At many nonprofit organizations, feelings of uneasiness can quickly evolve into paralysis. To this end, we developed an early warning system to allow…

As CRPs, we recognize that our volunteer leaders are held to fiduciary duties. How can we help them better understand what fiduciary duties are and…

There is a seemingly endless number of variables that must be considered when planning a new association website. Budgeting for your organization's…

Even though it’s one of the most important activities in your organization, cash collection strategy is not often reviewed once a framework is put…

Position Description: Responsible for one or more aspects of accounting or financial management for the association. Responsibilities may…

Most associations are not required to use a peer-reviewed accountant; however, an accounting firm that has had a peer review can offer evidence of…

Use this sample to assist you in developing an RFP for outsourced accounting services.

Get your financial systems and realities in sync.

Find out how web-based accounts payable technology maximizes cash flow for multi-unit businesses.

In light of tough economic conditions and a change in administration, there can be tremendous value in creating (or recreating) a government relations…

Reduce stress by proactively preparing for an audit, organizing pertinent documents, and managing the on-site process.

Promote sound fiscal decisions by providing key decision makers with a full-cost portrayal of the association's activities.

Does your association accept credit- or debit-card payments? Are you trying to determine if your organization is compliant with standards set by

Save 40% off the original list price of $45.00.

One sure way to keep your organization out of trouble is to identify its operational strengths…

Was $16.00, Now $10.95.

As a member of an association's governing board, you have a responsibility to know the organization's financial

How can an association ensure that it is getting the best loan possible, and how do banks evaluate your organization in the approval process? This…

Risk, fraud, audits, nondues revenue, the economy: Just a few of the topics a group of association financial experts recently discussed. Learn what…

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association law.

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association law.

While association executives generally accept that the economy ebbs and flows, many seem caught by surprise when they find their organizations awash…

Associations and their member companies can decrease their utility expenses by understanding the savings possibilities in deregulated and noncompetitive…

To better achieve overall organizational objectives and goals the Mortgage Bankers Association of America radically changed its budgeting process.…

Sometimes when an association has lost its way, a completely new direction is what's needed. Four associations share the story of how they turned…

As the economy continues to make life difficult, many associations and nonprofits face the challenge of turning themselves around, merging with another…

Position Description: Performs accounting transactions such as posting to registers and ledgers, account reconciliation, verifying accuracy…

Hard times are no time to cut back on your marketing dollars. Prove that your efforts pay off with these simple techniques.

CEOs are eager to go into the boardroom if they have a pretty financial picture to paint. But when the picture is less than attractive, having a

Improving society can only occur with the honesty and integrity of work performed. Find out how lessons of integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and…

Although line items, accounts, and activities vary, four guidelines for creating a budget remain constant. Use this primer to create a workable,

Formulas to help you complete six basic calculations, including the lifetime value of a member.

Just because your association isn't officially oriented toward the bottom line doesn't mean that you shouldn't have a keen understanding of the business…

While it may be impossible to stamp out all fraudulent acts from the workplace, these tips will help you to limit the number of occurrences.

Six CEOs answer the question: In a challenging economic environment, what should an association never cut from its budget and why? Four CEOs answer…

A look at what associations and their members are experiencing as the downturn continues.

How should your association spend and save its IT budget in the currently turbulent economy? Heinan Landa discusses why a recession calls

With current financial markets in crisis, understanding the risk of your investments, and current disclosure requirements for financial assets, is…

Learn the complexities of analyzing fundraising efforts and how to overcome them to achieve a true picture of the results.

The best time to establish an audit committee is before you need one. These steps will help you begin the process.

Find out what responsibilities a 501(c)(3) organization has when it comes to providing donors with documentation of their contributions.

As you look for ways to diversify your association's income stream, opportunities to invest in partnerships and limited liability companies may arise.…

A network of chief financial officers from several of the world's largest associations opened up and let ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT magazine in. They…

New government regulations impact 403(b) plans in 2009. Learn more about what the changes are, why it’s different, how these changes affect you and…

Position Description: Directs the financial affairs of the organization in conjunction with the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.…

Associations hunker down to increase nondues revenue, but it's not always as simple as it seems.

