the coming weeks. The directors are very aware of the importance of these changes in order to create a transparent environment in order for donors to be assured of the proper use of their funds.

 

I was lucky that I found a very receptive team at UCCP who are keen to improve the level of accountability and therefore work together to improve things. Accounts were prepared for 2007, but none have been prepared for 2008, nor 2009. We will endeavour to make the most accurate financial statements possible in light of the incomplete records, so that UCCP’s accounts are complete and up to date, as donors often like to see audited accounts for the past 3 years in support of funding applications.

 

Tomorrow, Isah and I will be working on some proposals that need to be submitted next week. As the application forms are in English I am able to help ensure that the requirements have been properly understood and answered specifically. Detailed and accurate budgeting is also essential for a successful application so I will be working with Isah to ensure that the budgets include specific item costs that are sourced reliably.

 

Once we have submitted these proposals we shall begin work on the newsletter that UCCP needs to produce in order to raise its profile, and to add value to the service of member organisations. Contributions to the newsletter will be discussed at the new monthly management committee meetings where the budget and cash flow forecasts are to be reviewed and the management accounts analysed.

 

We are hoping to produce quarterly management accounts that will be reviewed by the National Executive Committee to ensure the highest levels of review and transparency.

 

There is a lot of work to do here at UCCP, but the volunteers are bright, young and determined, so it is a pleasure to work with them.

 

I enjoy being a professional volunteer because I have a fair amount of autonomy and am able to contribute a lot of knowledge drawing on my work experiences in Britain.

 

I feel a strong sense of satisfaction in helping out at UCCP because they would never be able to afford to pay for such essential financial training yet their work ultimately saves lives .