Many public sector and nonprofit organisations continue to face key financial management challenges.
Tight budgets, rising service demands, and greater scrutiny mean finance teams and budget holders must work more efficiently and confidently than ever. Below are some of the most common challenges we see across the sector:
| Issue | Description |
| Overspend Risk | Budget pressures often arise from limited forecasting skills, delayed financial information, or lack of confidence among budget holders. |
| Weak Internal Controls | Inconsistent processes and unclear responsibilities increase the risk of errors, non‑compliance, and governance concerns. |
| Audit Findings | Recurring audit issues highlight deeper gaps in skills or processes, particularly around documentation, controls, and financial accuracy. |
| Poor Budget Monitoring | Many managers struggle to interpret financial reports, leading to reactive decisions and late identification of variances. |
| Grant Reporting Issues | Managing restricted funds and meeting funder requirements can be complex, especially when multiple grants are involved. |
| Skills Gaps in Finance Teams | Both finance and non‑finance staff often need support to build confidence in budgeting, financial management, and internal controls. |
These challenges are widespread, but they are also highly manageable with the right training, tools, and support.
Next Steps…..
At HB Training and Publications, we specialise in helping public sector and nonprofit organisations strengthen financial management through practical finance training, assessments, and support services such as our unique Budget on Track. Whether you need to improve budgeting, reduce audit findings, enhance internal controls, or upskill your team, we can help.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your organisation’s financial awareness, skills and development. Just email us at info@hbpublications.com and we will be happy to have a no obligation chat.
