Essentials for Sustainable Success in the Nonprofit Sector

The Departments of Accounting, and Banking and Finance successfully hosted a national workshop titled “Financial Management of NGOs: The Essentials for Sustainable Success” on Wednesday, December 4, 2025. The event brought together university staff and students to explore critical financial management practices essential for nonprofit sustainability and accountability.

Workshop Presenter

The workshop was led by Mr. Rohat Zada, a distinguished Lecturer of Accounting and Finance at both Tishk International University and Catholic University of Erbil, who also serves as a financial management consultant. With his extensive expertise in nonprofit finance, Mr. Zada delivered a comprehensive and engaging presentation addressing the unique financial challenges facing NGOs in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.

Opening Session: Financial Management for NGOs

In the opening session, Mr. Zada provided an in-depth examination of financial management practices specific to NGOs operating in Kurdistan, covering:

Topic Focus
Accounting record-keeping processes Mandated by major international donors including USAID and other prominent NGOs
Compliance importance Gaining donors’ trust and maintaining principles of NGO financial management
Budgeting approaches Incremental budgeting, zero-based budgeting, and hybrid budgeting systems

Participants gained practical insights into developing realistic budgets that:

  • Align with organizational missions

  • Satisfy donor expectations

  • Meet regulatory requirements

Interactive Session: Case Study Analysis

Following the coffee break, the workshop transitioned into a highly interactive segment featuring a fruitful discussion with staff, students, and the NGO consultant. The highlight of this segment was the analysis of five comprehensive case study questions examining common financial management problems encountered by NGOs.

Participants worked through scenarios involving:

  • Donor compliance issues

  • Internal control weaknesses

  • Financial reporting challenges

  • Resource allocation dilemmas

Through guided discussion, Mr. Zada helped attendees identify problems and develop practical solutions based on sound financial management principles.

Certificate Presentation and Closing Remarks

The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony led by Dr. Abubakar Karaye, Head of the Accounting, Banking and Finance Departments at Tishk International University.

Activity Details
Certificate of appreciation Presented to Mr. Rohat Zada in recognition of his valuable contribution to professional development and capacity building in the region
Closing remarks and vote of thanks Dr. Karaye commended Mr. Zada for delivering an informative and practical workshop addressing critical gaps in NGO financial management knowledge

Dr. Karaye emphasized:

  • The importance of continued professional development in the nonprofit sector

  • The university’s commitment to organizing similar capacity-building initiatives in the future

  • Thanks to all participants for their active engagement

Keywords: NGO Financial Management, Sustainable Financial Management, NGOs Sustainability, Donor Compliance, Budgeting Approaches, Internal Controls, Financial Reporting, Capacity Building, TIU Accounting Department, TIU Banking and Finance Department, Rohat Zada, Abubakar Karaye