Teaching Paper: Strengthening Non-Profit Financial Integrity through Internal Control Checklists

Internal controls are vital for protecting non-profit resources, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining stakeholder trust. This Teaching Paper presents a structured internal control checklist covering cash handling, payroll, accounting, and financial reporting practices. Each section provides practical steps for assessing risks, identifying weaknesses, and implementing improvements. A case study from a small arts non-profit in Thailand demonstrates how applying the checklist reduced errors, improved reporting accuracy, and strengthened donor confidence. Reflection questions and practical tips support both academic learning and organizational adoption, offering finance officers, managers, and boards a hands-on resource for enhancing accountability and financial integrity.