Nonprofit Accounting Resources

Stay up to date with industry trends, development tactics, and management tips. Lead your nonprofit with confidence this fiscal year.

How to Open a Bank Account for a Nonprofit

How to Open a Bank Account for a Nonprofit

Opening a bank account is a crucial step for any nonprofit organization. It establishes financial credibility and aids in efficient money management. Whether you're new or organizing your finances, you need to know how to set up a nonprofit bank account. This is...

read more
Federal Grant Requirements Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

Federal Grant Requirements Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

Federal grants can provide essential funding for nonprofits, but managing these grants requires a thorough understanding of federal requirements and meticulous compliance. Here’s a comprehensive deep dive into what nonprofit leaders need to know to successfully...

read more
Nonprofit Board Member Application Template

Nonprofit Board Member Application Template

Board members play a crucial role in the success of a nonprofit organization, providing guidance on its mission and financial management. A well-crafted board member application is essential for identifying and selecting the right individuals to join your board. This...

read more
Is your Nonprofit Ready for a Fractional CFO?

Is your Nonprofit Ready for a Fractional CFO?

In the complex world of nonprofit management, financial leadership is not just beneficial; it's essential. However, many organizations face the reality of needing expert financial guidance without the resources to hire a full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This...

read more
501(c)(3) Organizations: Pros, Cons, and Examples

501(c)(3) Organizations: Pros, Cons, and Examples

It's important for nonprofits to understand 501(c)(3) status because it offers significant tax benefits, more opportunities for grants, and builds public trust. This designation, reserved for organizations serving religious, charitable, scientific, or educational...

read more
Statement of Cash Flows for Nonprofits

Statement of Cash Flows for Nonprofits

In the realm of nonprofit financial management, the Statement of Cash Flows (SCF) is a critical tool that often goes underutilized. It is more than just a financial statement; it is a comprehensive report that provides deep insights into the liquidity and financial...

read more
Nonprofit Bylaws Template and Guide

Nonprofit Bylaws Template and Guide

In the heart of every well-run nonprofit organization lies a crucial document: the bylaws. Bylaws are more than just complicated documents; they're the foundation that helps run everything smoothly. Nonprofit bylaws are formal written rules that govern the operations,...

read more
RFP Template for Fractional CFO Services

RFP Template for Fractional CFO Services

Crafting an RFP for Fractional CFO Services In today's dynamic business landscape, the expertise of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is invaluable, yet the cost of a full-time CFO can be prohibitive for many organizations. This is where the Fractional CFO comes in,...

read more
Capital Campaign Toolkit for Nonprofits

Capital Campaign Toolkit for Nonprofits

Capital campaigns are transformative for nonprofits, enabling them to reach their goals by significantly expanding service capacity and impact. These pivotal endeavors, aimed at achieving ambitious goals such as constructing facilities or launching new programs,...

read more
How to Find Donors for Your Nonprofit

How to Find Donors for Your Nonprofit

How to Find Donors for Your Nonprofit For nonprofit leaders, finding funding through innovative products or services is a top priority and an ongoing challenge. Understanding how to stand out involves not just knowing how to fundraise, but also connecting with...

read more
Understanding a Nonprofit Statement of Activities

Understanding a Nonprofit Statement of Activities

As an Executive Director, it's crucial to understand your nonprofit's finances. This knowledge helps you achieve a positive bottom line and stay transparent with the people who support you. A critical tool in achieving both of these things is the Statement of...

read more
What is a Fractional Executive?

What is a Fractional Executive?

In the ever-evolving world of business leadership, the term fractional executive has become incredibly important. These are experienced C-suite professionals who use their extensive knowledge to help multiple companies on a part-time basis. Instead of working...

read more
Can an LLC be a Nonprofit?

Can an LLC be a Nonprofit?

