2026 Small Charity Week – Day 1: Strong Finance Without a Big Finance Team

🎁 Resource update: This download has been retired. Visit BAnC Services for our latest charity finance resources. Pick up a copy of my newly published interactive, activity-based resource designed to help build confidence with charity finance terminology:: Charity Finance A–Z: A Creative Crossword & Colouring Book Or explore the glossary-style guide: Charity Finance from A - Z Small charities are often expected to meet the same financial standards as much larger organisations, but without the same resources, systems, or staffing. In this opening episode of Small Charities Week 2026, Aishat explores what good finance really looks like when you're working with a small team, limited capacity, and competing priorities. This episode looks at proportionate finance management, the difference between capacity and capability, common risks faced by small charities, and the practical foundations that support financial sustainability. This conversation offers a realistic framework for building stronger financial foundations without unnecessary complexity. KEY TAKEAWAY Capacity and capability are not the same thing Good finance is built on strong foundations Finance is about confidence, not just compliance BEST MOMENTS ""Finance should always be proportionate." "Good finance isn't about having the biggest team. It's about having the right foundations." QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION As you listened, how would your organisation answer these questions? Do we know our current cash position? Can we identify our restricted funds? Are all bank accounts reconciled? Are trustees receiving useful financial information? Could someone else step in if our key finance person became unavailable? ABOUT YOUR HOST Aishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice – BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector. With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit’s mission. She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector. Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.uk CONNECT Instagram TikTok