0–5 min: Introduce the meaning of non-trading (not-for-profit) organisations with examples.
2️⃣ 5–15 min: Explain characteristics, objectives, and differences from trading organisations.
3️⃣ 15–30 min: Discuss major financial statements—Receipts & Payments A/c, Income & Expenditure A/c, and Balance Sheet.
4️⃣ 30–40 min: Explain sources of income: subscriptions, donations, grants, and special funds.
5️⃣ 40–45 min: Recap key points and discuss 5 important exam questions.
A non-trading organisation, also known as a non-profit organisation (NPO) or not-for-profit concern, is an entity established primarily to serve the community or its members rather than to earn profits. These organisations focus on providing services in areas such as education, healthcare, culture, religion, and social welfare.
🔍 Key Characteristics of Non-Trading Organisations
1. Primary Objective: Service Over Profit
The main goal is to offer services that fulfill social, cultural, educational, or charitable needs, without the intention of making a profit.
2. Sources of Income
Non-trading organisations typically generate income through:
Membership subscriptions
Donations and grants from individuals, corporations, or governments
Entrance or admission fees
Fundraising events
Investment income
3. Utilisation of Surplus
Any surplus (excess of income over expenditure) is reinvested into the organisation to enhance or expand its services, rather than being distributed among members.
4. Management and Governance
These organisations are typically managed by a board of trustees, governing body, or management committee responsible for overseeing operations and ensuring alignment with the organisation's objectives.
5. Accounting Practices
Non-trading organisations maintain financial records using the double-entry bookkeeping system. At the end of the financial year, they prepare:
Receipts and Payments Account: A summary of all cash transactions during the year.
Income and Expenditure Account: Similar to a profit and loss account, it reflects the organisation's performance over the period.
Balance Sheet: A statement of assets and liabilities as of the year-end.
🏢 Examples of Non-Trading Organisations
Educational institutions (schools, colleges)
Hospitals and clinics
Charitable trusts and foundations
Religious institutions (temples, churches, mosques)
Clubs and societies (sports clubs, cultural associations)
Public libraries
Orphanages and old-age homes
📊 Distinction Between Trading and Non-Trading Organisations
Aspect Trading Organisation Non-Trading Organisation
Primary Objective To earn profit through goods/services sales To provide services without profit motive
Sources of Income Sales revenue, service charges Subscriptions, donations, grants, fees
Profit Distribution Profits distributed among owners/shareholders Surplus reinvested into the organisation
Forms of Organisation Sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies Clubs, societies, trusts, associations
Accounting Statements Trading Account, Profit & Loss Account, Balance Sheet Receipts & Payments Account, Income & Expenditure Account, Balance Sheet
Accounting for Business (3rd ed) — A textbook focused on how accounting supports business decision-making and is suitable for non-specialist managers and business students. Goodreads
Accounting for Business Studies by Aneirin Owen — Integrates accounting with business & management studies, emphasising the commercial context. Routledge
Business Accounting (v.2.0) (free online text) — Covers many fundamental accounting topics; good for self-study. 2012 Books
Accounting, The Language of Business by JoAnn Wood — Openly-licensed, explains accounting as a communication tool in business. Boise State Pressbooks
Open Textbook Library: “Accounting Principles: A Business Perspective” and others — free downloadable textbooks covering core accounting topics. Open Educational Resources
Guides listing recommended books for accounting and business: e.g., “Business Recommended Reading by Subject: Accounting”. BYU Library Guides+1
Articles on accounting fundamentals: e.g., “What Is Accounting? | Introduction to Business” explains accounting as the language of business.
Define a non-trading organisation. Give two examples.
Distinguish between Receipts & Payments Account and Income & Expenditure Account.
What are the main sources of income for non-trading organisations?
Explain the treatment of Donations and Subscriptions in non-trading accounts.
List and explain any five features of non-trading organisations.