ASHRAE Treasurer Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which format is proposed for delivering ongoing knowledge to regional and chapter treasurers?
• What are common indicators of fraud risk in nonprofit treasury?
• What is the biggest strategic opportunity outside North America?
• What is the purpose of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for a nonprofit?
• In which cases might a nonprofit file Form 990-EZ or Form 990-N instead of the standard Form 990?
• Which statement best reflects the described vision for ASHRAE's audience?
• What is the primary purpose of a signing authority matrix in internal controls?
• How does ASHRAE remain the global authority amidst ISO, UNEP, CIBSE, and others?
• What is one area where ASHRAE must show more transparency?
• What is the role of policy manuals in treasury governance?
• Which conditions indicate healthy liquidity for a chapter?
• How should a Treasurer handle conflict of interest disclosures?
• What is an audit and why is it important for a nonprofit organization?
• Why is it important to have a signed contract for major expenditures?
• Where should ASHRAE allocate priority among standards, education/training, and advocacy?
• What unique experience/qualities will you bring to senior Excom?
• How should a nonprofit handle travel and expense reimbursements?
• What is the plan to expand ASHRAE's footprint in developing markets without diluting the brand?
• How should ASHRAE respond if a major new building standard or code is publicly misinterpreted in the media?
• What is your leadership style? How do you lead people?
• What might your theme be for ASHRAE?
• Which attribute is identified as necessary to succeed?
• What do you believe ASHRAE members most need to hear from leadership right now?
• How do you restore trust when a decision is unpopular but necessary?
• Which statement best reflects the candidate's view on ASHRAE's current position?
• Which statement describes the difference between a receivable and a payable?
• What is the role of vendor verification in internal controls over disbursements?
• ASHRAE is criticized for being slow to change. Your response?
• What is a donor-restricted contribution and how should it be recorded?
• How is the role of external auditors compared to internal audit functions best described?
• How to improve financial position of ASHRAE?
• What is the role of the Treasurer in the annual budget development process?
• What is depreciation and why might a nonprofit track it even if not for tax?
• Which of the following is a key component of a chapter's treasury policy?
• What is the recommended approach to dues increases and non-dues revenue growth?
• Which financial statement provides the organization's financial position at a point in time?
• Who will provide ongoing training to Chapter Treasurers?
• What is your presidential-year 'headline message' in eight words or fewer?
• What is the expected outcome of leadership according to the candidate?
• Why is it important to track donor-imposed restrictions in a restricted fund or ledger code?
• Which staffing strategy supports global relevance?
• Which rule governs the general reserve fund?
• Which statement best describes accrual accounting's treatment of expenses?
• Which element is included in ASHRAE's evolution strategy regarding AI?
• What personal outcome is described as motivating to you?
• What is a bank signatory policy?
• Which risk areas should the Treasurer distill for the Board?
• A major standard is criticized on social media—how do you respond?
• What is the typical frequency of financial reporting to the board?
• What defines the ASHRAE membership value proposition at the employer level?
• What is the difference between fund balance and cash on hand?
• Which activity should ASHRAE stop doing to improve efficiency?
• What is the ultimate aim regarding technology and global enablement?
• Which outcome best reflects the value of timely nonprofit reporting to stakeholders?
• Why now? Why you? Why this role at this moment in ASHRAE's history?
• What is a 'signing authority matrix'?
• Who is impacted most if you fail?
• Which statement best describes the difference between grants and sponsorships in fundraising?
• Why take this role now?
• In one sentence—what does ASHRAE exist to do?
• What is a bank reconciliation and why is it important?
• What is suggested to improve the accessibility of the knowledge base?
• What is the purpose of maintaining secure backups in data security?
• What is the difference between restricted and unrestricted funds?
• If the cost of an asset is below the capitalization threshold, how should it be accounted?
• What best distinguishes a grant from a sponsorship in fundraising terms for a nonprofit?
• What is the primary purpose of a chart of accounts in nonprofit accounting?
• How should a Treasurer handle fundraising events finances?
• What does a truly global ASHRAE look like in 10 years?
• What is the recommended use of the Future Fund in the financial plan?
• What phrase describes your approach to volunteers?
• What capability is proposed to improve information discovery for members?
• What finance-related leadership experience is highlighted?
• Which regions are identified as growth areas for future alliances?
• Which fund is mentioned for transferring funds toward long-term initiatives?
• To address a clash between staff leadership and volunteer leadership on priorities, what approach is recommended?
• Which policy change is proposed for long-term financial strategy?
• If ASHRAE faced a budget shortfall, where would you cut first? Where would you never cut?
• What is the described stance on policy influence?
• Who is impacted most if you succeed?
• How do you want people to describe your leadership after your presidential year has ended?
• If revenue falls short by 10% next year, what is your first action?
• A Treasurer's fiduciary duty includes maintaining compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• How often should the Treasurer review investment performance with investment managers?
• What is internal control and why is it essential for a Treasurer?
• When should a nonprofit recognize revenue from grants?
• What is described as the desired organizational footprint in the plan?
• Which retention period is suggested to convert members to life-long membership?
• How do we expand globally without diluting identity?
• What approach helps support volunteers who feel burned out or disconnected?
• What expansion is proposed for the Regional Treasurer position to strengthen financial transparency and trust within ASHRAE?
• What is the main benefit of maintaining back-up documentation for financial transactions?
• What levels of government experience does the candidate claim?
• What is the role of online access to knowledge in expanding globally?
• Describe your vision for ASHRAE
• If you could form one new strategic alliance tomorrow, who and why?
