This article is based on an interview Geri Kennedy gave Tina.
Geri enjoys gardening, both in her own garden and volunteering in a Japanese garden not far from where she lives in the Northwest of the United States. Geri has also been serving our organization as treasurer for more than seven years. She’s determined that this is her last year. I interviewed her and asked her about her role:
When you hear the word treasurer, what comes to mind? Someone sitting behind a large desk surrounded by spreadsheets, calculators, and very serious-looking documents?
In our organization, the treasurer is much more likely to be someone who believes in both accountability and possibility—and perhaps knows a thing or two about growing things.
Geri says a treasurer needs to balance what is dreamed of and what is possible. She sees herself as the voice of reason, looking at short-term needs and long-term plans. Just as she tends her gardens—planting, watering, pruning, noticing what needs attention, and patiently allowing things to grow—she has helped our organization grow and flourish.
So, what does a treasurer actually do?
In simple terms, the treasurer helps make sure that the organization's financial life is healthy, transparent, and aligned with its mission. Together with her committee, and supported by a bookkeeper, she keeps track of income and expenses, monitors the budget, reviews financial reports, pays attention to cash flow, prepares or oversees financial statements, and helps the board understand what the numbers are telling us. She also makes sure that our financial practices meet appropriate legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
In other words, the treasurer doesn't simply count the money. She helps us understand what our money makes possible.
That is why the job matters. Our values call us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Whether those resources come from donations, grants, memberships, or the generosity of individual UUs, we have a responsibility to use them wisely. Financial transparency builds trust. Good stewardship gives an organization the stability it needs to pursue its mission boldly.
And you don't need a finance or accounting degree. You don't need to be fluent in spreadsheets; you don't need to dream about balance sheets. Other than having some comfort with numbers—and a willingness to learn—there are no special requirements. You need curiosity, reliability, common sense, and the ability to ask questions when something doesn't make sense. In fact, asking questions may be one of the most important parts of the job. The treasurer's role is to keep an eye on the financial garden, not to personally dig every hole, pull every weed, and carry every watering can.
And what makes the job rewarding?
You get to see the connection between resources and mission. You see a budget become a program, a donation become an opportunity, and careful stewardship become real-world impact aligned with our mission. You become one of the people helping ensure that the organization is here not only today, but ready to flourish tomorrow.
Geri’s eight years of service as treasurer are a wonderful example. She has tended our organization's finances with the same patience and care she brings to her gardens.
And look what has grown.
Did we peak your interest? Write to Geri at