Accounting For Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations face complex financial, regulatory, and operational challenges at every stage of their lifecycle. From maintaining tax-exempt status to meeting reporting requirements and preparing for audits, the demands on leadership and finance teams continue to grow.

At Rubino, we provide specialized nonprofit accounting, tax, and advisory services to help organizations stay compliant, operate efficiently, and focus on their mission with confidence. Our nonprofit accounting professionals work with organizations throughout the United States, helping charitable organizations, associations, and foundations navigate complex financial reporting and regulatory requirements. From our Washington DC area headquarters, we provide nonprofit audits, Form 990 tax services, grant compliance support, and outsourced accounting solutions to nonprofits nationwide.

Rubino has worked with nonprofit organizations for decades.  We understand how the stewardship of financial resources is essential to the success of your organization. We provide tailored assurance, tax, and advisory solutions, including:

Since our founding in 1980, Rubino & Company, Chartered has been organized around exceptional client service and our commitment to our employees.

Who We Serve

We work with a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including:

  • Charitable organizations
  • Private foundations
  • Trade associations
  • Professional associations
  • Religious organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Social welfare organizations
  • Business leagues
  • Veteran’s organizations

Our experience across the nonprofit sector allows us to tailor our approach to the specific needs, structure, and goals of each organization.

 

 

Nonprofit Services Overview

Nonprofits require a combination of accounting, tax, and advisory services to operate effectively. Our integrated approach ensures your organization has the support it needs across all areas of financial management.

We understand the ongoing unique strategic and financial issues that the nonprofit industry faces. Nonprofits face a challenging environment with competition for donors, grant funding requirements, and the myriad of regulations associated with federal grant funding.  

With Rubino’s experience and commitment to the nonprofit industry, we offer the following nonprofit services:

Outsourced Accounting For Nonprofits

Accounting is a time-consuming task, and nonprofit leaders typically can’t allocate enough time to do it properly. With our outsourced nonprofit accounting, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of your funds, expenses, and donations—we do it for you.

Rubino knows that running a nonprofit is demanding, and we want you to focus your time and efforts on your mission and community. If you feel tasks like accounting keep you away from focusing on your organization’s goals, Rubino’s outsourced accounting for nonprofits will get you back on track.

What Our Clients Say

“We have contracted with Rubino & Company for the past three years to conduct our annual audit and 990 return. As a federal grant recipient, it is important for us to work with a team who understands the complexities of internal controls, policies and procedures, and other requirements set forth in the federal regulations. Not only has Rubino provided leadership and auditors who understand this dynamic, they have offered advice relative to adding or revising certain policies that meet federal regulations and are easier for our staff to accomplish. We look forward to a future with Rubino & Company and consider them a partner on our path to compliance.”
Peg Phillips
Executive Director
National Safe Boating Council

Nonprofit Audit & Assurance Services

Nonprofit organizations are often required to have an audit, driven by board and bylaws, foundation or state fundraising requirements, or under the federal government OMB Circulars.   Potential donors and funders need assurance that your organization’s financial practices meet standards, whether driven by the federal government, state authorities, donors, or foundations. Regular audits help nonprofit organizations build a reputation for integrity, transparency, and compliance with regulations.

We provide independent, objective audit services of your organization’s financial statements, and help ensure compliance with accounting, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements. In addition to providing reliable information, financial statements and compliance audits assist your organization in its reporting to donors, funders, government agencies, lenders, and other stakeholders.

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Nonprofit Tax Services

Nonprofit organizations must meet ongoing IRS and state filing requirements to maintain tax-exempt status and avoid penalties.

Our nonprofit tax services include:

  • Form 990 preparation and filing
  • Tax compliance and reporting support
  • Unrelated business income (UBI) analysis
  • IRS and state filing guidance

Learn more about our Nonprofit Tax Services

Nonprofit Advisory Services

Our team has extensive and practical experience in charitable organization operations, strategy, governance, risk management, and general business consulting. We deliver services designed to help implement new standards and systems, strengthen governance, improve productivity and efficiency, and manage risks and costs. We have assisted clients with optimization of cost allocations, NICRA submissions, due diligence, business combination reviews, endowments, and many other areas where we can supplement your resources.

We’re Dedicated to Nonprofit Organizations

Rubino works hard for our nonprofit clients, and our dedication is underlined by providing approximately 30,000 hours of service per year to our nonprofit partners.

Nonprofit Accounting Services

Accurate financial reporting and day-to-day accounting are essential for nonprofit transparency and decision-making.

We provide:

Common Nonprofit Challenges

Nonprofit organizations often face complex and evolving financial and compliance requirements. Our team helps address challenges such as:

  • Navigating IRS and state compliance requirements
  • Maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting
  • Preparing for audits and regulatory reviews
  • Managing limited internal accounting resources
  • Adapting to growth and increasing complexity

By addressing these challenges, we help organizations reduce risk and operate with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Nonprofit Services

Is an audit legally required for my nonprofit?

Answer: Audit requirements vary by state and funding sources. Some states require audits based on revenue thresholds, and some grantors or donors may require them as a condition for funding.

How long does the audit process take?

Answer: The audit timeline varies but typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the organization and the availability of documentation.

What happens during an audit?

Answer: The audit process typically includes:

  1. Planning & Risk Assessment – Understanding the nonprofit’s operations and identifying risks.
  2. Fieldwork – Reviewing records, testing transactions, and evaluating controls.
  3. Drafting Reports – Preparing financial statements and audit reports.
  4. Finalization & Presentation – Discussing findings with management and the board.
What financial records should our nonprofit keep?

Answer:

Nonprofits should keep detailed records of: 

  • Donations and grants 
  • Expenses and disbursements 
  • Payroll and employee records 
  • Annual tax filings 
  • Meeting minutes 
  • Articles of incorporation  
  • Bylaws and any amendments 
  • Policies and handbooks 
How long should we keep our financial records?

Answer: The IRS generally recommends keeping financial records for at least 7 years. Key documents, such as tax-exempt status determination letters, governing documents, 501(h) elections, etc., should be kept permanently. 

What happens if our nonprofit forgot to file Form 990?

Answer:  If a nonprofit fails to file a required Form 990 for three consecutive years, the IRS will automatically revoke its tax-exempt status. The organization will then need to reapply for tax-exempt status.

For a complete list of Nonprofit Services FAQs, please click here.

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