Can an LLC be structured as a nonprofit? Yes, it can. However, it's not easy and requires precise legal and financial regulation. An LLC, commonly linked with for-profit enterprises for its flexibility and limited liability, can adapt to serve nonprofit purposes. This...

read more
How to Integrate your Chart of Accounts in Quickbooks

How to Integrate your Chart of Accounts in Quickbooks

Effective financial management is vital for nonprofit organizations, and at the heart of this lies a well-organized chart of accounts. It's not just about keeping accurate records but also about gaining meaningful insights into your financial health. QuickBooks, a...

read more
How to Update Quickbooks with a 2024 Budget

How to Update Quickbooks with a 2024 Budget

Budget management is a cornerstone of nonprofit organization success. It not only ensures financial stability but also aligns spending with the mission and objectives of the organization. As we enter 2024, updating your budget in QuickBooks is crucial to maintain this...

read more
Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

In nonprofit management, generating sustainable funding is crucial for growth and making a significant impact. This goes beyond basic financial needs; it's about enhancing your mission and reach. As executive directors and CEOs, you play a key role beyond just...

read more

Nonprofit Accounting FAQs

Nonprofit Accounting Basics

Accountant or Bookkeeper – What’s the difference?

A bookkeeper handles the daily data entry to provide a foundation for an accountant’s high-level analysis. They handle the basic financial information for an organization and keep an eye on a nonprofit’s budget, payroll, and transactions. Also, bookkeepers typically reconcile bank accounts and recurring expenditures.

An accountant has more expertise and serves in a more advanced role. They prepare tax returns and act as a link to tax authorities. They build budgets and project the growth of an organization. Accountants also provide analysis and financial insight to a CEO and Executive Director. Their work is built on the daily financial information that a bookkeeper provides.

Accountants perform a more complex job and provide nonprofit leadership with essential financial information. If you need support, hire a Certified Public Accountant or a nonprofit accounting firm.

 

What is the difference between nonprofit and for-profit accounting?

Nonprofit accounting is based on a different set of principles and regulations. Nonprofit accounting is socially responsible, while for-profit accounting focuses on generating a profit for investors. An accountant working for a nonprofit must understand the organizational structure, mission, goals, and objectives, as well as relevant laws and regulations governing the organization’s operations.

Nonprofit accounting focuses on how an organization executes its programming and operations. In comparison, for-profit accountants focus on revenue. Taxes are also very different for both. Nonprofits are not required to file financial statements or tax returns with the government, while businesses had more complex tax protocols.

Budgeting and Forecasting – Does a nonprofit need to do both?

For effective nonprofit accounting, you have to do both budgeting and forecasting. Budgeting is considered a plan of predicted revenues that an organization will achieve in the future. Financial forecasting, on the other hand, anticipates the amount of revenue or income that will be generated at a future time.

Ever had a plan that didn’t go exactly how you wanted it to? We all have…

A nonprofit must implement a budget to achieve its goals and missions, as well as manage its cash flow for sustainability and growth, and for the board of directors to meet their fiduciary responsibilities. Forecasts make it easier to deploy working capital in response to new opportunities and anticipate change.

Does my nonprofit need a Chart of Accounts?

A chart of accounts (COA) serves as the foundation for your organization’s financial statements. A COA informs stakeholders, funders, and executives of an organization’s financial position. It can also serve as a financial literacy tool for program staff and assist management in creating an effective budget for their programming.

What is Cash Basis Accounting? How is it different from Accrual Accounting?

Nonprofits can use one of two accounting methods– cash basis or accrual basis. Cash basis accounting is often used by smaller nonprofits that have low levels of activity in their operations. This method records income when an organization receives cash. Expenses are reported the moment they’re paid. Cash basis accounting keeps track of working capital, which can be useful in planning operations and future programming.

Accrual accounting is a type of accounting in which income and costs are recorded when earned or incurred rather than received or paid. Oftentimes, the expectation is that money will be paid in the future. Expenses are reflected on the period that best matches the funding they helped create. Accrual basis accounting can provide an organization with a complete financial picture by understanding its different assets.

Reporting & Organizational Health
What is a Statement of Cash Flow?

A nonprofit statement of cash flows is a financial report that shows how money flows in and out of an organization regularly. Ideally, the report is generated monthly. The key components of a strong cash-flow statement are:

1) An accurate balance sheet—the difference between assets and liabilities.

2) A detailed description of all cash receipts and payments, including when they occurred and what type of payment was made (e.g., check, credit card, etc.).

