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Selecting a firm to conduct your not-for-profit’s audit services can feel like a daunting task. There are hundreds of firms online and most (if not all) claim to perform not-for-profit audit services.. How can you know which audit firm is the right for your Organization?

Selecting the right audit firm is like creating a long-term relationship with a partner that is dedicated to helping your organization fulfill its mission. Selecting the wrong firm can feel like trying to swim with a 500 lb. weight strapped to your back.So how can you be sure you are selecting the best fit for your needs?

Audits are important. Investors, lenders, government agencies, potential buyers and - in the case of not-for-profit organizations, your donors - rely on audit reports to assess your organization. Audits can be long, arduous, headache-inducing ordeals…but they don’t have to be. Proper preparation can go a long way towards simplifying the audit process.

You check your mail and you see the return address, IRS. Your first thought? Well, that can’t be good. You open up the letter and you read that you’re being audited. Look on the bright side – less than 1% of returns get audited each year, you’re just one of the lucky ones! All jocularity aside, there’s nothing to panic about.

Part 3 of a 5 Part Series

An Organization’s management is charged with managing the day-to-day operations of the non-for-profit; however, this does not relieve Board Members from taking on certain oversight responsibilities.

The nature of charitable giving has changed, and there are four primary reasons for this:

• Technology has made it not only easier to give to charities, but to know about charities and how efficiently they perform.
• Changes in the U.S. tax code have created a disincentive for giving, especially for those who gave strictly for purposes of a tax deduction.
• The rise of Donor Advised Funds (DAF) has made it easier for donors to contribute meaningfully to a cause.
• Concerns for transparency and organizational efficiency have driven the need for increased disclosure and external oversight.

After more than three years of debate, comment, and revision, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) much-anticipated Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities, was released on August 18, 2016.

The newly released ASU will change the way all not-for-profits (NFPs) classify net assets and prepare financial statements. To view the standard in its entirety, visit the FASB's website here.

Adoption of FASB ASU 2016-14 will result in significant changes to financial reporting and disclosures for NFPs. FASB believes the update will improve NFP financial statements and provide more useful information to donors, grantors, creditors, and other financial statement users. The standard is effective for annual financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.

If you have a question about your not-for-profit financial reporting, contact us. We're ready to meet with you and start the conversation. Email skrantz@zinnerco.com or 216.831.0733. 

By Chris Valponi, APR