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When Does Your Nonprofit Need an Audit?

The Charity CFO

Contrary to what many people envision, a nonprofit audit doesn’t usually start with a letter from the IRS. Instead, an independent nonprofit audit is something you choose to build trust in your nonprofit organization. An audit can be a critical step for a growing nonprofit that needs to raise increasing amounts of funds.

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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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Nonprofit Audit Checklist (+ Free PDF Download)

The Charity CFO

Many nonprofit organizations both large and small need to undergo a financial statement audit every year. Preparing for a nonprofit audit can be overwhelming and anxiety-filled, especially if it’s your first audit or you don’t have a strong and experienced financial team. How to prepare for your nonprofit audit: Step 1: The Roadmap.

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Revenue Recognition for Nonprofits: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

The Charity CFO

Revenue recognition for nonprofits may seem fairly straightforward, but has unique complexities with important compliance consequences. Nonprofits rely on a mix of sources for their income, from fundraising, grants, and investments to earned income and individual contributions. Nonprofits that do not have set programs.

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Fund Accounting for Nonprofits & Charities

The Charity CFO

Nonprofits often receive donations or grants designated for a specific purpose–like a donation to a specific program or grant you have to spend within a calendar year. And the issue of restricted funds presents unique bookkeeping and accounting challenges for a nonprofit that a for-profit company doesn’t face.

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Statement of Activities: Reading a Nonprofit Income Statement

The Charity CFO

The Statement of Activities is the Income Statement of a nonprofit organization. As a nonprofit, you call the difference between revenue and expenses the change in net assets. . NOTE: For a nonprofit organization, revenue also includes non-cash gifts, like in-kind donations of goods or services. Or profit. .

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Understanding Functional Expenses for Nonprofits

The Charity CFO

Functional expense reporting confuses many first-time nonprofit bookkeepers and executives. But it is need-to-know-information in the nonprofit world. Because you’re required to report functional expenses to complete your IRS 990 and maintain nonprofit status. Don't hire the wrong accountant for your nonprofit!