Cash accounting records revenue when cash is received and expenses when cash is paid. Accrual accounting records revenue when it is earned and expenses when they are incurred, regardless of when money changes hands. When non-profit leaders review financial reports, one question often arises: Why do we use accrual accounting instead of cash accounting?

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting both small businesses and non-profits through phishing emails, text messages, and other online scams. Learn how to recognize common warning signs and protect your organization.

Board meetings are an important opportunity for non-profit leaders to share financial information, but for many organizations, financial reports can feel overwhelming or unclear to those reviewing them. Presenting financials effectively is not just about providing numbers. It is about helping board members understand what those numbers mean and how they connect to the organization’s mission and goals.

Non-profit accounting comes with its own language, and some of the most common terms can also be the most confusing. Understanding the distinction between restricted and unrestricted funds is important for maintaining accurate records and ensuring transparency with donors, grantors, and board members.

Hiring help is a big step for any small business, but deciding how to classify that help is just as important. The difference between treating someone as an independent contractor (1099) or an employee isn’t just administrative; it has real financial and compliance implications. And getting it wrong can be costly.

Payroll is often one of the largest expenses for a non-profit, but it’s not always tracked in a way that reflects how work is actually being done. For organizations that receive grant funding or manage multiple programs, properly allocating payroll is key to accurately tracking program and funding costs and maintaining compliance.

Accrual accounting is the standard method most non-profits use to track their finances. Rather than recording activity only when cash changes hands, it focuses on when revenue is earned and expenses are incurred.

One common point of confusion within non-profits is the difference between restricted funds and deferred revenue. While both may involve money that comes with strings attached, they are treated very differently in financial reporting. Understanding the distinction is important for maintaining accurate records and ensuring transparency with donors, grantors, and board members.

When one person handles too many financial responsibilities, it can create risk for a non-profit organization. This is where separation of duties comes in. It is one of the most important internal controls non-profits can implement to protect their finances and maintain accountability.

Non-profits in Chatham County are required to file personal property tax forms each year, even if they qualify for exemption. With the April 1 deadline approaching, it’s important to understand what’s required and how to avoid delays or missed exemptions.

We’re now 29 days into the government shutdown, and many business owners, especially those in the small business and nonprofit sectors, are starting to feel the effects. When federal systems pause, the impact extends far beyond Washington, D.C. It touches real organizations, real budgets, and real people trying to keep things running.

Explore the nuances of revenue recognition in non-profit organizations, focusing on conditional contributions and restrictions. Gain insights into how these factors influence financial reporting and transparency within the non-profit sector.

If you manage a non-profit organization you're probably familiar with in-kind donations. If you're not, then allow J&S to explain what they are, why they are important, and how to manage and maximize your in-kind donations.