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. 

We provide 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. 

We offer a full range of business office management services including:

• financial audit preparation and support
• budget preparation and management
• payroll
• purchasing
• accounts payable
• state reporting
• federal reporting
• grant management
• governing council reporting
• accounting software expertise

Many large trade and professional organizations manage the same level of resources and require the same level of efficiency as major corporations. We understand 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. 

We offer a full range of services for home owner associations including:

• Financial reporting
• Annual audit
• Tax preparation
• Tax strategy
• Board member support
• Special projects

Social service organizations face financial and operational challenges as donor activity dwindles, public funding decreases, and a demand for services increases. Our professionals have 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. 

Brown Edwards provides extensive, highest quality accounting services to a range of regulated entities; municipal entities that distribute electricity; cooperative organizations; and, specifically, electric cooperatives. Whether it be financial and compliance audits, tax compliance, or our industry-specific consulting services, Brown Edwards follows best practices to provide co-ops with needed guidance in the face of financial complexity.

Brown Edwards conducts external financial statement audits in accordance with government auditing standards, including the unique aspects of GAAP Accounting for Regulated Operations.

Financial And Compliance Audits
We provide compliance audits in accordance with the lending requirements of the Rural Utilities Service and, as applicable, the Single Audit requirements of OMB Circular A-133.

Tax Compliance

Brown Edwards’ electric cooperative accounting team can assist you with a variety of business tax services, such as:
• Preparation of IRS Form 990
• Evaluation of Unrelated Business Income
• Cooperative taxation
• Tax filings of for-profit subsidiaries

Consulting Services

Often, clients choose Brown Edwards for financial management and supporting their operations. Our tax consulting and accounting consulting for businesses includes:
• Litigation support and fraud investigations
• Merger/acquisition assistance
• Benefit plan accounting assistance and compliance reviews
• Internal control reviews