3) An explanation of why each category is included in the statement.

4) A clear explanation of any non-cash adjustments used to improve reported results (e.g., depreciation).

What is the difference between an Income Statement and a Statement of Activities?

An income statement presents a snapshot of a nonprofit’s financial performance. It shows how much money is actually coming in and going out during a specified period of time. A Statement of Activities compares revenue and expenditures for a fiscal year, breaks down expenses by function and net assets released from restrictions, and lists an organization’s net assets at the beginning and end of the year.

What is Functional Expense Allocation?
Every nonprofit has incurred expenditures primarily to carry out important activities. Functional expenses are expenses that are classified according to function.

Consequently, the method by which a nonprofit organization’s accountant or bookkeeper classifies each expense according to its functional classification is known as functional expense allocation.

The functions typically seen in nonprofit financial statements are each of the programs, and the supporting services such as Administration and Fundraising. Review the sample statement below to see how this might apply to your nonprofit.

What is a complete set of Financial Statements?

A complete set of nonprofit financial statements includes 3 statements– a Statement of Financial Position, a Statement of Activities, and a Statement of Cash Flows.

A Statement of Financial Position shows total assets, total liabilities, and net assets (broken down into net assets with and without donor restrictions). It analyzes the financial health of your nonprofit.
A Statement of Activities that details recognized revenue and expenses
A Cash Flow Statement discloses how much money has been raised and how much money has been spent during a specific period, and breaks those flows down into operating, financing, and investing sections.

What is Fund Accounting?

Fund accounting refers to the process of tracking and reporting your expenses against the associated funding raised for that purpose.

When a donor donates, they can specify whether the money is restricted or unrestricted. When a donation is unrestricted, it means that a nonprofit entity can use it for whatever it wants. When a donation is restricted, the nonprofit must use the funds for the purpose designated by the donor.

Fund accounting is used for increasing financial transparency, ensuring accurate financial records, and tracking the organization’s performance to provide a clear picture of its financial position.

Nonprofit Management

Does my nonprofit need to hire a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

You’ve heard the saying, “An accountant is someone who makes sure your numbers add up.” A CPA takes it a step further. Contracting a CPA can be useful when you want to raise more funds, start a new program, or audit existing books. They will simplify complex accounting procedures and provide valuable support. They can help with establishing procedures, processing payments, and handling payroll paperwork. A CPA can also offer guidance on tax compliance.

What percentage of my organization’s budget should be allocated toward salaries?

According to Charity Navigator, a popular site used by many funders to evaluate nonprofits on their financial efficiency, 7 out of 10 charities evaluated spend at least 75% of their budget on the staff that executes the programs and services they exist to provide. Charity Navigator has metrics for fundraising efficiency. Based on the size of your organization, it should be between 3-10%. Therefore, it is advised that you review your expenses while taking this criterion into account.

What are internal controls and how should my nonprofit integrate them?

Internal controls are procedures that a nonprofit has in place to ensure that all its financial activities are compliant with the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. They help control financial transactions; prevent fraud, errors, and overspending; track assets and liabilities; and simplify administrative tasks.

All nonprofits should implement an adequate internal control system. The best way to ensure that you have strong internal controls is to start with a solid plan. First, identify your organization’s goals and objectives with regard to internal controls. Next, determine your organization’s strengths and weaknesses such as the size of your staff. After understanding these two things, you can create a detailed internal control plan to support your organization’s financial goals.

What software should nonprofits use to manage their finances?

QuickBooks, Xero, or Aplos, work well for smaller nonprofits that have simple accounting needs. We recommend Quickbooks Online.

Larger organizations require a more advanced software like Blackbaud. Deciding on which software to use (and pay for) is an important decision. If you’re having trouble deciding which to move forward with, let’s chat!

What does it mean to outsource accounting?

By outsourcing accounting, you are giving a third party the responsibility of managing your organization’s financial records. Outsourcing is a great way to free up valuable time and resources so that you can focus on other important tasks. Another benefit of outsourcing is that it gives you peace of mind knowing that your books are being properly kept and maintained by a professional.

