subject: Integrity And Non Profit Accounting [print this page] Author: Tom Hope Author: Tom Hope
In the old days, accounting was simply keeping count of the funds that go in and out of a particular endeavor. It is used to calculate expenses and return of investment. Back then, all the computations were done on paper, using books and spreadsheets. In todays computer age though, technological advancements have also improved the way organizations meet their accounting needs.
Accounting software nowadays is commonly implemented by organizations in the effort to eliminate human error and streamline the way they manage their finances. Businesses use these accounting programs to accurately record overhead expenses and calculate income they can generate. Currently, there are more than a hundred accounting programs available on the Internet.
The case is not the same in non profit organizations. A non profit organization is an entity that strives to promote awareness towards a particular environmental, economical or cultural issue. These organizations receive donations in considerably significant amounts, and do not operate in order to generate income. Instead, these organizations raise funds that they use in the effort to achieve advancement of their cause.
Because of the unique elements involved in non profit fund accounting, the accounting software of choice has to be flexible enough to meet specific accounting needs. It has be cable of integration with other applications to form a suite of programs that practically automates the accounting process.
Many of these non profit fund accounting programs offer features such as fund and donor management, along with the ability to increase donations by use of a web interface or a website that fosters relationships with donors and prospective donors. The software also has to be easy to navigate, and should allow key members of the organization to access campaigns and track donor activity.
Since nonprofit fund accounting deals a lot with voluntary donations from providers who do not receive equivalent services in return, it is important that the non profit organization maintains its integrity. This is why donor involvement, especially in the accounting process, is important. By having the donors involved they can see how the organization manages their donations, thus assuring them that they are getting closer to the realization of their goals.About the Author: