Article

Accounting and tax best practices for your not-for-profit in 2024

Jan. 18, 2024 · Authored by Georgina Harris

As we embark on a new calendar year, Baker Tilly’s not-for-profit (NFP) specialists highlight accounting, tax and compliance best practices for not-for-profit organizations. For a deeper dive into this guidance, watch our on-demand webinar, 2023 not-for-profit and higher education accounting and tax update: the year in review and what to expect in 2024.

Not-for-profits must consider the following general practices:

• Understand and comply with NFP-specific accounting rules, regulations and tax requirements
• Adhere to tax filing requirements and understand the tax laws for tax-exempt entities
• Ensure the Board of Directors are independent of the organization and establish an audit and/or finance committee
• Develop realistic fundraising objectives and a long-term strategic plan
• Recruit individuals with NFP accounting experience and strong ethical behavior
• Invest in high-quality accounting software for tracking and interfacing
• Maintain a focus on budgeting and forecasting and monitor finances regularly to adjust for any changes occurring during the year
• Develop strong internal controls to help maintain financial accuracy and transparency and create checks and balances internally
• Establish segregation of duties in key accounting areas
• Monitor donations and in-kind contributions and ensure compliance with donor intent
• Prepare timely financials and engage an auditor to obtain an annual external audit
• Monitor overhead costs to ensure proper expense allocations
• Recognize the current NFP environment and areas where fraud could take place
• Realize cybersecurity risks and take preventative measures to help mitigate those risks

NFP accounting best practices

The following internal control and financial reporting tips can help enhance your organization’s accounting processes.