Alper ASLAN, Finance and Administrative Director , NCCI/Swiss organization
The IFR4NPO Country Champion in Turkey and Middle East, Alper Aslan recently hosted a meeting for anyone with an interest in non-profit financial reporting. We asked him to share his reflections.
There were many attendees from Turkey, Middle East and other countries who showed a high level of interest in the project. Some mentioned how this initiative is essential, both regionally and globally, and can help being consistency and uniformity, which will enable us to benchmark and improve our performance. Others were pleased to see that the narrative report can help NPOs to share about their impact rather than just financial results.
It will be important to hear the views of senior finance staff in non-profit organizations, at country and regional level, as well as specialists from universities and auditors. In terms of challenges, it will be important that the Guidance is not too onerous, or failure to comply could become a barrier for NPOs. Furthermore, it needs donors to agree, otherwise any inconsistency between the Guidance and specific donor reporting requirements will be problematic. For example, some NPOs experience problems have experienced problems regulators if they fail to comply with IFRS, and yet their donors require something different.
Participants are looking forward to formally sharing their opinions in the consultation process in 2021 so that they can shape the future and be part of the solution for the sector.
This project has potential to achieve huge success, but it is so important to listen to and understand stakeholders’ needs.
We are so grateful to Alper ASLAN and all our Country Champions for their wonderful voluntary service in reaching out to stakeholders all over the world! You can find details of the meeting, including a video recording here.