CFO | Chazin

Before You Hire a CFO: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Anna Estes

Passion builds nonprofits. Strategy makes them successful. You need to know how to best use your resources and not squander your hard-won dollars. That’s where your CFO comes in. The CFO is like the co-pilot of your flight: You’ve got the dream destination and the plane to get there, but your co-pilot knows how much fuel you need to make the trip, where you’ll encounter turbulence, and when it’s time to change course. A high-performing finance function is essential to the success of every nonprofit. A bad hire can leave…

When the Money Finally Arrives: Why Multiyear Funding Raises the Bar, Not Lowers It

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Anna Estes

For most Executive Directors, their problem isn’t mission focus; it may not even be funding. It’s timing. Unrestricted annual funds mean that each Jan. 1 feels like starting over. Windfall years can lead to a cash reserve, but that reserve is accidental and reactive, not strategic. Multiyear funding promises to change that; however, accessing it and making it work demands more than most organizations expect. Key Takeaways: Multiyear funding is not the…

What to Consider Beyond Credentials: The Case for Nonprofit Accounting Specialists

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Anna Estes

Many nonprofit leaders start their search for accounting services with a simple assumption: If someone has CPA credentials, then they must be qualified to handle nonprofit accounting. While CPAs are highly trained, this assumption misses a crucial point: Sector expertise matters as much as credentials. Nonprofit accounting isn’t just business accounting with a different tax status. It operates under its own rules and its own unique language. Donor restrictions, grant requirements,…

From Firefighting to Future-Proofing: A New Way to Think About Nonprofit Finance

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Anna Estes

The “Necessary Evil” Myth Nonprofits Need to Retire Let’s be honest, when you race to meet a grant deadline, prepare for a board meeting, or keep your programs running with minimal staff, financial management often feels like the hurdle standing between you and the work that matters. It’s not that you don’t understand its importance;…

What A Nonprofit CFO Does and Why You Need One Now

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Anna Estes

Nonprofit financial statements are essential to optimizing financial health. Read this guide to deepen your understanding and explore strategic insights….