As the new year approaches, association boards of directors are gearing up to refocus on their mission and strategically plan for the future. There are several aspects to consider in positioning your association for success in the upcoming years.
Here, we provide the Essential Checklist for Year-End Operations and Compliance:
Past Year Review, Reporting, and Compliance
- Review Mission Statement
- Reflect on the mission statement and ensure it aligns with the current goals and objectives of the association.
- Manage Tax Filings
- Stay compliant and ensure all necessary documents are submitted on time.
- Schedule Financial Audit / Review / Compilation
- Plan and schedule a comprehensive financial audit, review, or compilation to maintain financial transparency
- Review / Update Policies
- Evaluate and update association policies to reflect any changes in regulations or internal processes.
- Review / Update Bylaws
- Ensure the association’s bylaws are current and in line with operational needs.
- Review Insurance Policies
- Assess and update insurance policies as needed to mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted coverage.
- Review Annual Contracts
- Review existing contracts and agreements to ensure they meet the association’s needs.
- Review / Update Website
- Enhance the association’s online presence by updating and optimizing the official website.
Upcoming Year Planning:
- Create / Update Annual Calendar of Meetings, Events, Deadlines, and Programs
- Develop or update a calendar outlining key dates, events, and programs for the year.
- Schedule Strategic Planning
- Plan and schedule strategic sessions to align association goals with emerging trends and member needs.
- Create / Update Legislative and Policy Agenda
- Review, revise, or develop the association’s legislative and policy agenda to best advocate for the association’s interests.
- Create / Update Communications, Technology, and other Operational Plans
- Enhance the association’s communication strategies, technology infrastructure, and operational plans for increased efficiency.
- Review / Create Crisis Management and Contingency Plans
- Anticipate potential crises and develop or update plans to address them effectively.
- Review / Create Leadership Succession Plans
- Ensure continuity by reviewing and updating leadership succession plans.
- Review and Schedule Dues Billing
- Review membership dues structure and schedule billing to maintain financial stability.
- Schedule and Provide Notice of Board Orientation
- Plan for board orientation sessions to onboard new members effectively.
- Schedule and Provide Notice of New Member Orientation
- Welcome new members with orientation sessions to integrate them into the association seamlessly.
By systematically addressing these elements, your association can not only wrap up the current year effectively, but also lay a strong foundation for 2024 and the years to come.
