Why Nonprofit's Finance and Program Teams Clash—and How to Fix It!

Leadership meets lived experience as Eric Wilson, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), unpacks the long-standing tension between nonprofit finance and programming. With warmth, wit, and real-world clarity, Eric takes us into the heart of the issue—how two departments with the same mission often work in silos, risking confusion, inefficiency, and financial misalignment.

From discussing budget misunderstandings to the implications of restricted funds, this episode challenges nonprofit leaders to ask themselves: “Are we communicating with intention—or just reacting when problems arise?”

Eric shares, “You don’t want people afraid to bring you a problem… I'd rather have a small problem early than a big problem later.” That mindset—proactive, people-first, and rooted in accountability—is the call to action for every executive, finance officer, and program manager tuning in.

Together with host Julia Patrick, they explore:

·        Why many nonprofit staff don’t fully understand the true cost of programs

·        How miscommunication around restricted funding can sabotage outcomes

·        Why monthly check-ins between finance and programming are more than a best practice—they’re essential

·        How fear creates silence and silence breeds mistakes

·        What emotional intelligence and mutual education mean for modern nonprofit culture

This learning session is a leadership masterclass in creating cross-departmental unity through intention, clarity, and relationship-building. Whether you're a new program manager, seasoned CFO, or executive director trying to align teams—you’ll walk away with practical tools and a fresh mindset!

 00:00:00 Welcome and topic introduction
 00:01:13 Eric Wilson’s role at YPTC and regional insight
 00:02:40 Finance meets programming—at home and work
 00:04:17 What does the finance team actually do?
 00:06:10 Why communication breakdowns happen
 00:08:25 True cost vs. perceived cost in programming
 00:10:53 Budget expectations and common disconnects
 00:13:18 Restricted funds and organizational risk
 00:17:01 How often should teams check in?
 00:19:22 Finance as educator and mutual learning
 00:21:33 Prevention vs. crisis mode
 00:23:04 Addressing fear and improving collaboration
 00:26:01 Remote work and new communication habits
 00:28:14 Final leadership insights and takeaways 

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