One of the fundamental decisions a nonprofit organization needs to make is whether to use the cash or accrual accounting method. The method you select will determine how you classify, record, and report on your income and expenses. What is the cash method of accounting? Under the cash method of accounting (cash-basis accounting), revenue is…
Tag: Financial oversight
5 Outsourced Accounting Myths
If you’re running a nonprofit, odds are you’ve considered outsourcing all or a part of your accounting and finance function. That makes perfect sense. Outsourcing is a cost-effective way to access expert nonprofit accounting and finance resources and create a high functioning accounting and finance department. One of the common myths listed below, however, may…
Cryptocurrency. Should Your Organization Accept It?
What is cryptocurrency? Simply put, it’s money that’s not in a physical form, otherwise known as digital money. Nonetheless, it shares some of the same characteristics of paper money in that it can be earned, used, and invested. Why should you care? According to Gemini’s 2021 State of U. S. Crypto Report, 21.2 million adults…
How to Set Up Your Nonprofit’s Chart of Accounts for Success
Your organization’s Chart of Accounts is the building block for meaningful financial reporting. Optimize it and your accounting data will tell you the truth about what’s really going on. It will allow you to develop and track key performance indicators; it will tell you what you are doing wrong; it will highlight your financial successes;…
A New Audit Standard Affects Me??? Really?
Many nonprofits are subject to annual audits. Although they can be challenging, they are often required for one or more reasons. A byproduct of that requirement is that audit standards can and do change and those changes can and do impact your organization. This year is no different. A new “Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS)”…
Creating Good Accounting Habits Is Important for New and Smaller Nonprofits
Leaders of nonprofits that are just getting started, or are relatively small, are generally focused on getting their organization up and running, raising money, and delivering on their mission. That’s to be expected. Properly tracking the financial activity of the nonprofit, and installing best practices, does not tend to receive the attention it deserves early on. There are accounting rules that…
What Your Numbers Can Do for You: Taking Advantage of IRS Form 990
IRS Form 990 is more than just a tax form that many nonprofits must file every year. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate to the IRS, as well as to current and potential stakeholders, that your organization is well-run and financially sustainable. It is also an opportunity to showcase key mission-centric programs. IRS Form 990 can…
Why For-Profit Accountants Excel as Nonprofit Treasurers
Are you a for-profit accountant looking to put your skills to use for a favorite nonprofit cause? Then becoming a nonprofit treasurer might be a great fit for you and for the nonprofit. The treasurer position is a leadership role on a nonprofit’s Board of Directors. Board members have fiduciary duties such as overseeing the organization’s…
How to Review Financial Reports: A Guide for Nonprofit Boards
One of the most important duties as a member of a nonprofit’s Board of Directors is the stewardship of the organization’s financial resources. Board members play a pivotal role in monitoring the financial health of the organization. In fact, it is the fiduciary responsibility of the Board to do so. One of the ways the Board achieves this is by regularly reviewing several different financial reports. These financial documents…
How To Present Financial Reports to Nonprofit Leadership
If you work in the accounting and finance department of a nonprofit organization, you will likely be required to prepare and present financial reports to members of leadership or other stakeholders in your organization. While this may seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to ensure you present financial reports effectively and confidently. This…