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Monday, 1 September, 2025
Financial accounting and bookkeeping can feel a daunting, albeit imperative, part of running a brass band organisation. However, stringent processes and reliable accounting systems go a long way to make financial management of your band feel smooth, not scary. We’re here to help you achieve that.
Following feedback from our members, we've created a three-part resource series on the following topics:
- The role of the Treasurer in a brass band
- How to use a computerised accounting system
- A guide to standard financial procedures
You'll find each of these three financial resources under the Topic drop-down ‘Governance’ in your BBE Member Resources library.
Please see below for a bit more detail on each resource and how it can help you. If you have any further questions, we’d be glad to help. Please email info@bbe.org.uk – our range of services and support is free to Brass Bands England members.
1. The role of the Treasurer in a brass band
What’s in this resource?
The first financial resource focuses on the typical responsibilities of a Treasurer in a brass band setting, covering both small and larger organisations. It includes day-to-day practical responsibilities as well as potential financial advisory expectations, plus the Treasurer’s relationship with the Board.
It also touches upon some charity-specific requirements for a Treasurer, desirable personal skills and time requirements.
Who is it for?
- Current Treasurers seeking clarification or looking to enhance their role
- Brass band members considering assigning the role of a Treasurer within their band
- Anyone interested in a Treasurer role who would like a better understanding of its responsibilities
2. How to use a computerised accounting system
What’s in this resource?
The second resource details the basics of bookkeeping via a computerised accounting system. You’ll learn the benefits of a computerised accounting system (versus, for example, spreadsheets or paper-based systems) and how to use one to easily track your band’s finances.
In step-by-step format, you’ll walk through recording transactions, generating/understanding reports and how keeping a clear record of finances within such a system can improve your band’s overall budget and forecasting.
Who is it for?
- Brass band bookkeepers who wish to improve their processes or require guidance on using a computerised system
- Bookkeepers who need help understanding basic account management terminology
- Anyone who wants to understand the basics of band accounting and how record-keeping improves the financial health of your band
3. A guide to standard financial procedures
What’s in this resource?
The third resource goes back to the basics, exploring the importance of implementing good ‘financial procedures’. Rather than in-depth technical advice, this resource introduces you to the key components of managing your band’s finances as simply and accurately as possible.
Discover best-practice advice regarding running your band’s bank account, recording transactions, managing cash/cheques, expenses, record-keeping and preparing for end-of-year accounts.
Who is it for?
- Treasurers, Board or band members with responsibility for implementing financial procedures in the band
- Band members looking to improve upon or streamline current financial processes
- Anyone with financial involvement in the band on a basic level e.g. petty cash handling, record-keeping, grant applications
These guides sit within a wider suite of resources on Band Governance that you can find in your BBE Member Resource library.