What Every Board Financial Report Should Include

A good board financial report gives trustees what they need to govern well, without drowning them in detail.

1. A short summary

Lead with total income and expenses, surplus or deficit, and cash on hand, plus a sentence of plain-language commentary.

2. Budget vs. actual

Show plan against actual, with the variance — the heart of board reporting.

3. Cash & reserves

Show current cash and how many months it covers.

4. Restricted vs. unrestricted

Separate restricted funds to keep the board and the audit clean.

5. Risks & decisions

End with anything the board must act on.