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The Basics of Nonprofit Bookkeeping

The Charity CFO

Do a Google search on nonprofit bookkeeping, and you’ll find page after page of articles on nonprofit accounting. Because while nonprofit bookkeeping and accounting are related, they’re not the same thing. A bookkeeper records and organizes financial data; an accountant interprets and presents that data. .

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Do Nonprofits Use Cash or Accrual Accounting?

The Charity CFO

If you’re like many people, you probably think that there is a single set of accounting rules that every company must follow. . But that’s not quite true—nonprofits face a decision between 2 different accounting methods for tracking their financial activity: cash accounting vs. accrual accounting.

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Set Up a Nonprofit Chart of Accounts (Free Template)

The Charity CFO

If you’re brand new to nonprofit accounting, the Chart of Accounts might be the best place to start. Because even if you only have one bank account, bill, investment, or expense, you’ll need one. What is a Chart of Accounts? How to Organize a Nonprofit Chart of Accounts .