Internal Audit is a Critical Investment for Nonprofit Organizations
By their nature, tax-exempt entities are under extraordinary scrutiny. With the IRS, external auditors, donors, watchdogs and stakeholders all analyzing their finances, nonprofit organizations must implement effective internal controls that decrease the likelihood of fraud, accounting mistakes or other inappropriate accounting practices that could impact the organization’s finances and reputation. Many organizations who have established…
A Revised Fundraising Strategy Can Help Nonprofits Reduce the Impact of TCJA on Charitable Giving
By Jorge Estrada, CPA | Nonprofit Audit and Tax Senior Manager The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed at the end of 2017 made the most far–reaching changes to the tax code since 1986. While many in the nonprofit industry believe the changes in the tax law are creating a more challenging environment for…
Identifying Contributions vs. Exchange Transactions Clarified with ASU 2018-08 (Topic 958)
By Lindsay Dean, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Senior Manager In June 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-08, Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made. Nonprofit organizations with fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2018 and make or receive contributions should be prepared to…
Vulnerability Scanning and Penetration Testing Offer Tools for a Strong Security Posture
By Darren Hulem | Network Administrator Auditor In the movies, hackers sit in front of a computer typing a few lines of code and suddenly they have access to all of the victim company’s systems. While cybercrime does not happen like it is portrayed in the movies, it has become a common theme in recent…
A Practical Guide to Consolidation vs. Combination of Financial Statements for Nonprofits
By Carlos Hurtado, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Supervisor In recent years, nonprofit organizations have drastically changed how they structure their relationship with related organizations. The relationship of an organization and its related entities is not only important to their operational, programmatic and financial goals; it may also significantly affect the audit of their financial statements….
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) for Nonprofits & Associations: Where Strategy Meets Risk
It’s time to talk to your board about addressing risk to your organization’s strategy. Effective risk mitigation measures are no longer luxuries or only available to large enterprises. Tackling these critical issues together in a smart, coordinated way allows your organization to mitigate risk and plan for the future while also maximizing your resources and…
Classification of Workers: Could Section 530 Come to the Rescue?
The IRS and employers often are at loggerheads over the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors. Typically, many employers want to to treat workers as independent contractors, while the IRS often determines that workers are misclassified employees. Sometimes, the issue winds up in the courts. Fortunately, there might be a way for employers…
Watch the Language in Employee Handbooks
Your company needs an employee handbook or personnel manual to ensure that everyone understands the policies, procedures and rules. But improperly drawn, a handbook or manual can create a binding obligation that can be used against you. What you don’t want is for the documents to be interpreted as an employment contract. Keep that in…
An Easier Way to Screen Applicant Resumes
Screening job applicants is a cumbersome process but you can save time and money by making your company’s website an integral part of your recruiting strategy. How? Design an online career center and applicant screening program. You can hire a firm to handle the task, or if your company has skilled IT staff, you can…