• What best defines a petty cash fund?
• How do you lead people who do not report to you?
• Which of the following captures the candidate’s view on AI’s role over the next three years?
• If we stop this interview here—why should you advance?
• What is the overarching objective of expanding digital access to ASHRAE's knowledge base with a thoughtful pricing structure?
• What should be the first priority before raising dues?
• Which approach best increases engagement among younger members and early-career professionals?
• Which statement describes the Balance Sheet components?
• Which statement about depreciation is true even if not for tax purposes?
• Why would you take on the role and time commitment?
• Which of the following is a typical control for petty cash?
• Which new ideas would you implement during your tenure as Treasurer?
• Which pair best represents the two biggest obstacles ASHRAE faces?
• Which feature is essential for a modern membership model?
• In the employer benefits initiative, how are benefits to employers determined?
• What two main goals are highlighted as essential for ASHRAE’s future in the leadership plan?
• Should ASHRAE raise dues, change the value proposition, or neither? Why?
• What is the biggest reputational risk to ASHRAE today, and how would you mitigate it?
• What do you believe your legacy as Treasurer / President Elect / President should be?
• After an auditor's findings are reviewed by governance, which action is most appropriate?
• What should volunteers not expect from you?
• Which areas are highlighted as the world's leadership focus in ASHRAE's priorities?
• What is the recommended approach when there is disagreement at the executive level and everyone believes they are right?
• What is the purpose of a procurement policy and why is it important for the Treasurer?
• Which leadership quality is emphasized by the candidate for the presidential year’s description?
• How do you handle disagreement with ExCom peers?
• What do you need from us to succeed?
• What is the difference between cash basis and accrual accounting?
• What is the biggest financial risk to ASHRAE—not technical, but financial?
• What is your biggest weakness?
• Which financial strategy balances short-term needs with long-term investments?
• Why is ASHRAE membership declining or plateauing in some regions?
• What is the most underleveraged revenue opportunity today?
• What is the difference between a capital expenditure and an operating expense?
• Should ASHRAE take stronger policy positions internationally?
• Which initiative is highlighted as making progress on decarbonization and should be continued?
• What is the value proposition sentence for joining ASHRAE?
• Which levels of ASHRAE experience does the candidate cite?
• Which of the following represents a best practice for protecting sensitive financial information?
• Which statement about donor restrictions is accurate?
• What is the primary deliverable of an external auditor?
• What is the Treasurer's primary fiduciary duty to the organization?
• What is a capitalization threshold and how does it affect accounting?
• Which statement best describes ASHRAE’s mission?
• What is your greatest strength?
• Which of the following best describes the required data privacy and information security measures for financial data?
• What is a budget-to-actual report and how is it used?
• What is the correct balance between mission vs. margin?
• How will you measure your own leadership performance?
• What typically accompanies year-end financial statements for accountability?
• What is the impact of not having segregation of duties on the revenue cycle?
• Under nonprofit revenue recognition guidance, when should dues revenue be recognized?
• To forecast cash inflows and outflows, anticipate surpluses/shortfalls, and plan funding.
• What is the goal of making ASHRAE's technical knowledge digitally available to members?
• According to the material, what most motivates ASHRAE membership?
• Which entity is identified as key to diversifying revenue for strategic initiatives?
• Which statement about fund balance is true?
• What is a restricted grant and how should it be tracked?
• What is the single most important priority for ASHRAE in the next 3 years?
• What are the key elements of internal control over disbursements?
• What is a cash reserve and why should a chapter have one?
• In the vision for a truly global ASHRAE, which stakeholders are expected to be engaged globally?
• Describe a cash flow forecast and its purpose.
• Which statement best summarizes the candidate's leadership approach?
• What is segregation of duties and give an example relevant to treasury?
• How would you increase employer-level engagement?
• What justification is given for advancing the candidate at the end?
• Which statement best explains the purpose of tracking restricted funds?
• How does the candidate propose to lead teams?
• What legacy do you want your presidential year to leave behind?
• How will you build trust with global regions that feel underrepresented or under-supported?
• What is the purpose of a yearly financial audit presentation to stakeholders?
• What is ASHRAE not doing today that it must start?
• Which statement best describes how to support employers effectively?
• What should volunteers expect from you?
• What is the reason for keeping event budgets separate from the general funds?
• Which item best captures the priority for preserving programs during a budget shortfall?
• What are the two biggest opportunities in front of ASHRAE and how can ASHRAE take advantage of them?
• Convince us in 20 seconds: Why should we nominate you?
• Which financial statement shows the organization’s revenues and expenses over a period?
• What is identified as the reason young professionals disengage and the recommended fix?
• Why you?
• What is the key principle for leading people who do not report to you?
• How should ROI be evaluated for mission-based programs that do not generate revenue?
• Why is it important to maintain back-up documentation for all financial transactions?
• How does ASHRAE strengthen partnerships with CIBSE, ISO, UNEP, governments, and global universities?
• How is a surcharge (fee) on membership dues best described?
• What is the importance of timely filing and reporting important for nonprofit status?
• Which statement about capital expenditures and operating expenses is true?
• How should a Treasurer respond to a financial discrepancy found during reconciliation?
• What role should the Treasurer play in advising the Board on financial risk?
• Define success for your year as Treasurer in one measurable outcome.
• What is a budget variance?
• What is 'matching funds' and how can it affect budgeting?
• Which statement reflects the organization’s history with task forces?
• Describe your leadership style in three words.
• Which element best describes the candidate's leadership approach in the 20-second pitch?