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Nonprofit Accounting Basics for Founders, Board Members & Executives

The Charity CFO

The basic accounting principles for nonprofit organizations are the same as accounting for for-profit companies. . So let’s start with the basics, and later we’ll dig into some of the things that make nonprofit accounting unique. . Unpaid bills (accounts payable). Accounts Payable. Net Assets.

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Do Nonprofits Use Cash or Accrual Accounting?

The Charity CFO

Furthermore, accrual accounting is required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) because it gives you a more accurate picture of your organization’s fiscal situation and allows for easier side-by-side comparison with financial statements of other organizations. Common accrual accounts include: .

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Set Up a Nonprofit Chart of Accounts (Free Template)

The Charity CFO

For that reason, your account numbering, category names, and structure should follow standard guidelines and numbering conventions established by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). . Your Chart of Accounts will be unique to your organization, but here’s an example of what it might look like: .

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Nonprofit Audit Checklist (+ Free PDF Download)

The Charity CFO

A financial statement audit is a thorough review of your financial statements to determine if your financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. For more detail, refer to this article on permanent accounts.).

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The Basics of Nonprofit Bookkeeping

The Charity CFO

Nonprofits must maintain thorough and accurate financial records to comply with both Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) and maintain their tax-exempt status with the IRS. Most organizations will also need to track payments they are owed (accounts receivable), bills that they haven’t paid (accounts payable). .

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The top 10 in-demand shared services skills in the finance function

Future CFO

These shared services skills, according to GartnerTalentNeuron analysis of job postings in the finance and accounting function between July 2020 and July 2021, are as follows. Accounting experience. Experience in accounting processes such as accounts payable. Knowledge of GAAP.

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The Dual Purposes of Accounting and Fundraising Software

The Charity CFO

This makes it challenging to create technology that tracks data for fundraising purposes while still following accounting principles. Instead, accounting software prioritizes accuracy, standardization, and regulatory compliance. Instead, accounting software prioritizes accuracy, standardization, and regulatory compliance.