While it's unusual for an association to declare bankruptcy, it's not unheard of. In addition to potentially losing a client, find out other repercussions…

Faced with an organization that didn't file their Form 990? Consequences of a failed filing can cost thousands of dollars and sometimes a tax-exempt…

This comprehensive guide provides the basic financial and legal tools and techniques that will enable chapters to responsibly manage their funds

Position Description: Manages financial operations, records, budget process, and controls. Analyzes financial systems and procedures for

ASAE & The Center's Finance & Business Operations Section Council has developed a Core Competencies document for finance, business operations…

How the American Society of Anesthesiologists found savings and revenue in unexpected places.

The Great Recession has swept through the nation like a tsunami, remaking entire sectors of economy in its wake. The financial storm leaves nonprofit…

Associations rely on credit card payments for all types of products, services, registrations, and membership fees. Consider what's at risk should…

Cultivate the best property solution to your organization's state of affairs by analyzing the current situation, occupancy needs, market conditions,…

San Francisco-based AMC firm LoBue & Majdalany Management Group recently authored an informative study called "Are AMC-Managed Organizations

Protect your identity from being stolen by taking the appropriate preventative measures against thieves snatching credit card and Social Security…

Are you considering dumping your accounting system because of recurring problems with accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of financial information?…

Just how do you keep attendance strong in this economy? An industry veteran offers his perspective.

The arrest of Bernard Madoff sent shockwaves throughout the nonprofit community. This event, plus the historic disruption in global financial markets,…

During the current economic environment, it is important to remind already busy organizations that this is also the time they become more vulnerable…

Associations and nonprofits may be at higher risk for embezzlement than for-profits. A legal expert shares his advice on steps you can take protect…

The IRS is looking to make significant changes to the Form 990. While the potential changes may unsettle some association professionals at first,…

How one CEO benefitted from taking on some of his organization's accounting functions.

The lowdown on the new Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation Number 48 (FIN 48) and how it will affect your association's next audit.…

Changes in accounting principles under FIN 48 (renamed ASC 740-10) could have a big impact on your organization and its potential tax liability.

Join us for a free webinar on fiduciary best practices for associations and nonprofits. If you serve as a fiduciary for your organization,…

By following a few basic principles, you can help ensure your association will have the reserves it needs when it needs them.

A tighter grip on risk, more protection against fraud, and measures that take everyone into account. It’s not a new credit card; it’s entity-level…

How well do you know your association's numbers? Your organization's future may hinge on your answer. (Titled "It's All About the Numbers" in the…

Closely monitoring an organization's financial operations is particularly important in the current economic environment. Regular and periodic reviews…

Sound financial management and reporting practices are critical for an organization to be successful. Loaded with samples, this publication provides…

Despite the economy, some associations say their tradeshow sales continue to boom. How can you join them?

Alarming reports of association financial losses due to fraud and mismanagement turn the spotlight back on fiduciary responsibility. A team of academic…

Participants on the Finance & Administration Section's taxes and accounting e-mail list share their associations' strategies for operating within…

Use this benchmarking guide to evaluate existing nondues revenue products and services, identify new nondues revenue sources, benchmark against comparable…

In today's economy, associations are required to do more with less. Government relations professionals are tasked with accomplishing their advocacy…

Use these seven guidelines to help justify and get the budget you want.

In a difficult economy, budget time can be painful for the association GR professional. How will you compete with your colleagues for more funding…

Your tax preparer will wade through the IRS Instructions, but you must understand the implications of the 2008 Form 990, which incorporates the most…

The 2009 changes to the IRS Form 990 are here. These changes are intended to clarify the concentrated areas of ambiguity encountered before and during…

Financial challenges can confront even the strongest global associations. Yet skilled leadership, co-location with similar organizations, and brand…

People and numbers don't have to be two separate languages. To ensure that your efforts in the membership department have a positive effect on the…

In July 2006, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) adopted an act that replaces the Uniform Management of Institutional…

What happens when a small, regional professional society decides to embrace its potential and expand its national reach? New bylaws, lots of questions,…

Quickly learn how to read and understand nonprofit financial statements with this essential reference. Whether you're a volunteer leader or an executive…

Are you struggling to make your organization's financial statements conform to the latest regulations? The updated edition of How to Read Nonprofit…

Alpha companies direct the actions of both their customers and competitors. These companies get through difficult times by looking beyond economics…

Many new board members arrive at orientation without a deep understanding of finance. Some have never read a financial statement. Guess what, CFOs?…

A step-by-step approach of how an association can operate in a tough economic climate.

