ONCE1311 - Accounting for Nonprofits
Course Description
Nonprofit organizations rely on clear, accurate financial practices to fulfill their missions and maintain public trust. Accounting for Nonprofits introduces the essential accounting concepts unique to the nonprofit sector, giving learners the practical skills needed to support responsible financial management. You’ll explore how fund accounting works, learn how to build and structure a nonprofit chart of accounts, and apply the accounting equation in a mission‑driven environment. The course also covers how to record and classify nonprofit transactions and how to track restricted, unrestricted, and allocated funds. By the end, you’ll understand the core accounting tools nonprofits use to stay compliant, transparent, and financially sustainableLearner Outcomes
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Explain the purpose and structure of fund accounting and why it is essential for nonprofit financial management.
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Build and organize a nonprofit chart of accounts that supports accurate reporting and accountability.
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Apply the accounting equation in a nonprofit context, understanding how assets, liabilities, and net assets function in mission‑driven organizations.
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Record common nonprofit financial transactions using appropriate accounting methods and documentation practices.
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Track restricted, unrestricted, and allocated funds to ensure compliance with donor intent and regulatory requirements.
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Interpret basic nonprofit financial statements, including how fund balances and program activities are represented.
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Connect accounting practices to nonprofit transparency and stewardship, preparing for more advanced bookkeeping tasks.
Notes
This is a virtual, self-paced course, the 2nd course in the Bookkeeping for Nonprofits Certificate. but may also be taken as a stand-alone course.
Instructor: Sharon deFonteny
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Bookkeeping for Nonprofits Certificate : Bookkeeping for Nonprofits Certificate