How to Choose a CPA for Your Nonprofit

If your nonprofit organization needs compiled, reviewed or audited financial statements, or needs help filing the annual Form 990, the CPA you select to provide those services can be among the most important decisions you make for your nonprofit.

Consider Experience and Standards
Seek out a CPA firm that understands nonprofit accounting and has experience working with organizations of your size and in your industry. Ask if prospective firms are members in good standing of professional organizations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).

Use Requests for Proposal (RFP)
Clearly state the objectives and scope of the engagement in a request for proposal and ask several firms to respond. Don’t default to the lowest-cost provider. Consider other factors as well like the firm’s experience, responsiveness to your communications and scheduling availability.

Be Aware of Conflicts of Interest
Financial statement compilations and Form 990 preparation do not require independence, but financial statement reviews and audits do require independence. If you need a financial statement audit or review, be aware of potential conflicts of interest between a prospective CPA firm and your organization.

Schreiber Accounting and Advisory has experience working with nonprofit organizations of all sizes on financial statement services, Form 990 preparation and management advisory services. If your organization needs the assistance of a qualified CPA firm, submit an RFP here or contact the firm for more information.

Material discussed is for informational purposes only. It is not to be interpreted as investment, tax, or legal advice. Individual situations vary, and this information should only be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.