{"id":25122,"date":"2024-09-19T04:52:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T08:52:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=25122"},"modified":"2026-02-12T04:04:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T09:04:05","slug":"nonprofit-accounting-internal-controls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/nonprofit-accounting-internal-controls\/","title":{"rendered":"Lessons learned: the importance of nonprofit internal controls in your accounting system"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLessons learned: the importance of nonprofit internal controls in your accounting system\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2024-09-19T04:52:47-04:00\">September 19, 2024<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Lessons learned: the importance of nonprofit internal controls in your accounting system\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/nonprofit-accounting-internal-controls\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/nancy-master\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/1533142329170-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/1533142329170-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/1533142329170.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Nancy Master<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Developing and maintaining adequate internal controls is essential for your nonprofit\u2019s long-term mission success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sufficient internal controls set up clear standards and procedures for efficient operations. Internal controls also help organizations mitigate risk, maintain compliance, prevent fraud, and assure donors of proper financial stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, a cloud-based accounting system can provide essential nonprofit internal controls to help you run your organization with confidence and financial integrity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This blog post will define nonprofit accounting internal controls and explain six reasons most nonprofits need to improve internal controls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will also reveal why using a cloud-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/industry\/nonprofit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nonprofit accounting solution<\/a>, such as Sage Intacct, helps organizations tighten internal controls and provide a list of nine internal control functionalities that accounting software should provide. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover<\/h4>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-internal-controls\" data-level=\"2\">What are internal controls?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-six-reasons-nonprofits-need-to-improve-internal-controls\" data-level=\"2\">Six reasons nonprofits need to improve internal controls<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-nine-internal-controls-built-into-leading-cloud-nonprofit-accounting-solutions\" data-level=\"2\">Nine internal controls built into leading cloud nonprofit accounting solutions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-about-the-author\" data-level=\"2\">About the author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Benefits of Cloud-Based Nonprofit Accounting Software<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ce9402be-5ef7-4a57-998e-9be275661881\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1435005474-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1435005474-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-internal-controls\"><strong>What are internal controls?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonprofit accounting internal controls consist of the processes and procedures established to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of a nonprofit\u2019s financial reporting and operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These controls help safeguard the organization\u2019s assets, ensure compliance, and prevent and detect errors or fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best internal controls are <strong>preventative controls<\/strong> that deter or prevent errors and fraud from occurring. Segregation of duties and approval workflows are two examples of preventative controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it is also important to implement <strong>detective controls<\/strong> that catch errors or discrepancies soon after they occur so someone can correct them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of detective controls include reports and reconciliations. Detective controls also instill confidence that preventative controls are working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intacct.com\/ia\/docs\/en_US\/help_action\/More\/Compliance\/Controls_summary\/controls-summary.htm?tocpath=Basics%7CCompliance%7C_____5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">many types of internal controls<\/a>, and they generally fall into the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Completeness controls ensure that all relevant transactions are captured and processed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Existence controls ensure transactions captured are genuine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accuracy controls ensure the correct recording of transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valuation controls focus on assets (depreciation) and inventory and the carrying value of transactions (foreign currency).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presentation controls ensure financial statements correctly disclose balances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut-off controls ensure transactions get recorded in the correct accounting period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fraud controls help organizations prevent and detect fraud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-six-reasons-nonprofits-need-to-improve-internal-controls\"><strong>Six reasons nonprofits need to improve internal controls<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective internal controls in a nonprofit organization ensure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>accurate and reliable financial reporting necessary for decision-making and external reporting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>promote compliance with regulations and standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prevent fraud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>utilize resources efficiently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>build donor and stakeholder trust. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal controls develop checks and balances over your operational processes that positively contribute to organizational health and sustainability, allowing you to carry out your mission effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are six reasons why the majority of nonprofits need to strengthen and improve their internal controls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-financial-integrity\">1. <strong>Financial integrity<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal controls help ensure that financial transactions are recorded accurately and financial statements are correct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This accuracy is essential for internal decision-making, as well as for external reporting to stakeholders, including donors, grantors, and regulatory agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-fraud-prevention\">2. <strong>Fraud prevention<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common types of accounting fraud in nonprofits include falsified expenses, embezzlement, and payroll fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal controls reduce the risk of fraud and theft by implementing checks and balances that institute multiple layers of financial oversight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, separating duties so one person does not have control over all aspects of a financial transaction helps prevent misuse of funds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, approval processes reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions, and regular reconciliations help nonprofits catch fraud early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-compliance\">3. <strong>Compliance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonprofits often have to adhere to specific regulatory