Non-Profit Accounting vs. Profit Accounting

Non-profit accounting is very different than profit accounting, as a non-profit organization must often meet more strict regulations than for profit corporations. It is also important that non-profit organizations maintain complete, detailed records regarding all financial transactions and the money that is earned in order to avoid causing doubt in contributors. If contributors have reason to doubt the honesty and integrity of a non-profit organization, these donors will lose confidence in the organization and discontinue their contributions.

Even experienced professionals are often overwhelmed by non-profit accounting due to the uncommon challenges present in non-profit corporations. It is important that individuals who are responsible for non-profit accounting become familiar with these challenges.

It is vital that all non-profit finances are managed strategically so that a non-profit corporation is able to build its shareholders’ confidence and maintain this trust. In addition, budgeting is a vital aspect of non-profit accounting. The goal of a non-profit organization is generally to raise money, so that they can help others or further a specified cause. Therefore, it is vital that a non-profit corporation does not spend excessive quantities of money.

Nevertheless, it is often necessary to dedicate monetary funds to fundraising events and endeavors. Non-profit accounting must take into account all of these features and successfully record and balance all the money obtained through fundraising efforts and spent to advertise and operate these events.

NEXT: The Importance of Small Business Accounting