Associations that fall within the Federal Trade Commission's "Red Flags Rule" are required to establish plans to protect their customers from identity…

Be prepared for questions on compensation, governance, and unrelated business income at your next audit.

A recent ASAE Knowledge Network offered advice on safeguarding association assets, such as implementing policies to deter employee misuse of funds…

The current state of the American and global economies present an ugly picture for investors who are hoping for some shred of optimism. But, despite…

Before investing your association's money, you need to understand the two types of investment management and how they'll likely affect your organization's…

Today's tough economy makes reserve funds all the more important. But rainy-day funds have been battered themselves by today's economic storm. What…

Consider these guidelines when evaluating your strategic real estate plan and overhead, and your association will be sure to make a well-informed…

Your colleagues discuss the donation of salary reductions. Find out what others have to say about this topic and the advice they offered.

Your colleagues discuss Automated Clearing House blocks for bank accounts to prevent fraud.

Your colleagues review their associations' guiding principles regarding who (treasurer, executive director, etc.) needs to sign what checks.

Your colleagues debate the issues surrounding charging registration fees in international host countries' currencies. Points considered include opening…

Your colleagues reveal how their organizations account for various activities. Many participants agree that separating direct program costs and salaries…

Your colleagues share their organizations' policies regarding length of time to retain membership records. Length of time varies from one year to…

Your colleagues discuss helpful sources to use during the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance process.

Your colleagues discuss whether they conduct an annual audit or an annual review.

Are chapters or the parent organization responsible for training costs? Find out what several of your colleagues think about this hot topic.

Read what your colleagues are saying about creating future budgets.

Your colleagues discuss how the uncertainty of the global economy is impacting association business growth in the international arena and how an

Retired association professionals who have lived through past economic slumps have the wisdom to help you get through the current one. (Titled "Listen…

The dilemma of slashing a budget while maintaining member service led the American Institute of Architects to enact staff furloughs. Find out how…

The Financial Accounting Standards Board requires that all nonprofit organizations allocate their expenses by function. Here are several methods

Association management lacks a body of knowledge based on scientific research but has plenty of conventional wisdom. How well does that conventional…

"I didn't grow up dreaming that I'd be working in finance," shares the director, finance, of the District of Columbia Bar in Washington, D.C.—who…

Falling interest rates in the early 1990s caused a dramatic decrease in investment revenues for many associations. As a result, the Packaging Machinery…

The second annual Grant Thornton "Board Governance Survey for Not-for-Profit Organizations" finds organizations making significant changes to their…

Heads up: There's another rate increase coming later this year that could increase your 2002 postage budget by 10 percent to 15 percent.

Revenue from providing program services and selling products to members and others makes your association less dependent on increasing membership…

A new report from the Panel of the Nonprofit Sector outlines 33 principles that associations and nonprofits should follow to ensure strong and responsible…

The duties of your board and committees necessitate that they meet several times per year, but the cost of bringing their members together for face-to-face…

Expense reduction through savvy purchasing enables associations to funnel newfound additional monies to activities that reflect their missions, rather…

Banks offer a host of online services that can help associations streamline their dues collection, international payment, and accounting procedures.…

Associations and nonprofit organizations that store, transmit, or process credit card information must abide by the Payment Card Industry Data Security…

Fund management is always important, but recent months of financial decline warrant a careful inspection of your current investment model.

Position Description: Maintains the organization's payroll records, collects staff timesheets, and distributes paychecks to staff. May also…

If your IT budget line item keeps showing up in your nightmares, perhaps you haven’t considered how to make your IT costs less chaotic. The first…

See how your financial operations, accounting policies, and office management services stack up against other organizations of similar size and type.…

Position your association to take full advantage of the benefits offered by the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act.

