Nonprofit Resources
Gaining Insight and Resources Through the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate Program
As part of that commitment, all our firm’s managers and partners have completed the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Not-for-Profit Certificate program. While CapinCrouse only serves nonprofit organizations and our team has a strong background in this area, the certificate program enhances our existing knowledge and provides new resources for assisting our clients.
Rounding Out Our Tool Belt
The certificate program offers professional development specifically for those who work for and with nonprofit organizations.
“The program has helped to supplement and round out our tool belt for serving nonprofits — and not just on the accounting and audit side, but operations and tax as well,” said Chris Gordon, who serves as a partner in the firm’s West region.
Both Chris and Mark Hepner, a senior manager in the Indianapolis office, said that the nonprofit tax information provided was helpful, including details on the various tax status types. Mark noted that while CapinCrouse has a dedicated nonprofit tax team, the information gained in the program helps to make him a well-rounded auditor with a better understanding of the tax nuances clients face.
“The information about governance issues has also been helpful,” Mark said. “It’s given me the perspective to better understand what the boards and audit committees at our clients care about, and tailor my focus on the areas that are most important to them.”
Kelsey Brooks, an audit manager in the Denver office, has found the program information useful in her work, including material on fair value and programmatic investments. She also said it has given her a better understanding of the accounting issues clients deal with daily.
“Many times, we are looking at things from a high level when we’re doing an audit, but we don’t always get into the finite details our clients are working with,” Kelsey said. “I’ve gained a better understanding and am able to come alongside clients when they are determining how to handle certain accounting areas well.”
The certificate program has also provided our team with resources they can use in serving clients. “We’ve been able to use guides, transcripts, and other resources provided through the program to assist clients with specific issues,” Chris said.
How You Can Benefit
Chris, Mark, and Kelsey said they would recommend the certificate program to those working in accounting or finance at nonprofit organizations. “I think this is a great program for our clients. It would be particularly helpful for those who have come from a for-profit background and want to learn what makes nonprofits unique from for-profits,” Chris observed.
Mark noted that the program can give clients a more thorough understanding of the results and recommendations of their audits. “It would also help clients to see how everything fits together, especially from a financial reporting perspective,” he said. “The information gained in this program would help some of our clients better understand the intricacies of their own financial statements, including how all the numbers tie in and the reason behind certain disclosures. Ultimately, seeing the big picture of how everything flows in the financial statements can help them prepare ahead of time for questions we might ask,” resulting in a streamlined audit process.
“I took this as a consulting partner at the firm to ensure that I was up to date with the audit and tax information you need as a consulting and advisory professional in the not-for-profit space,” said Stan Reiff, partner and Professional Practice Leader – Consulting. “I learned critical knowledge that I wish I’d had access to in my prior roles as a nonprofit chief financial officer and chief operations officer. I highly recommend that financial professionals working with nonprofits consider taking this program. They’ll acquire the confidence that comes from having the additional industry insights and benefit from the CPE credit available.”
“The program is really convenient,” Kelsey added. “Rather than having to schedule a class, I can work through the materials when I have a free hour or two. And I can test my learning through the exams. I’m not just listening — I’m applying the information in real-time.”
Special Offer for CapinCrouse Clients
We have arranged with the AICPA for our clients to receive a substantial discount on the certificate program. In addition to gaining specialized knowledge, you can earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit.
You can learn more about the benefits and the special discount here.
Please contact us with any questions or to learn more about our audit and assurance, nonprofit tax, and consulting services.
This article has been updated.
