Nonprofit Accounting Basics - For Non-Accountants (Partner, Virtual)

Nonprofit Accounting Basics (For Non-Accountants)

Curious about nonprofit finances but not sure where to start? This session is designed for non-financial leaders who want to better understand how money flows through a nonprofit and how to use that knowledge to make stronger decisions. We’ll break down key financial statements – like the statement of financial position, activities, and cash flow – into plain language and explore how budgets support organizational goals. You’ll also learn how to spot financial trends, interpret surpluses and deficits, and uncover the story behind the numbers. By the end, you’ll feel more confident navigating financial information and using it to support your nonprofit’s success.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the purpose and structure of core nonprofit financial statements
• Identify key components of the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, and Statement of Cash Flows and how they inform decision-making
• Analyze budget-to-actual variances and explore potential causes and implications
• Recognize financial trends that signal health or risk using basic analysis
• Interpret the impact of operating surpluses and deficits on long-term sustainability and mission fulfillment
• Use financial insights to support planning, resource allocation, and organizational strategy – even without a finance background

About the Presenter:

Jackie McLaughlin is a CPA with over 35 years of accounting experience, including 18 years dedicated to nonprofit organizations. Starting her career at KPMG auditing tech startups, she advanced to audit leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies before transitioning to nonprofit financial management.  

At Chazin, Jackie oversees technical reviews, training, and financial reviews, ensuring nonprofits meet the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. An accomplished educator, Jackie spent 10 years as a top-rated instructor for the nation’s largest CPA review provider and has taught financial tools and strategies to small business owners and CPAs.  

Her sessions empower association professionals to innovate, lead with confidence, and drive positive change through strong financial foundations.