
Managing your club's finances can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and strategies, you can make it a breeze. Clubfinance is designed to help you do just that, by streamlining your financial management and keeping you in control.
First, you need to understand your club's financial situation. This means tracking your income and expenses, and identifying areas where you can cut costs. According to our previous section, the average club spends 70% of its budget on operational costs, so it's essential to prioritize your spending.
Having a clear picture of your finances will allow you to make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources. By doing so, you can ensure that your club is running efficiently and effectively.
For your interest: CTBC Financial Holding
Know Your Budget
As a club member, it's essential to know your budget to make informed decisions about your group's finances. You can start by reviewing your group's WesNest account for the amount of SBC or Income Funding you have.
Before making any purchases, check your account to see how much money you have available. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you can cover the costs of your events and activities.
If you process a purchase request and it's approved, the funds will be allocated accordingly. However, if your request is denied, you'll need to revisit your budget and make adjustments accordingly.
To stay on top of your budget, it's a good idea to regularly review your expenses and income. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs and make adjustments to your budget as needed.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to budgeting:
By following these tips and regularly reviewing your budget, you'll be well on your way to managing your club's finances effectively.
Managing Finances
Managing your club's finances can be a daunting task, but don't worry, we've got you covered. To start, each group must appoint a Club Finance Lead who will be responsible for ensuring that your group's funds are used for the benefit of all its members.

The Club Finance Lead will also approve all expenditures and submit all deposits. Your group's annual budget is due to Student Life in the spring as part of the Club Renewal Application process, and in the fall, groups submit their annual budget as part of the Senate funding process.
To have an accurate picture of your club's finances, it's essential to compare the transactions that have hit the general ledger to those that are known to be outstanding. You can do this by using a shared internal tracking system that's accessible to all members who make purchases.
Here are the four ways to submit payments for club-related expenses:
- UBF approved electronic payment processing platforms
- Cash (in limited circumstances, such as raffles)
- Supplier PO invoices
- Concur reports
Remember, Student orgs. can access more funds than what's allocated from Senate, and you can also acquire additional funds through sponsors. However, be aware that any spending in excess of your allocated amount will not be reimbursed, and your club will be placed on probationary status until the deficit is resolved.
Request an Account

Requesting an account for your student club or organization is a straightforward process. All student clubs and organizations recognized by a student government must use Faculty Student Association (FSA) as their primary fiscal agent for accounting services.
If you're unsure which account type you need, don't worry - Financial Management is there to help. They'll guide you through the process and ensure you get the right account for your club or organization.
To request an account, you'll need to submit a request form. The type of account you'll need depends on your club or organization's status. Here's a breakdown of the different account types:
By understanding the different account types and requesting the right one, you'll be able to manage your finances effectively and focus on what matters most - running your club or organization.
Funding Allocation Policies
To ensure your club stays on track financially, it's essential to understand the funding allocation policies. Wharton Council funds can only be used within the academic year and do not roll over to the next year. However, unused funds may be reallocated between events within the same academic year.
Clubs must use Wharton Council funding for approved events only. Any unauthorized expenses, such as private dinners or gifts, will not be reimbursed. This includes using Wharton Council funds for one-time banner use, alcohol, or charitable donations.
Here's a quick rundown of what's allowed and what's not:
- Wharton Council funds can be used for events listed in a club's budget breakdown.
- Clubs may not use Wharton Council funding for private dinners, gifts, one-time banner use, alcohol, or charitable donations.
- Wharton Council funds will be applied toward expenses prior to the use of a club's corporate funding.
If your club exceeds its budget, be prepared for consequences. Any spending in excess of the allocated amount will not be reimbursed, and the club will be placed on probationary status. This means no additional financial transactions will be permitted until the deficit is resolved and the club is at or above a $0 balance.
Cash and Revenue Handling
To manage your club's finances effectively, it's essential to understand the rules around cash and revenue handling.
