Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations

The leaders and staff of non-profit organizations must ensure that accounting records and financial statements are accurate and comply with regulatory requirements. In this course, students will learn basic non-profit accounting rules, procedures and best practices. Offering tips for improving financial efficiency and operational effectiveness, this course also provides the “big picture” perspective that is so important to potential donors. 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:

• Interpret and analyze nonprofit financial statements to assess an organization’s financial position and performance.
• Apply nonprofit-specific accounting standards, reporting rules, and explain the purpose and requirements of Form 990.
• Evaluate financial statements and Form 990 filings from a funder’s perspective and benchmark organizational performance against peer nonprofits.
• Explain and assess internal financial controls and the roles of Board and management in maintaining effective oversight.
• Develop and analyze organizational budgets by using core budgeting principles and methodologies.
• Implement best practices in nonprofit financial operations, including supervising accounting functions and supporting finance and audit committees.