The New PTO Treasurer

About this book

You said yes at pickup. Now there’s a bank bag, a login to the fun run website, and a carnival coming in May.

Most parent-group treasurers get the job with no training at all, and often over a summer when everyone else has scattered. This course walks you through your first year in six practical sessions, with plain-English explanations built around a small elementary-school parent group you’ll get to know along the way.

• How to take over from the last treasurer, even when the handoff lands in June
• Getting your group’s EIN and tax-exempt status in order, and why it matters
• Starting banks, two-person counts, and same-day deposits for cash-heavy events
• Online platform payouts and fees, and why personal payment apps are off limits
• Teacher reimbursements, classroom grants, field-trip money, and gifts to the school
• The monthly report, next year’s budget, the year-end audit, and the 990-N

Each session ends with discussion questions to work through with your outgoing treasurer, your executive board, or a mentor. A companion workbook with practice exercises and reproducible forms is available separately.

The treasurer books are general education for volunteers. They are not individual tax, legal or accounting advice; for your organization's specific situation, consult a qualified professional.