Nonprofit Accounting Basics

Recent Articles

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.

Operating Reserve Ratio

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

Program Costs to Earned Revenue Ratio

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

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?

Net Investment in Fixed Assets

This calculation subtracts any existing long-term debt related to fixed assets (e.g., vehicle loan, mortgage, leasehold improvement loan, etc.) from the value of fixed assets.

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).

Lessons Learned from Adoption of Topic 606, Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09