Nonprofit Accounting Basics

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Program Costs to Earned Revenue Ratio

This ratio calculates the portion of program expenses that is covered by related program revenue.

Ratios: Profit Margin (Surplus Margin)

This calculation indicates by what percent revenues are over or under expenses.

Operating Reserve Ratio

This ratio is a focused variant of the Months Cash on Hand ratio.

Ratios: Current Ratio

This ratio tells you how many times current (within 12 months) assets could cover current liabilities. A value of 1 or better indicates that current liabilities could be covered by current assets.

Ratios: Net Working Capital

This indicator is another liquidity measure that expands to include all current (within 12 months) assets such as receivables and inventory.

Ratio: Months Cash on Hand

This ratio tells you whether the organization has sufficient cash resources to deliver its mission and pay its obligations on a timely basis. How long could the bills be paid with no new cash?

Public Support Tests: Does Your Public Charity Pass the Section 509(a)(1) Test?

To be a public charity, an organization must meet one of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 509(a) tests.

Decision-Making Policy & Procedures for Small and Midsize Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations are routinely faced with making decisions of varying magnitude and impact.

5 Steps to Make an Audit Easier

Undergoing an audit, or any type of engagement, is a cumbersome process.

Revenue Classification Tool: Factors to Consider

Revenue classification in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) has changed with the implementation of accounting standards updates (ASU’s).