Why smart nonprofits (and their accountants) use AI where it helps, and not where it doesn’t The AI Wave Is Here … But Not Every Tool Is a Lifesaver There’s no denying that AI is making waves across every industry, including accounting. From flashy award wins to promises of fully automated processes, the pressure to…
Category: Outsourced Accounting
Supporting Philanthropy in the Spotlight: Accounting for Celebrity and High-Profile Foundations
High-profile foundations (especially those associated with celebrities and public figures) bring a unique blend of influence and responsibility to the philanthropic world. With wide reach and media attention, these organizations are well-positioned to make an outsized impact. But with fame comes additional layers of risk: increased scrutiny, public pressure, and a relentless spotlight that rarely…
What Your Fundraising Campaign Needs (Beyond Passion and Promotion)
Fundraising campaigns are essential lifelines for nonprofit organizations. They provide the funding necessary to carry out programs, pay staff, and deliver services that create lasting impact. But behind every successful campaign is something far less visible, and just as critical: financial tracking. Without solid processes in place to track the revenue raised and the expenses…
What Your Fiscal Year End (FYE) Data is Telling You (and How to Act on It)
As another fiscal year wraps up, your nonprofit may find itself buried in reports, reconciliations, and audits. But FYE data is more than just something for your auditors or board to review; it’s a valuable tool for driving strategic growth and ensuring sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at what your data can reveal and…
Happy New Fiscal Year! 10 Steps to End Your Fiscal Year Strong and Start the New Year Fresh
For many nonprofits, a June 30 fiscal year-end means July kicks off not only a new reporting cycle, but a fresh opportunity to reflect, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether you’re breathing a sigh of relief or gearing up for an audit, now is the ideal time to close out the year thoughtfully. At…
Inflation, Recession, and Hostile Interest Rates: How Nonprofits Can Weather a Tough Economy… and Even Grow
By Chris Huntley, CFO & Advisory Solutions Manager at Chazin In April 2025, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told the Economic Club of Chicago: “The…administration’s tariffs are significantly larger than anticipated. The same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth.” That small and between higher…
The Top 11 Financial Mistakes Nonprofits Make (and What to Do Instead)
Navigating the financial landscape of a nonprofit can be tricky, which is why smart financial decisions are crucial to achieving your mission. Unfortunately, some pitfalls can derail even the most well-intentioned organizations. Let’s walk through some of them and more importantly, address how to avoid them. 1. Relying Too Heavily on One Source of Funding…
Choosing Your Audit Firm: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Selecting the Right Partner
Selecting the right audit firm is an important decision for your nonprofit. Many organizations may be required to undergo annual audits by their state’s Charitable Solicitation License requirements, their loan agreements, grant agreements, or other contractual obligations. Auditors not only provide an opinion on the material accuracy of your financial statements, but they also suggest ways…
Building Financial Resilience: Key Strategies to Prepare for Uncertainty
Financial uncertainty is an ongoing reality for many nonprofit organizations, whether due to shifts in government funding, policy changes, economic downturns, or unexpected disruptions. While organizations may not always have control over these external factors, they can take proactive steps to strengthen their financial health and prepare for challenges. The most resilient nonprofits are those…
New Year, Clearer Vision: Using Data Visualization to Empower Your Nonprofit’s Financial Future
Why Data Visualization Matters As we step into a brand new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh your nonprofit’s approach to financial reporting—because (let’s face it) no one gets excited about a sea of spreadsheets. Financial reports can easily become overwhelming, or worse, feel disconnected from the big picture. But what if your data…