Comments on: Accountability Lesson Number 1: Questions Must Be Asked

By: Linda Gabel

Linda Gabel — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:40:15 +0000

I agree with Kristi, however, unfortunately most board members I know have no idea what questions to ask when the financial statements are prepared by a detail-oriented financial person. There must be some types of financial presentations oriented towards the “normal” volunteer board member who is not an accountant. I have been working on more of a “dashboard” model for presenting financial information for boards and from a manegerial financial perspective. Anyone who has any experience in this area, all input and informtaion is appreciated!

By: Kate Barr

Kate Barr — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:32:45 +0000

Your example is perfect, Kristi. Once the door is opened to start asking questions you will find that board members feel like they can finally open their mouths. You’re right, too, that format and presentation can really help.

By: Kristi Rendahl

Kristi Rendahl — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:54:21 +0000

I have noticed on many occasions that both board and staff members suffer from a lack of confidence when it comes to asking questions about financial issues. I, too, fell prey to the notion that those presenting the information must know best and would tell me if there was reason for concern. When I started asking questions to better understand the information presented, it became clear that very few people could answer them and the “non-financial” people were grateful that someone else was asking what they thought might be considered dumb questions. Presenting basically the same information in different formats on a consistent basis seems like one effective way to help people feel more comfortable reviewing and analyzing financial information. At least one format is likely to stick.