Governance in NFPOs

Since the 2001 Enron disaster, the issue of corporate governance has attracted the attention of investors and stakeholders. Although the governance of not-for-profit organizations (NFPOs) has failed to garner similar attention, research has proven that effective governance leads to improved results for all organizations. The diverse nature of NFPOs means that their expectations of directors and good governance can vary widely. In addition, NFPOs face the added challenge of resource limitations, which enhances the need to ensure the effective utilization of their resources.

Many CPAs are asked to, or are interested in, sitting on a not-for-profit organization’s (NFPO’s) board, but without knowing the role, responsibilities and risks of doing so. Further, the diverse nature of NFPOs means that these can vary widely. In addition, NFPOs face the challenge of resource limitations enhancing the need to use their resources effectively. Strong governance plays a significant role in ensuring this happens and with the right knowledge, CPAs are well-placed to help.

This half-day seminar explores some of the unique governance challenges facing NFPOs and how board members need to be prepared to meet those challenges. The seminar focuses on what governance is, what best practices are and how to identify emerging issues with the goal to providing effective oversight. You will explore important questions and problems faced by NFPOs, including the obstacles faced by a volunteer board member of a smaller NFPO to maintain oversight when your required responsibilities include operational roles. Through discussion and exercises, the seminar group will discover the key elements of a corporate governance framework and determine strategies for including certain elements of discipline that already exist on corporate boards for the purpose of benefitting NFPOs.

Topics Include:

  • The definition of governance
  • The essential elements of a corporate governance system
  • The governance value proposition
  • The control environment
  • The authority and role of the board of directors, the audit committee, and self-evaluation
  • The role of management in promoting ‘tone at the top’ and an ethical culture
  • The subset of ethics within an organization
  • Tools for evaluating the ethical culture of an organization
  • The identification of emerging issues and best practices for managing these issues
  • The impact of current trends and emerging issues on board composition and reporting

Applicable For:

This seminar particularly targets several groups of professionals, including:

  • Professionals sitting on or considering joining NFPO boards
  • Practitioners who interact with or provide support to NFPO boards
  • Current and future board members seeking ways to manage certain expectations, especially in light of their volunteer status.

What to Expect

  • An email will be sent from CPA Manitoba to the participant within two business days of registration. The email will include information on how to access the course along with the necessary login credentials.
  • Once sent, the email will also be found in your Account Communication tab of the CPA Manitoba Member Portal.
  • This course is designed for participants to view while following along with the course material provided.
  • This self-study course allows the user to save their progress and return to continue later.

Registration is for this course is open until August 31.2023 and should be completed by September 30, 2023, after this time, access to the course will no longer be available.

To receive a certificate, participants must complete a quiz at the end of the course. Unlimited quiz attempts are available until the passing grade of 70% or better is achieved. After this you will no longer have access to the quiz.
When
4/1/2023 - 8/31/2023

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