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California Educational Data Processing Association
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The DataBus - Vol. 37, No. 1
December, 1996-January, 1997
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Reflections of a CEDPA Treasurer
Responsibilities: Being treasurer isn't as "cut and dried" as one might think. Here's a look "behind the scenes".
Mike Caskey, Stanislaus County Office of Education
"Welcome on board as CEDPA Treasurer. We can't pay the bill." Now you have to admit that this is an interesting start to one's tenure as treasurer of an organization. On the other hand, we all like challenges or we wouldn't be in this business, right?
So what, exactly, does a CEDPA Treasurer do? I can certainly tell you what a CEDPA Treasurer can't do: You can't "wing it". At least not for long. The bank takes a dim view of that sort of thing. But, I figured that it couldn't be too difficult. Write a few checks and make a few deposits. Simple. Well, not exactly. There are a few additional duties associated with the position:
- Write Checks - Not only does the hotel want to be paid, but your hard working board needs to be reimbursed for their expenses. And, I don't know about "carpal-tunnel" syndrome, but the treasurer had best be prepared for a case of writer's cramp at Board meetings.
- Make deposits - For some reason, the checkbook doesn't work if you don't replenish the account
- Prepare and mail invoices for conference fees and SIG meetings (approximately 100 for '96)
- Prepare and mail statements
- Prepare and give a Treasurers' report at each CEDPA Board meeting
- Develop a Conference budget, track expenses, and prepare a follow-up report for the Board
- Produce annual tax returns for the State and Federal Government, including a statement of profits. (I discovered that there is no box on those forms titled "You've got to be kidding.")
- Produce an annual report to the California Secretary of State on the purpose of CEDPA and a list of the officers of the organization
- Make financial arrangements with Conference and SIG Meeting hotel staff
- Balance the CEDPA checkbook (Yes, unlike at home, this is a requirement.)
- Standard bookkeeping and accounting functions (Debits are on the left.)
- Be extremely thankful for an exceptional Board with which to work, especially the CEDPA Secretary (Thanks Jane, for all your help!!)
- And finally, the most important function - Frown a lot at the CEDPA Board meetings.
So, what do I think.... Really? Serving as CEDPA Treasurer has been Exciting, Frustrating, Fun, Terrifying, and Totally Worthwhile. How could one not truly enjoy working with an Outstanding Organization with an equally Outstanding Board of Directors? This experience has been one of the best and most satisfying of my career. And, I've been in the field of Information Systems since programming consisted of wiring boards. (Many of you probably haven't heard of "wiring boards".) Thanks to all of you for giving me the opportunity to serve as Treasurer. And Judy, Welcome on board as CEDPA Treasurer. We can pay the bill!!
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