Student clubs and organizations should use UBF-approved electronic payment processing platforms to collect revenue, except in limited circumstances like raffles, where cash can be collected.
Make sure to follow the university's Safeguarding Cash and Cash Equivalents Policy, which applies to all student governments, organizations, clubs, or groups.
As Club Finance Lead, it's your responsibility to ensure that all expenditures are approved and that deposits are submitted correctly.
Student orgs. can access more funds than what's allocated from Senate, which means you may need to submit event-specific budgets or additional funding requests.
To submit payments for club-related expenses, you have four options to choose from, so be sure to explore each one carefully.
Students orgs. can also acquire additional funds through sponsors, which can help supplement your club's budget and achieve your goals.
Financial Reports & Treasurer Role
Financial reports are distributed monthly to each club treasurer, showing the club's financial activity that has hit the School's general ledger for the previous month as well as the club's current account balances.
These reports will not show purchase orders that have been requested but are still pending payment or Concur reports that have been submitted but have not been paid out.
To get an accurate picture of the club's finances, the treasurer should compare the transactions that have hit the general ledger to those that are known to be outstanding.
If this caught your attention, see: Financial Technology Partners
It's strongly recommended that the club uses a shared internal tracking system that is accessible to all members who make purchases so that each purchase is noted.
Note that the treasurer should also compare the transactions that have hit the general ledger to those that are known to be outstanding to ensure accuracy.
Funding and Spending
Funding for Wharton clubs comes in various forms, and understanding the rules and regulations is crucial for effective financial management. Wharton Council funds are allocated to clubs each fall based on detailed policies and procedures.
To receive Wharton Council funding, clubs must submit an itemized line-item budget by the submission deadline, which outlines planned events and expected costs. Clubs that miss the deadline will not be allocated funding, and those with corporate sponsorships exceeding half of the WC budget are not eligible.
Wharton Council funding must be used within the academic year and does not roll over to the next year. Unused funds can be reallocated between events within the same academic year. This means clubs need to plan carefully to avoid wasting allocated funds.
Contingency funds are available for unplanned items or events not included in a club's approved semester budget. These funds can also be used for club banners. Requests for contingency funding must be submitted through the Wharton Council website at least 15 days prior to the event.
Clubs can also apply for General Body Membership (GBM) funding throughout the year to support non-budgeted items or ad-hoc events for general body members. Requests must be submitted at least 15 days before the event using the GBM Fund request form.
Here's a summary of the funding options available to Wharton clubs:
It's essential to note that Wharton Council funds can only be spent on events listed in a club's budget breakdown. Clubs may not use Wharton Council funding for private dinners, gifts, one-time banner use, alcohol, or to make donations to charitable organizations.
Tracking and Reporting
To have an accurate picture of your club's finances, it's essential to track and report on your transactions regularly. Financial reports are distributed monthly to each club treasurer, showing the club's financial activity that has hit the School's general ledger for the previous month.
Explore further: UK Financial Investments

These reports also display the club's current account balances. However, keep in mind that the report won't show purchase orders that have been requested but are still pending payment or Concur reports that have been submitted but haven't been paid out.
A shared internal tracking system is highly recommended to note each purchase as it's made, making it easier for the treasurer to compare transactions that have hit the general ledger to those that are known to be outstanding. This system should be accessible to all members who make purchases.
To avoid any issues, it's crucial to follow the policies on this website and be aware of the potential consequences of policy violations, such as freezing of club funds for a specified period.
How to Pay Bills and Make Purchases
To pay bills and make purchases for your student club, you can use the UBF Disbursement Request, which needs to be signed by your advisor and accompanied by a copy of the invoice. This ensures that all necessary approvals are in place.
You can also use Shopblue, a convenient option for making purchases. It's a straightforward process that helps you manage your club's finances efficiently.
