An Analysis of Best Practices for International Financial Policies and Procedures

Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International (HKI) provides eye health and nutrition programs in 22 countries to the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. The Capstone team worked with HKI to analyze its financial processes and determine key policies and procedures that require improvement. The team interviewed staff in field offices and documented findings in order to provide recommendations for improved efficiency. Members of the team attended two regional meetings, in Bangkok, Thailand and Dakar, Senegal in order to conduct interviews and present recommendations to field office staff. The Capstone team organized the interview transcripts into a comprehensive database for HKI’s use. Some of the team’s final recommendations included the use of out-year budgets and improvements to procurement and subcontract management procedures. The team also researched buy-in strategy and current best practices in the NGO sector, which were incorporated into the final report to HKI.