"This book concentrates on one major and widely recognized method of measuring value: financial statements and their implications for outcomes. It is organized to maximize a nonprofit board member's understanding of the most important financial elements within his or her organization. At the outset, the book reviews the function of the board in its goal-setting role, which includes financial outcomes. This sets the stage for examining the differences between simple accounting and the board's function in analyzing accounting numbers to portray financial outcomes. Understanding the major elements of the financial statements is the heart of the book, and attention is given to the key ways in which those elements represent the real financial outcomes of the operations performed by the organization's senior management and staff over the relevant time period. The remainder of the book highlights similarities and differences of interim versus audited financial statements, some very specific ways to use available financial information to fulfill the board's fiduciary responsibilities, and, finally, how to utilize financial information to measure organizational performance. Included is a CD-ROM that contains sample financial documents and a Microsoft 'PowerPointʼ presentation on financial practices that can be used at board meetings to improve financial skills."--P. ix.

EXPERT GUIDANCE ON HOW TO READ, INTERPRET, AND USE NONPROFIT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE NEW FASB STANDARD FOR NONPROFIT FINANCIAL REPORTING Whether you’re a nonprofit executive unfamiliar with the language of financial statements or a seasoned pro, this book is the only guide you’ll need to correctly interpret those critical documents, refresh your skills and familiarize yourself with the new FASB nonprofit reporting standards. The intent behind the recent FASB accounting standards update was to improve the clarity and usefulness of nonprofit financial statements. But making sense of those statements can still be tough for the uninitiated. Accountants and non-accountants who use and prepare nonprofit financial statements need guidance on how to interpret and implement these new FASB standards. Written for both audiences, this book: Clearly defines accounting terminology and concepts, while offering numerous examples of financial statements reflecting both the old and new FASB standards Steers you, line-by-line, through financial reports, providing in-depth explanations of the differences between the old and new standards Provides numerous illustrations to help you quickly feel at home with the format of nonprofit financial statements Offers exercises to help you gain insight into the core concepts of nonprofit financial statements and reinforce your command of those concepts In addition to the new FASB standards, this expanded edition includes: A new chapter on reserves, a long-standing challenge for nonprofits A new section on general financial analysis, outlining what financial statement readers should look for to stay informed and satisfy their responsibility regardless of their role A new chapter on benchmarking to help nonprofits measure performance against industry peers How to Read Nonprofit Financial Statements, Third Edition is an invaluable resource for anyone who reads, interprets, or prepares these all-important documents.

This short book will guide readers through the fundamentals of nonprofit accounting, financial statements and financial reporting ? and all in a quick 30 pages! Written for nonprofit board members, managers, and staff who do not have an accounting or financial background. Learn the specialized vocabulary of accounting and the simple numeric structure of financial statements, but without the unnecessary details that can get in the way of understanding. No prior accounting knowledge is required. See how the Statement of Activities (the Income Statement in for-profit companies), Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet), Cash Flow, and Statement of Functional Expenses (unique to nonprofit reporting) summarize the mission-focused actions of the organization and report on its financial condition. This 30-page guide is complementary to the authors more detailed 230-page text best-seller, "Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Statements: Overview for Board, Management, and Staff" also available on Amazon in paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-9971089-6-5) and Kindle versions. See all the MercuryGroupPress 30-Page Nonprofit Guides on Amazon.

Illustrates basic financial concepts that all individual board members should understand. Jargon-free explanations are ideal for the board member new to financial responsibilities or to nonprofit accounting. Descriptions and sample statements offer clear guidelines for board members, individuals serving as treasure or on a financial committee, and staff working with the board.

Most popular book on the nonprofit financial governance directed at non-financial board members, management, and staff.

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.

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.