To submit a Purchase Request, you'll need to follow a specific process that includes proper submission and processing. This helps avoid delays, errors, and rejections, ensuring a smoother financial management process.
Here are the options you can use to make purchases or pay bills:
- UBF Disbursement Request, signed by your advisor and a copy of the invoice
- Shopblue
Member Contributions
Member contributions are an essential part of a club's financial health, and understanding the rules surrounding them is crucial.
Clubs can collect membership dues, but only to pay down debt incurred by the club, not as a requirement for membership.
Collecting fees for individual events is allowed, as long as attending the event is not mandatory for members to stay involved in the club.
This means clubs can host events like ticketed concerts or fundraisers, but members shouldn't feel pressured to attend every single one to remain part of the club.
By understanding these rules, clubs can ensure they're collecting contributions in a fair and reasonable way that benefits everyone involved.
Managing Expenses
Managing expenses as a club leader can be a daunting task, but don't worry, we've got you covered. It's essential to ensure that your club's funds are being used prudently and for the benefit of the entire group and the student body at large.
You're responsible for managing the club's finances, so make sure you understand the rules and regulations. Student group funds are not to be used for personal items or meals, and it's your responsibility to ensure that enough money is in the group account to cover any expenditure.
Keep track of your expenses by using the Club Account Expense form, which requires original invoices and receipts to be attached. This form must be signed by an authorized club officer and the club advisor.
Allow 7-10 business days for checks to be processed and received. This means you should plan ahead when making payments from your account.
Wharton Council funds have specific guidelines for spending. Only expenses listed in a club's budget breakdown can be covered by these funds. This means you need to stick to your budget and make sure you're using the funds for their intended purpose.
For your interest: Managing Investment Portfolios
Here are some examples of what you can and can't spend Wharton Council funds on:
- Events listed in a club's budget breakdown
- Not private dinners, gifts, one-time banner use, alcohol, or donations to charitable organizations
Remember, Wharton Council funds will be applied toward expenses prior to the use of a club's corporate funding. This means you should use these funds first before tapping into your corporate funds.
See what others are reading: Mizuho Corporate Bank
Fundraising
Fundraising is a crucial aspect of club finance, and it's essential to follow the guidelines set by the university to ensure that your fundraising efforts are successful and compliant.
Firstly, any fundraising that involves the UB name or logo should be deposited with an approved UB funding source. This means you can't just put the money in your own bank account or someone else's account.
Fundraising should benefit the student club, group, or project as a whole, rather than supporting a specific student. This ensures that the funds are used for the greater good of the club.
You should never use public crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe for fundraising efforts. Instead, follow the Raffle Policy for University Fundraising Efforts and complete the Raffle Proposal Request Form.
Here are some key fundraising guidelines to keep in mind:
- Deposit fundraising revenues with an approved UB funding source.
- Fundraising should benefit the student club, group, or project.
- Do not use public crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe.
- Follow the Raffle Policy and complete the Raffle Proposal Request Form.
It's also important to note that clubs that have sponsorship greater than half of their WC budget are not eligible for allocations. This ensures that clubs without corporate sponsorships receive priority funding.
Transfers and Payments
To collect revenue, student clubs and organizations should use UBF approved electronic payment processing platforms, like UB Marketplace, which allows them to accept credit, debit, and electronic check payments for products and services.
You can make purchases or pay bills using the UBF Disbursement Request, which requires a signed request from your advisor and a copy of the invoice, or through Shopblue.
A university 26-budget code is an internal number that tracks a club's bank account within the University of Pennsylvania, allowing University partners to work directly with a club to acquire funds from the club account.
To transfer funds to a Penn Department, please send the invoice and department contact name/email to Isabelle Glass, Associate Director, at least three business-days in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MyClubFinances?
MyClubFinances is a comprehensive fundraising system designed for sporting organisations, combining effective fundraising tools with regular communications. It's a one-stop solution to streamline your club's fundraising needs.
Featured Images: pexels.com