If you outsource your nonprofit’s accounting to Velu, you will benefit from years of experience and collective expertise. You will receive accurate and timely information to keep you informed about your financial health by creating a services package tailored to your nonprofit’s needs.

Tax & Compliance

Which Form 990 does my organization need to file?

Almost all nonprofits are eligible for tax-exempt status. The IRS uses the information collected by Form 990 to confirm that the organization is meeting its objectives and can maintain its tax-exempt status.

Various types of form 990s must be filed depending on the size, annual gross, and income of the nonprofit. The four most common IRS Form 990 forms are Form 990-N, Form 990-EZ, Standard Form 990, and Form 990-PF.

  • 990-N– filed by small tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less.
  • A 990 EZ– filed by slightly bigger entities with a gross income of $200,000 or less and total assets of $500,000 or less.
  • Form 990– filed by larger nonprofits with gross receipts of $200,000 or more and total assets of $500,000.
  • 990- PF is for private foundations, regardless of their amount of capital or assets.
What are Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Standards? Do nonprofits also follow them?

GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are guidelines that cover the best practices of commercial, corporate, and nonprofit accounting. Both businesses and nonprofits follow GAAP standards.

The purpose of GAAP is to ensure that financial statements are easier to read for investors, funders, and the government. Nonprofit GAAP requirements provide transparency for funders and assist the government in determining whether an organization should keep its tax-exempt status.

How frequently should nonprofits conduct an audit?

A nonprofit’s financial audit is an important part of ensuring that the organization has accurate accounting records and is legally compliant. A yearly audit ensures that the organization can accurately track its financial activities and comply with changes in laws and regulations. The frequency of audits depends on several factors, including the size of the organization, the type of activity it undertakes, and how it distributes its financial data. In general, most nonprofits should conduct an annual audit when their budget and operations support it.

Audits can uncover a wide range of problems, from errors in accounting records to violations of fundraising and spending limits. Auditors can also help nonprofits identify opportunities to improve their operations and fundraising. Finally, audits are an essential tool for nonprofits seeking to build public trust and confidence. By demonstrating fiscal responsibility, nonprofits can earn the trust of donors and strengthen their ability to further their mission.

What is the difference between an audit, a review, and a compilation?

An audit is the highest level of attestation services an independent CPA firm will provide that includes an examination of an organization’s financial operations, management controls, and tax compliance. In a standard audit, auditors will produce
a report of all the organization’s financial information (for example, a Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, Statement of Cash Flows, and related footnotes) and attest they are free from material misstatements. Medium-sized to large nonprofits typically want an audit done every year for external stakeholders such as funders to show financial accountability.

A review is like an audit. It is an objective evaluation of an organization’s financial records and management processes. Unlike an audit though, a review may focus on a certain area or program within the organization. The reviewer must perform analytical procedures and make inquiries concerning the financial statements and accompanying footnote disclosures. This is a lower level of attestation service (and thus provides lower assurance) than an audit but conducts more testing than a compilation to ensure accurate financial reporting. A review may be a better option for smaller to medium-sized nonprofits whose budgets may not support a full audit, but want to show financial accountability to potential funders or other external stakeholders.

A compilation is one of the lowest levels of attestation services a CPA can provide and provides essentially no assurance as to the accuracy of the financial reports. Typically, the CPA won’t do any testing or analytical procedures but will examine details such as bank statements and loan documents. Your nonprofit may have a CPA perform a compilation if formal financial statements are needed for internal purposes or a bank loan.

What are the latest nonprofit accounting standards my nonprofit should be focusing on?
  • Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities: This statement provides guidance on how nonprofits should present their financial statements.
  • ASU 2016 – 18 Restricted Cash: This statement requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows.
  • ASU 2018 – 08 Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made: This statement provides guidance in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as contributions or exchanges. It also introduced the concept of barriers in providing additional guidance on identifying conditions that would preclude the recognition of a contribution as revenue.
  • FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases: Does your organization lease its space? If so, this is an important standard to adhere to. Organizations must now report the assets and liabilities associated with their leases each year.

Let's Chat

Questions? Ready to get started? Book some time with Tyler Wilcox, CPA.

We're here for you and your nonprofit.