2 focus areas for CFO's during the pandemic

To my people working in Finance in Not for Profit sector in Canada.

I see you. It's tough times right now. We are almost a year in to this pandemic and not many signs of it letting up. I've talked to many of you about restructuring, revenue, HR, scenario planning and pressures/needs from the people the org serves and the people you serve within the org.

Here are my recommendations after listening to you and talking to you. Basically, if I was in your shoes right now, here is what I would focus on:

1) Your focus is securing sustainability of the organization and therefore the mission. Your job is critical to the success of the organization - especially right now. Keep your eye on the prize. Repeat that over and over again, but most importantly communicate it. Any projects and tasks that are nice to have but do not contribute to sustainability, should be out.

2) Revenue - Support the fundraising team. There should always be tension between fundraising and finance and that's a great thing. But right now, they need your support - whether it's information, confidence or accountability. Talk to the Chief Development Officer and the CEO. Ask how can you support them with fundraising efforts. Challenge them. Support them.

You got this!

Original post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/neha-charnalia-a1193612_notforprofit-nfps-npos-activity-6763187232846290944-kn2n