VCFO+ Insights
Expert guidance on NFP finance, governance, compliance, and strategy. Written for boards, treasurers, and finance leaders.
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Featured
Xero Record-Keeping Checklist for NFPs: Meeting ACNC Rules
Many not-for-profits use Xero, but far fewer have set it up to keep the records the ACNC expects. Good records are not just a compliance task. The ACNC links good records directly to sound governance and risk management, and has made record keeping part of its 2025-26 regulatory focus.
Featured
How Much Should a Charity Hold in Reserves? A Governance Guide for Boards
"How much should we hold in reserves?" is one of the most common questions charity boards ask. The honest answer is that there is no single right number. The ACNC says so directly: the right level depends on your charity's own risks and circumstances.
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Xero
Xero Record-Keeping Checklist for NFPs: Meeting ACNC Rules
Many not-for-profits use Xero, but far fewer have set it up to keep the records the ACNC expects. Good records are not just a compliance task. The ACNC links good records directly to sound governance and risk management, and has made record keeping part of its 2025-26 regulatory focus.
charity
How Much Should a Charity Hold in Reserves? A Governance Guide for Boards
"How much should we hold in reserves?" is one of the most common questions charity boards ask. The honest answer is that there is no single right number. The ACNC says so directly: the right level depends on your charity's own risks and circumstances.
grant
Grant Acquittal Checklist: 10 Things to Prepare Before the Due Date
A grant acquittal is your organisation's report to a funder showing how the grant was spent and what it achieved. Most acquittal problems are not caused by the report itself. They come from records that were never set up properly when the grant arrived.
aged
Aged Care Financial Reporting Under the New Act: A Board Guide
The Aged Care Act 2024 started on 1 November 2025. It changed how providers are registered, how home care is funded, and what goes into financial reports. For not-for-profit aged care providers, the board is ultimately accountable for getting this right.
independent
Funding Capital Works in an Independent School: A Board Finance Guide
A new building is one of the largest decisions an independent school board will make. It shapes the school's finances for decades. Yet many capital projects are approved on the strength of the design, with the funding plan worked out afterwards.
FBT
FBT for NFPs: What Charities and Schools Need to Know
Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is one of the most misunderstood taxes in the not-for-profit sector. Many boards assume that because their organisation is a charity, FBT does not apply. In practice, your FBT position depends on what kind of organisation you are, how your salary packaging is set up, and how much each employee receives.
Xero
Xero for Not-for-Profits: The Chart of Accounts and Setup Decisions That Matter
Xero is the most popular accounting software for Australian charities. But many charities set it up poorly.
NFP
What a Board-Ready Financial Pack Actually Looks Like (with Examples)
Your finance team has prepared the monthly financial statements. They're technically accurate. But your board members are confused.
DGR
DGR Status, Tax Concessions and the ATO: A Director's Guide for 2026
Your charity is registered with the ACNC. But are you endorsed for tax concessions? Do you have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status?
independent
Independent School Finance in 2026: Five Risks Every Board Should Stress-Test
Independent schools face a perfect storm in 2026. Enrolment is down. Staffing costs are up. Regulatory requirements are tightening.
grant
Grant Acquittals Without the Panic: Best Practice for Australian NFPs
Grant acquittals are the bane of many charity treasurers' existence. But acquittals don't have to be stressful.
virtual
Bookkeeper vs Accountant vs Virtual CFO: Which Does Your NFP Actually Need?
Your charity's treasurer is overwhelmed. Your financial statements are always late. You know you need help, but you're not sure what kind.
NFP
Cash Flow Forecasting for Not-for-Profits: A 12-Month Framework
Your charity's profit-and-loss statement says you're in surplus. Your balance sheet looks healthy. But you can't pay your staff next Friday.
NFP
How to Set a Reserves Policy for Your Australian Charity (with Template)
Ask ten board members what "reserves" means, and you'll get ten different answers. Without a clear reserves policy, your board is flying blind.
AASB
AASB 1058 and AASB 15 for NFPs: A Plain-English Guide for Boards
Most board members don't lose sleep over accounting standards. But when your auditor mentions "AASB 1058" or "AASB 15," you should pay attention.
ACNC
ACNC Annual Information Statement 2026: What's Changed and What Boards Must Know
Every year, Australian charities face a critical compliance deadline: the Annual Information Statement (AIS) to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
ACNC
ACNC Annual Information Statement 2024: What NFPs Need to Know
The ACNC Annual Information Statement is your charity's annual compliance checkpoint. Most registered charities must lodge one by the deadline, unless an exemption applies.
fractional
Five Signs Your NFP Board Needs a Fractional CFO
Your board's treasurer is overwhelmed. Financial reports are always late. Audit preparation is a scramble every year.
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