If you look at your community association’s treasurer, do you see a confident leader planning for the future, or a stressed volunteer buried under a mountain of receipts?
At Relax It’s Handled, we often see Boards try to save money by having first-term volunteers handle the books and financial management. It’s a noble thought—keep costs down for our professional neighbors — thereby subsidizing their professional development and networking. However, consider for just a moment that the "DIY" mindset could become a liability as we head into 2026.
Managing a community isn't a hobby; it’s running a small business and keeping records that do not trigger IRS intervention. There is a growing trend we are seeing across the industry since 2020: financial management is becoming too complex for spreadsheets, sparadoci reviews right before board meetings, and guesswork as to how to record and report.
Here is why your community needs to treat its financials professionally this coming year:
1. You Need Data, Not Just Data Entry A volunteer treasurer records what happened. A professional bookkeeper (like the financial team we integrate for you) helps you see what will happen.
Can we afford to repave the parking lot next fall?
Are our reserves actually funded?
Where is the cash leak? Professional bookkeeping answers these questions before you even ask them.
2. Compliance is Getting Harder As Pasquariello points out for small businesses, the rules are tightening. In the association world, state regulations regarding reserves, audits, and transparency are stricter than ever. A professional ensures you aren't just balanced—you’re compliant.
3. Your Time Is Too Valuable Your Board members volunteered to build a community, not to act as unpaid accountants. Every hour spent fighting with accounting software is an hour stolen from improving the neighborhood.
When you partner with Relax It’s Handled, you are not just getting a manager, but a financial firewall. We ensure your books are handled with the precision of a CPA firm and the care of a neighbor. Reach out today to get the help you deserve so you can relax in your officer role.