Your accounting department is the heart of your nonprofit. Although departments such as programming or fundraising may seem to have more obvious relationships with your nonprofit’s mission, your accounting function ensures that the whole organization runs well — and remains healthy over the long term. Indeed, accounting inefficiencies and chronic processing delays can make everyone’s job […]
Category: Internal Control
Timekeeping doesn’t have to be a burden
There are several good reasons for nonprofits to make timekeeping a priority — including the requirements of government and private funders. But even if you weren’t obligated to track and allocate employee time, careful timekeeping can make your organization stronger. If your staffers aren’t always enthusiastic about the task, take heart. Newer software helps make […]
Your nonprofit is only as strong as its bookkeeper
The founder of a community theater had always kept the group’s books. But the theater was growing, along with her responsibilities. So when a volunteer offered to act as bookkeeper, the founder gratefully accepted. Unfortunately, while well-intentioned, the volunteer was sloppy. And although he had for-profit bookkeeping experience, he didn’t understand the nuances of nonprofit […]
The Case for Internal Controls: Reducing Fraud is Easier Than You May Think
The core of any organization’s fraud-prevention program is strong internal controls. Yet too many nonprofits either fail to develop controls that address common risks or, if they establish controls, neglect to enforce them. Your nonprofit must do both if it wants to help prevent occupational theft and fraud perpetrated by outsiders. Charities at Risk According […]