Money & Mission

By R. Paul Goodyear, Territorial Financial Secretary

When I joined the finance department over thirty years ago, we began dreaming of the possibilities for improving our service to the Army. In many respects those early dreams have come to fruition. New systems, automation, consolidated financial statements and timely financial reporting: these are just some examples of the improvements we have been able to make over the years.

Despite that, we are still dreaming. Why? Well, because this is no time for complacency. The world is changing at a rate that is exponentially faster than anything we have seen before.

Having laid a solid foundation, we are now ready to embrace the changes that will take place as we work to increase the value of the services we provide to the Army.

Our new vision statement articulates our aim. “The vision of the finance department is to provide services as a valued partner in the mission, enhancing financial management and simplifying administration.”

Over the next few years, we will work with our partners at THQ, DHQs and ministry units to significantly enhance the practice of financial management throughout the Territory. We will expand the services we provide and adopt new tools to help ensure that the Army can strengthen the financial position of its ministry units and meet ever increasing demands for accountability.

At the same time, we know that many ministry unit staffs are stretched to capacity. As a result, uppermost in our minds is the need to reduce the administrative burden as much as possible for staff on the front lines so that they can focus more on program and service delivery and less on financial administration.

Our goal is to be recognized as a valued partner in the mission, not simply a transaction processor. As we undergo our transformation, we invite you to offer your insights and suggestions.

The finance department’s new vision is not just a fanciful dream. It is backed up by over 90 specific projects and initiatives that are intended to help realize the vision over the next three years, a few of which are highlighted below.

By Major Alison Cowling, Assistant Chief Secretary

In 2017, the Canada & Bermuda Territory developed a partnership with International Headquarters to support territories/commands in training and development of the internal audit department and a mentoring service for the internal auditor.

Internal audit personnel participated in two Internal Audit Zonal Conferences: in Nairobi for all territories/commands in Africa and in Singapore for the South Asia and South Pacific East Asia zones. Following the conferences, territories/commands were invited to express an interest in working with the team from Canada to determine how best they might be supported. Currently we are working with the Zambia, India West, and Caribbean territories.

In January 2018, a visit was made to Zambia to review internal audit structure and function and to identify areas requiring support. There was an opportunity to meet with the external auditor, visit two divisional headquarters (rural and urban) and the Chikankata Hospital to gain some understanding of the land, the people and the different ways of ministry. As a result of the visit Canada has been able to supply a computer and other necessary equipment for the audit department, and the Territorial Auditor, Major Wilson Chiwoya will be coming to Canada this month for a month's intensive training. A follow up visit will be made to the Zambia territory.

[Photo credit: THQ Editorial Department - Timothy Cheng]

Arrangements are now being made to visit the India West and the Caribbean territories in the spring of 2019. Like Zambia, the initial visits will be to determine how best the Canada & Bermuda Territory can assist and support the internal audit function.

Matthew 6:24 “You cannot be the slave of two masters! You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

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Managing Editor:

Alister Mason
Senior Editor:

Paul Goodyear
Design Editor & Production Manager:
Angela Robertson
French Translator:

The Salvation Army Translation Department