Not-for-Profit Accounting Services

Get Customized Recommendations to Fit Your Unique Challenges

Brown Edwards’ commitment to not-for-profits is a core  focus of our firm. We understand your issues, your challenges, and your unique accounting and reporting requirements. Most importantly, we have a genuine interest in your organization.

Brown Edwards has a dedicated pool of not-for-profit specialists who are  highly experienced and sensitive to your needs and concerns. Our team members are noted  by our clients for their accessibility and hands-on style, as well as the depth of knowledge and capabilities. Ultimately, in professional relationships, people do make the difference.

We Can Assist You in the Following Areas

Assurance and Audit

Assurance and Audit Services

  • Overall financial statement presentation, disclosure, and transparency
  • Enhancing financial reporting controls related to the closing process
  • Accounting and classification of contributions and split-interest agreements
  • Employee training on all aspects of financial statement elements
  • Financial projections with related financial ratio analysis
  • Development of a chart of accounts structure
  • Classification of net assets
  • Utilizing an operating measure

Accountability and Governance

Accountability and Governance Services

  • Implementation of best practices
  • Development of audit committee charters, roles, and responsibilities and other related policies
  • Conflict of interest, whistleblower, and record retention policies
  • Practical ways to meet audit committee responsibilities
  • Development of policies related to executive compensation and Form 990 review
  • Board financial statement training for not-for-profit organizations
  • Development and execution of an internal audit function and programs

IT Services

IT Services

  • Information technology effectiveness assessment for your current and future needs
  • Strategic systems planning to address future information technology risk and needs
  • Systems selection and implementation a new system
  • Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to test IT security
  • Website security to ensure security from external threats
  • Disaster recovery planning

Other Not-For-Profit Services

Though every foundation has its own identity, philosophy, and purpose, they all face common economic challenges. Regardless of their management or cause, each must ensure reliable and successful patronage.

Brown Edwards provides foundation accounting services through its business tax, audit, and advisory teams. Our professionals offer the knowledge and experience to improve an organization’s effectiveness, expand its endowments, and help in distributing funds according to the foundation’s mission. Our guidance includes:

  • Ensuring compliance with foundation accounting, financial reporting, and tax reporting standards.
  • Responding to any investigations relating to “community foundations” and addressing other tax-exempt status matters.
  • Providing advice on best practices, accountability, and ethics.
  • Working with the foundation and key donors to develop and implement effective management.
  • Advising on operational and stewardship policies and procedures.
  • Reviewing information technology tools.
  • Analyzing the foundation’s current and projected budgets and financial goals, and offering guidance on upcoming legislative issues.
The IRS is increasingly examining not-for-profit organizations for compliance. As a result, religious organizations must take measures to follow legal guidelines and avoid conflicts of interest. As with our work with foundation accounting, Brown Edwards’ professionals can assist religious groups in addressing these challenges. Our services may involve:
  • Helping religious organizations stay in compliance with accounting, financial reporting, and tax regulations.
  • Providing assessments of the roles, responsibilities, relationships, and technology within the organization.
  • Evaluating current and projected budget processes and financial strategies.
  • Examining revenues and costs associated with charitable and investment activities..
Cultural organizations need to follow the laws that regulate their tax-exempt status while pursuing their mission. Brown Edwards works with organizations to develop financial planning and operational effectiveness. Projects may include:
  • Providing guidance on compliance; helping prepare financial statements for members and boards; and assisting in corporate structuring and reorganization.
  • Working with leaders to identify, develop, and implement strategic objectives; guiding management transitions; and reviewing/advising about information technology.
  • Helping management attain fiscal objectives and developing control procedures to reduce risk.
Many large trade and professional organizations manage the same level of resources and require the same level of efficiency as major corporations. Brown Edwards understands the financial needs of these associations and offers a wide range of services, such as:
  • Ensuring compliance with not-for-profit accounting standards, financial reporting practices, and tax reporting regulations.
  • Conducting budget-process assessments and financial modeling of strategies.
  • Examining current and future market environments.
  • Developing and executing organizational initiatives and long-term strategies.

Social service organizations face financial and operational challenges as donor activity dwindles, public funding decreases, and a demand for services increases. Brown Edwards has years of experience helping organizations respond to these concerns, progress towards their financial goals, and protect their tax-exempt status. Our work includes:

  • Keeping organizations compliant with applicable foundation accounting standards.
  • Responding to potential sanctions and investigations.
  • Improving efficiency by evaluating the organization, its structure, and its technology.
  • Weighing current and projected budgets and reviewing financial strategies, including cost analyses and activity bases costing.
I have worked with all levels of staff within their firm. I find they recruit bright and qualified individuals to work there. I have always found them to be professional in their work and reasonable when it comes to items requiring discussion. I am especially pleased with the lack of staff turnover I have encountered within their senior personnel, not only at my current position, but over the many years I have worked with them as well.
Trigg Copenhaver
Chief Financial Officer, DePaul Family Services

Contact Our Not-For-Profit Team

Practice Leaders

James R. Fries, CPA, MSA

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James R. Fries, CPA, MSA

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Melissa Stanley, CPA

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Melissa Stanley, CPA

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Practice Members

David W. Reardon, CPA

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David W. Reardon, CPA

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Leslie F Roberts, CPA

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Leslie F Roberts, CPA

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M. James Hartson, Jr., CPA

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M. James Hartson, Jr., CPA

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Mark W. Tuck, CPA

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Mark W. Tuck, CPA

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Melissa A. Sikes, CPA

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Melissa A. Sikes, CPA

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Robert “Rob” E. Adams, CPA, CGMA

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Robert “Rob” E. Adams, CPA, CGMA

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Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA

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Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA

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Ready to Discuss Your Business Needs?

Contact us to learn more about our services.

Contact

Our Not-For-Profit Team

Meet the Team

Leslie F Roberts, CPA

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Leslie F Roberts, CPA

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Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA

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Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA

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Brown Edwards Certified Public Accountants

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