BOOKKEEPING FOR NONPROFITS Bookkeeping for Nonprofits is a hands-on guide that offers nonprofit leaders, managers, and staff the tools they need to create and maintain a complete and accurate set of accounting records. This much-needed resource provides those with little or no bookkeeping experience with practical advice in a highly accessible format. Written by Murray Dropkin and Jim Halpin, Bookkeeping for Nonprofits is a step-by-step introduction to keeping accounting records, which form the foundation for a nonprofit organization's financial reports, tax returns, budgets, cash forecasts, and grant proposals. Using this volume as a guide, nonprofit leaders and staff will be able to set up books with or without accounting software and ensure that the records meet the needs of their organization. Bookkeeping for Nonprofits is a comprehensive resource that Discusses how transactions provide day-to-day information for tracking cash balances and cash requirements Shows how transactions provide information to management and the board of directors for budgeting and other essential tasks Explains basic bookkeeping concepts, such as the accounting equation, the chart of accounts, and income and expense tracking Guides readers through the nuts and bolts of recording a transaction Provides an overview of alternative recordkeeping methodologies and how to choose among them Designed to be easy to use, the book is filled with illustrations and checklists. "Bookkeeping for Nonprofits is the remarkable new guide for a new generation of accounting challenges bookkeepers face every day." —Frances Hesselbein, chairman and founding president, Leader to Leader Institute "Bookkeeping for Nonprofits provides a rare combination of consummate professionalism and clear, accessible writing. Underlying the wealth of technical information lies a great deal of wisdom. The authors have found a way to translate their enormous, on-the-ground experience into usable, actionable policies, procedures, and practices. It is a book that gives all you need to create a fiscally responsible agency with the bonus of helping you become a better manager and a wiser person." —Peter Block, business consultant and author of Flawless Consulting and The Empowered Manager "Bookkeeping for Nonprofits provides an excellent understanding of the practical application of bookkeeping in the real work environment." —Ron Werthman, vice president, finance/treasurer and CFO, Johns Hopkins Health System, The Johns Hopkins Hospital "This is a wonderful book that every bookkeeper in a nonprofit organization should have." —Eusebio David, fiscal director, Federation of Multicultural Programs, Inc.

Your hands-on guide to keeping great records and keeping your nonprofit running smoothly Need to get your nonprofit books in order? This practical guide has everything you need to know to operate your nonprofit according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) — from documenting transactions and budgeting to filing taxes, preparing financial statements, and much more. You’ll see how to stay organized, keep records, and be prepared for an audit. Begin with the basics — understand common financial terms, choose your accounting methods, and work with financial statements Balance your nonprofit books — set up a chart of accounts, record transactions, plan your budget, and balance your cash flow Get the 4-1-1 on federal grants — find grants and apply for them, track and account for federal dollars, and prepare for a grant audit Stay in good standing with Uncle Sam — set up payroll accounts for employees, calculate taxes and deductions, and complete tax forms Close out your books — prepare the necessary financial statements, know which accounts to close, and prepare for the next accounting cycle Know what to do if you get audited — form an internal audit committee, follow IRS rules of engagement, and keep an immaculate paper trail Open the book and find: The difference between bookkeeping and accounting How to maintain a manual or computer record-keeping system Ten vital things to know when keeping the books Do’s and don’ts of managing federal grant money How to prepare for an audit of your financial statements IRS Form 990 good practices The most common errors found during nonprofit audits How to figure out employee payroll deductions and taxes

Bookkeeping Basics No trained bookkeeper on staff? No problem. Many nonprofits don't have a trained bookkeeper on staff. This crucial function goes to whoever has the time and the willingness to do it. Lack of accounting training or background is not only frustrating for the individual, but also potentially risky for the nonprofit. Bookkeeping Basics will enable you to successfully meet the basic bookkeeping requirements of your organization. It gives you the knowledge and skills to track the financial activity of your nonprofit in a way that brings order out of chaos, safeguards the organization's assets, and provides useful information for making sound decisions. Clearly defines what you most need to know In plain language, the book explains concepts and processes you most need to know, including: single- versus double-entry bookkeeping; cash versus accrual basis accounting; posting financial transactions; keeping a ""paper trail"" of source documents; preparing a trial balance; creating financial statements; establishing internal controls; preparing for your annual audit; and closing out your fiscal year. Step-by-step instructions, clear definitions of terms, and detailed examples help you put concepts into actions. Reproducible forms include an accounts payable register, accounts receivable register, accounts receivable register, general ledger, financial summary form, grant tracking form, internal controls activity flow chart, and an audit preparation checklist. Bottom line: If you're the bookkeeper for your nonprofit--by choice or default--this book is for you