The American Registry for Internet Numbers set out to develop an investment policy, but launching into that process caused them to see that there…

Make benchmarking meaningful: Use it to compare the association with itself.

Board meetings are vital to the health of membership organizations, but what are they worth? Members talk (albeit anonymously) about board costs

Worried about the volatile economy and stock market? One financial advisor explains that the general economy and stock market behave in different…

Each year, organizations are required to report any unclaimed property that they hold. Find out how to comply with your state's unclaimed property…

Updated IRS regulations on 403(b) plans may be a cause for concern for association managers as they adapt to changes in the annual reporting and

If you manage your association's retirement plan or want to have a more informed idea of how retirement plan management works, don't miss this primer…

The chair of the finance and business operations section council summarizes the highlights of the annual Finance and Business Operations Symposium…

With a possible recession on the economic horizon, now is as good a time as any to look at the structure of your organization's reserves and determine…

Associations large and small can benefit from the elements of enterprise risk management. Learn how your organization can make it work. (Titled "Why…

These sample RFP questions for Investment Advisory Services, developed by The Capital Advisory Group, covers 15 key questions that organizations

As associations cope with the economic downturn, some may find themselves in dire financial circumstances. Among many other options, filing bankruptcy…

By investing in specialized software, your association can efficiently keep its finances transparent, accountability in check, and board and members…

A thorough overview for anyone who is thinking of establishing an association foundation. Topics include purposes of a foundation, establishing a…

Economic turmoil calls for decisive action to weather today's storm and smart planning for the next one.

When a major funding source appears to be drying up, what’s the solution?

Identifying and removing the inefficiencies built into the closing of the books at month's end can allow organizations to make the best use of their…

The tough economic environment has forced many longtime associations to lay off staff, dip into financial reserves, and slash programming to ride…

Is your association planning on having an audit in the near future? Then, this sample, submitted by Tate & Tryon CPAs and Consultants, can help.

As we return from the holidays and settle into the new year, it is worth reflecting that the Internal Revenue Service now retains the names of more…

The big financial messes make headlines, but it's the small mistakes, stretched out over time, that truly threaten your association. Here's how…

Reacting to the pressure of proving they are good corporate citizens, nonprofit organizations have voluntarily imposed upon themselves governance…

Knowing how much cash is coming into--and going out of--the association can help you pinpoint extra funds, when you need to borrow from reserves,…

Understanding the role and obligations of trustees can help you find the one that's right for you. For charitable organizations, this is crucial

Gaining buy-in from other managers and grasping what the spreadsheets mean—who knew these challenges have been keeping associations' numbers gurus…

Does the economy have your association on the defensive? Take a deep breath and consider some ways that you can move forward instead of digging in.…

Know these key steps to determine your association's real costs and to update your association's prices accordingly.

Part 1 of a two-part feature
Decrease your organization's indirect and even direct costs through strategically sourced procurement—buying…

In Tom Rogers' May article, part one, he discussed how smarter procurement practices can help organizations reduce costs, while simultaneously improving…

How can your international association make the most of the U.S. dollar's decline for your overall operations? A thorough exploration of the trend…

Most tax-exempt organizations generate revenue from a wide range of sources, but that exemption does not cover any and all activity free from scrutiny…

Successful associations are inherently member driven, says one association executive. Watch this video to learn how the motto "walls down,

Without the right financial controls, your PAC's funds may be at risk. Be sure you're protected, and keep your donors' dollars out of the wrong hands.…

It's all too often in this economy that we hear about nonprofit organizations and associations going down the drain. Consultants must be able to

The rough economy has forced many associations to make tough decisions. But how will those decisions, and others, play out over the long term? A

A financial snapshot of your organization may look pretty good right now, but what steps should you be taking to ensure the same can be said in the…

Small-staff CEOs must also direct the finances of their associations—often with little help or backup. But if you learn fast, build trust with your…

Is your bottom line lower than it should be? Properly pricing your products and services may be an important part of the answer.

Because operating expenses affect every association, it is important to reflect on the costs, energy efficiencies, and contracts involved—whether…