Not-for-Profit Accounting Services
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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
Foundations

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.
Religious Organizations

- 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

- 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.
Trade and Professional Associations

- 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

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.
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Contact Our Not-For-Profit Team
Practice Leaders

James R. Fries, CPA, MSA
Partner
James R. Fries, CPA, MSA
Partner

Melissa Stanley, CPA
Partner
Melissa Stanley, CPA
Partner
Practice Members

David W. Reardon, CPA
Partner
David W. Reardon, CPA
Partner

Leslie F Roberts, CPA
Partner
Leslie F Roberts, CPA
Partner

M. James Hartson, Jr., CPA
Partner
M. James Hartson, Jr., CPA
Partner

Mark W. Tuck, CPA
Partner
Mark W. Tuck, CPA
Partner

Melissa A. Sikes, CPA
Partner
Melissa A. Sikes, CPA
Partner

Robert “Rob” E. Adams, CPA, CGMA
Partner
Robert “Rob” E. Adams, CPA, CGMA
Partner

Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA
Partner
Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA
Partner
Ready to Discuss Your Business Needs?
Contact us to learn more about our services.