Nonprofit accounting can be difficult for small not-for-profit organizations. Lisa London, CPA, takes readers step by step through how to set up a bookkeeping system, how to navigate the IRS rules and regulations around donor acknowledgments, accountable reimbursement plans, and how to file payroll and other annual reports. Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) is explained in detail and Lisa also steps the reader through filing out the 990 EZ and the 990 T forms.

Essential tools and guidance for effective nonprofit financial management Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations provides students, professionals, and board members with a comprehensive reference for the field. Identifying key objectives and exploring current practices, this book offers practical guidance on all major aspects of nonprofit financial management. As nonprofit organizations fall under ever-increasing scrutiny and accountability, this book provides the essential knowledge and tools professional need to maintain a strong financial management system while serving the organization’s stated mission. Financial management, cash flow, and financial sustainability are perennial issues, and this book highlights the concepts, skills, and tools that help organizations address those issues. Clear guidance on analytics, reporting, investing, risk management, and more comprise a singular reference that nonprofit finance and accounting professionals and board members should keep within arm’s reach. Updated to reflect the post-recession reality and outlook for nonprofits, this new edition includes new examples, expanded tax-exempt financing material, and recession analysis that informs strategy going forward. Articulate the proper primary financial objective, target liquidity, and how it ensures financial health and sustainability Understand nonprofit financial practices, processes, and objectives Manage your organization’s resources in the context of its mission Delve into smart investing and risk management best practices Manage liquidity, reporting, cash and operating budgets, debt and other liabilities, IP, legal risk, internal controls and more Craft appropriate financial policies Although the U.S. economy has recovered, recovery has not addressed the systemic and perpetual funding challenges nonprofits face year after year. Despite positive indicators, many organizations remain hampered by pursuit of the wrong primary financial objective, insufficient funding and a lack of investment in long-term sustainability; in this climate, financial managers must stay up-to-date with the latest tools, practices, and regulations in order to serve their organization’s interests. Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations provides clear, in-depth reference and strategy for navigating the expanding financial management function.

Tips and techniques to help your nonprofit thrive in any economy Due to the recent downturn in the economy, a significant number of nonprofit organizations have experienced a major decrease in funding and contributions. Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, 3rd Edition caters to these organizations and shows you how your nonprofit can thrive and survive even in the current economic climate. With 25% new and revised material, Nonprofit Kit For Dummies, 3rd Edition offers new tips and information on everything you need to navigate the process of setting up and effectively running a nonprofit organization. Covers raising money, applying for grants, and developing the perfect mission statement Details on how state laws vary; conducting program evaluations; and conforming to accounting standards CD includes forms, worksheets, templates, and more Whether you're thinking about starting your own nonprofit or are already working in the sector, Nonprofit Kit For Dummies, 3rd Edition is a valuable source for getting the latest information and practical advice on running a prosperous nonprofit organization.

Bookkeeping for churches can be quite different than for-profit businesses, and the other guides available cover either QuickBooks or church accounting, not both. Lisa London, The Accountant Beside You, walks you through QuickBooks for your church from start to finish, always with examples, terminology, and understanding of what a busy church administrator needs to know in a clear, concise style. With her friendly easy-to-understand style and illustrative screenshots, Lisa guides new QuickBooks users every step of the way, while her tips for how to make QuickBooks work better for churches provides new insight and procedures for even the experienced bookkeeper. Not only does she step you through how to set up QuickBooks and utilize it more efficiently for your house of worship, but she also discusses everything you need to know to implement controls and procedures to ensure that your church's money is always protected. QuickBooks for Churches covers PC versions of QuickBooks from 2012 forward and even includes what's new in the 2014 version. Lisa offers sound accounting procedures for both large and small houses of worship, for bookkeepers with years of experience as well as those just starting out. Let The Accountant Beside You take one more worry off your crowded to-do list.