[GNC] BotanyBayGardens nonprofit example, and why GnuCash does not suffic

[Michael or Penny Novack]

> One of my nits to pick is the AR module:? if I create an invoice without posting it, I can't find it unless I look at each of my 100+ members.? I'll write an external program to prepare the invoices and keep them in a separate file.? Then I only need to enter it into GNC as they are paid.


HOWEVER -- you do not have to use an "external program" for this. You 
could still use gnucash. That might be the solution for an organization 
that needs to be able to produce "member statements" but which has 
chosen "cash basis" << at least here in the US, non-profits can choose 
 >> You have organization main books and a set of "books" to 
produce/track membership payments. That could include "pledges" (which 
like I said ARE receivables even though organizations rarely try to 
enforce collection).

Most older accounting books will discuss separate accounting for petty 
cash and show how the petty cash books tie to the main books. That can 
serve as an example of how not only petty cash transactions but other 
things can be kept in "subsidiary books". Thus whoever manages "tee 
shirt sales" might handle a "sales book". The treasurer access all the 
books, all the others just the person responsible that particular set of 
books.

I have to laugh at that "nobody willing to take the time to look". I 
always had the same problem except I made it a bit harder for them. 
DON'T accept a printed bank statement from me; go to the bank and get 
one direct << I was making my living designing/writing software for a 
"financial" -- things like telling a computer to produce a "statement" 
with logos., proper fonts, the right" data is the sort of thing I was 
paid to do >>  Sorry folks but you need to take this sort of thing 
seriously. One organization to which I belong got taken by its office 
manager/bookkeeper for 100K or so, except 200K in the hole because 
because while the governmental agencies forgave penalties, they didn't 
forgive interest (and this went back years). What she stole directly we 
got back (in exchange for no jail time) but not that extra. Still 
hurting even though the bank involved considered themselves negligent 
and so lent that money interest free.

It's not a matter of trust or not; it's a matter of good/proper practice.

Michael