How2Day: Louisiana Nonprofit Organization Treasury Duties

At any nonprofit, the treasurer's duties involve handling money. money, money, money image by easaab from Fotolia.com
Most nonprofit organizations require officers, such as secretaries and treasurers, to operate efficiently. Officers' responsibilities vary based on federal laws, as well as the specific bylaws of the nonprofit for which they work. In Louisiana, state law sets requirements for the number and type of officers a nonprofit organization should have, but individual organizations set their own duties for their officers. A treasurer working for a particular Louisiana nonprofit may have different tasks than one at another Louisiana nonprofit.

According to Louisiana state law, the board of directors for every nonprofit organization must elect a president, secretary and treasurer. Any two offices may be served by one person, unless the nonprofit's articles of incorporation state otherwise. The treasurer, as well as the other officers, will have the power and duties laid out in the nonprofit's bylaws, or by the board.

The typical job description for a treasurer at a nonprofit holds treasurers responsible for the board's financial responsibilities. Treasurers may report to the board on financial events, trends and concerns on a regular basis, and make financial reports available to the board. Treasurers perform financial audits, if necessary, and make recommendations for annual financial audits. Treasurers also manage and maximize the finances and investments of the organization.

One example of a nonprofit's bylaws governing the treasurer's duties come from the Louisiana Association of Public Employees' Retirement Systems. According to their bylaws, the treasurer must receive and hold all dues and funds for the association. The treasurer pays all minor expenses, as well as major expenses after obtaining the president's approval. In addition, the treasurer maintains membership records and accounts of all funds to the association members.

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