Friday, November 28, 2025

How Much Does Nonprofit Accounting Cost? OneSource by Aldridge Borden

bookkeeping for small nonprofit

This gives you an extra layer of security to prevent user errors or identify suspicious activity. With a complete audit trail and validations, you can achieve greater nonprofit accounting transparency. https://holycitysinner.com/top-benefits-of-accounting-services-for-nonprofit-organizati/ The statement of functional expenses breaks down a nonprofit’s spending by function (why the money was spent) and nature (what it was spent on). This report gives a detailed view of how resources are allocated, helping stakeholders evaluate how effectively the organization uses its funds. The statement of cash flows shows how cash moves in and out of a nonprofit over a specific period, tracking where cash comes from, how it’s used, and how the cash balance changes.

Donor Contributions and Grants

bookkeeping for small nonprofit

The IRS provides this handy questionnaire to help you figure out exactly which parts of the tax code apply to your organization, and which form you’ll use to apply for tax-exempt status. Our team is ready to learn about your business and guide you to the right solution. Rather than offering set packages or quotes, this firm allows clients to contract freelance financial experts. This provides additional flexibility for covering needs that may vary over time, from controller oversight to bookkeeping cleanup. Running a business is demanding, and keeping track of your finances can be a never-ending chore.

bookkeeping for small nonprofit

Recording In‑Kind Donations Accurately

However, it’s important to consider that nonprofits require a much more robust system of bookkeeping and accounting than for-profit businesses. Sage Intacct because of its advanced financial management features and built-in HR and payroll modules. Specifically, its multi-entity consolidation helps nonprofits with multiple locations consolidate their financial data into one centralized dashboard.

Step 4. Set Up and Organize Your Chart of Accounts (COA)

bookkeeping for small nonprofit

This will ensure that your financial records accurately reflect the organization’s operations. A well-organized chart of accounts is essential for effective bookkeeping in nonprofits. The first and most important principle of bookkeeping is accurate record keeping. This means that all financial transactions should be recorded promptly and with precision.

Recording business transactions

  • This means that all financial transactions should be recorded promptly and with precision.
  • Unlike most software for nonprofits, NonProfitPlus includes inventory management, which is crucial if you stock merchandise (like T-shirts and mugs) to raise money or reward donors.
  • Those who master these technologies will ensure accuracy and efficiency in recording and maintaining financial data.
  • QuickBooks offers a discount on its QuickBooks Online software through TechSoup.
  • Payroll services start at $20 per month and bookkeeping support starts at $149 per month.

Bookkeeping for some small nonprofits may be as simple as creating invoices for donations received and paying salaries and day-to-day expenses. With a Pro Plan subscription, you can connect your bank account with Wave and automatically import your transactions. Fire off estimates and invoices, snap receipts, and track expenses—even on-the-go—with Wave’s simple money management solutions for contractors. Bookkeepers serve as a financial liaison between an organization and external parties, including vendors and tax authorities. That’s why they must have the ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively. Bookkeepers with this expertise help nonprofits reduce risks and maintain financial integrity.

Do nonprofits need accountants?

bookkeeping for small nonprofit

Don’t use your personal bank account to receive, hold or disburse money Accounting Services for Nonprofits: Benefits and How to Choose the Right Provider for your nonprofit. Make sure all of your nonprofit’s transactions go through a dedicated bank account. Ask your bank whether they offer business checking accounts tailored to nonprofits.

bookkeeping for small nonprofit

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