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Accounting Policies and Procedures

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Melodi Bunting

Non-Profit Accounting Policies and Procedures

It’s no surprise that our Nonprofit Experts believe that all nonprofit organizations will benefit from a customized and individually tailored approach to accounting policies and procedures. Overgeneralized policies and procedures can leave you open to risk and lead to ongoing frustrations within your organization.

This checklist outlines some of the essential considerations for the formulation and adoption of accounting policies and procedures at your organization.

Policies

While financial policies are the “what” of financial management, financial procedures are the “how”. The policies describe the who, what, where, and when of a process. The policy should identify the who by title and specify any resources needed.

Policies to be considered and adopted by the board:

Purpose: Fulfill board member’s duty of loyalty to act in the best interest of the Organization and not for personal gain. 

Action: At least once per year, board members sign and complete the questionnaire and disclose any potential conflicts.

Read more about Conflict of Interest Policies.

Purpose: Establish the process for protecting individuals who report violations of policies or illegal actions.

Action: Regularly communicate policy to all directors, officers, and volunteers and include the designated contact for reporting.

Read more about Whistleblower Policies.

Purpose: Outline expectations for maintenance and destruction of vital records, both paper documents and electronic records.

Action: At least once a year review policy and confirm compliance.

Read more about Document Retention and Destruction Policies.

Other policies to consider if applicable:

Purpose: Manage expectations of donors and optimize BPNN value and minimize risks.

Action: At least once a year review policy and communication methods for needed updates.

Purpose: Communicate expectations for volunteer involvement, including recruitment, screening, and performance.

Action: Annually review volunteer needs and determine relevant procedures are being performed.

Purpose: To clarify the roles, authority, and responsibilities of the Organization’s financial management and reporting.

Action: Annually review policies to ensure alignment with strategic plan and determine procedures are being followed.

 

Financial policies to consider:

  • Basis of accounting
  • Journal entries
  • Budgeting
  • Cash disbursements
  • Cash receipts
  • Credit cards and expense reimbursements
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Cost allocations
  • Capitalization
  • Monthly close and reporting
  • Year-end close and reporting
  • Internal controls
  • Reserves
  • Computer authorizations and maintenance
  • Maintenance of financial policies and procedures
  • Annual filings

Procedures

The financial procedures are the instructions on how to complete the task. They may include screenshots, videos, flowcharts, or other visual tools to facilitate understanding and application by someone new to the procedure. Procedures detail every step of the process and identify the responsible person, applicable documents, required approvals, independent reviewer (if applicable), software utilized, and timing.

  • Cash disbursements
  • Cash receipts
  • Credit cards and expense reimbursements
  • Payroll
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Budgeting
  • Monthly close and reporting
  • Year-end close and reporting
  • Internal controls
  • Independent review documentation

This checklist is meant to serve as a starting point for the development of your unique policies and procedures manual. As Nonprofit Advisory Experts, we aim to arm you with the knowledge you need to thrive as a financially strong and resilient nonprofit. We’re here to help! If you are looking for hands-on guidance with establishing, evaluating, or implementing policies and procedures specific to your organization, contact our team.

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