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A chapter treasurer needs a willing heart to learn the task, and it helps to be practical and economical in small things. A little math ability is also a plus. Beyond these particular characteristics, however, a treasurer needs to have a deep sense of stewardship. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6: 21).

By encouraging students to give sacrificially to the Lord, the treasurer helps them get their hearts in the right place. Why are we here on campus? To share the unsearchable riches of God in Christ with students who are spiritually poor. That's a high motivation for giving.

Build a Budget
So what does a treasurer do? One of the first tasks is to draw up a budget for the current year. The newly-elected chapter leaders first meet prayerfully to determine what activities should be undertaken during the year. This is usually done in the spring or summer at a chapter camp or planning week. With that information in mind, the treasurer carefully draws up an estimate of expenses for each activity. (It really helps at this point to have last year's budget. Base the budget for the current year to some extent on last year's.) The leadership team can then discuss the budget, amend it if necessary and then adopt it.

Financial Records

The mechanics of the chapter treasury should be businesslike. Never mix chapter money with personal accounts. Instead, establish a chapter checking account at a local bank or use an account with the university. Make regular deposits to avoid having a lot of cash on hand (some petty cash for small expenses can reside in a cash box).

Provide a receipt for any gifts received, and whenever someone outside the chapter contributes, send a note of thanks as well. (By the way, don't promise people that their gifts to a local chapter are tax deductible. According to the Internal Revenue Service, your local chapter doesn't carry tax-exempt status.)

Pay all bills as soon as they come in, making payments by check so there will be a record of the transaction. If you run out of money (gasp!), let the chapter leadership committee know, so they can inform members of the need.

A treasurer owes it to the chapter and to God to keep an accurate account book. Balance it monthly and keep your records in strict accordance with any special university requirements. Prepare a financial report to give at every leadership meeting. At the end of the year the treasurer should balance the books and be prepared to give the chapter members a summarized account of income and expenditures.

Beyond the bookwork

Very few chapter members know much about stewardship. The treasurer thus has an opportunity to learn and teach what it is to trust God to provide for his work on campus.

Obedience is a corollary of faith, and generous giving is an act of worship. That's more than a mere cash register can provide!