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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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Why Nonprofits Need to Switch from Cash-Basis to Accrual-Basis Accounting

The Charity CFO

The type of accounting your organization uses could be holding you back from getting the most out of your accounting system. While many nonprofits start with cash-basis accounting due to its simplicity, this method often falls short of providing a comprehensive view of a nonprofit’s financial health.

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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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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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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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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. Accounts payable.