requirements and standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal controls strengthen compliance with laws and regulations, including those related to tax-exempt status and grant requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps avoid legal issues, fines, and penalties while maintaining good standing with regulatory bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-operational-efficiency\">4. <strong>Operational efficiency<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Controls can streamline operations by setting clear procedures and standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With greater standardization comes operational efficiency and improved utilization of resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good internal controls can help ensure funds are allocated and spent in alignment with the organization\u2019s mission and objectives for enhanced operational effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-donor-confidence\">5. <strong>Donor confidence<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Donors and funders want assurance that nonprofits properly manage contributions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transparent and well-controlled financial practices build credibility and trust with donors, funders, and other stakeholders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal controls provide assurance and help encourage greater financial support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-risk-management\">6. <strong>Risk management<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Controls help identify and mitigate risks before they can escalate and impact the organization\u2019s mission and reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Benefits of Cloud-Based Nonprofit Accounting Software<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ce9402be-5ef7-4a57-998e-9be275661881\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1435005474-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1435005474-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nine-internal-controls-built-into-leading-cloud-nonprofit-accounting-solutions\"><strong>Nine internal controls built into leading cloud nonprofit accounting solutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Critical elements of internal controls include segregation of duties, authorization and approval processes, regular reconciliations, and thorough documentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud-based accounting systems offer some crucial advantages for establishing nonprofit internal controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First and foremost, a good cloud accounting solution should include built-in internal controls needed by nonprofit organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, leading cloud providers typically offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/trust-security\/security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">robust data security<\/a> around access control, automated data backups, and disaster recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud-based systems enable real-time access in multiple locations, empowering employees to update transaction information more quickly and giving the accounting team better and faster visibility into what is happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Essential internal control features to look for in your cloud accounting software include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-login-security\">1. <strong>Login security<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As a most basic internal control, cloud nonprofit accounting software must include a secure login process to protect against unauthorized access. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Sage Intacct includes controls like password expirations, password rules, session timeouts, single sign-on, and IP address restrictions to maintain login security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-multi-factor-authentication\">2. <strong>Multi-factor authentication<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Credential theft is the top category of compromised data in global small and medium-sized business (SMB) breaches (Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weak passwords and employee mistakes can jeopardize financial security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonprofit accounting software should require users to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/trust-security\/2fa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">verify their identity through multiple methods<\/a> prior to accessing the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-user-permissions\">3. <strong>User permissions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Restricting access based on roles will limit specific tasks and sensitive data to authorized individuals only. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage Intacct provides nonprofits with user access restrictions that can be defined by role for individual users or defined by department or entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-audit-trails-and-audit-log\">4. <strong>Audit trails and audit log<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Detailed logs of all transactions and changes made within the system provide a clear history for tracking and review. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Track the when, what, and who of every transaction entered, and any subsequent modifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to audit trails and an audit log, Sage Intacct allows organizations <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/audit-ready-how-technology-is-changing-the-nonprofit-audit-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to give auditors read-only access<\/a> to locate important data within the system during an audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-collaborative-documentation\">5. <strong>Collaborative documentation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Within most nonprofit finance and accounting teams, there is much communication around transactions, approvals, and reporting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, that communication generally takes place via email, outside the accounting system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining these conversations within the system is preferable for internal controls and auditing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/product-capabilities\/extended-capabilities\/financial-reporting\/collaborate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Intacct Collaborate<\/a> documents all these conversations, raising awareness of issues and solutions for the whole team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-segregation-of-duties\">6. <strong>Segregation of duties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Implementing controls to ensure that critical functions, such as authorizing transactions and recording them, are handled by different individuals to prevent fraud. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage Intacct includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/product-capabilities\/core-financials\/accounts-payable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">built-in accounts payable transaction approval workflows<\/a> to ensure segregation of duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-workflow-controls\">7. <strong>Workflow controls<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud-based nonprofit accounting software should include built-in workflows to help organizations establish strong internal controls over critical processes that impact the accuracy of financial statements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Controls include ensuring completeness of transaction records and making sure the correct paperwork and approvals take place before orders and payments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three of the most important workflows to automate include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intacct.com\/ia\/docs\/en_US\/help_action\/More\/Compliance\/Workflow_Controls\/procure-to-pay-controls.htm?tocpath=Basics%7CCompliance%7C_____6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Procure to Pay<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intacct.com\/ia\/docs\/en_US\/help_action\/More\/Compliance\/Workflow_Controls\/order-to-cash-controls.htm?tocpath=Basics%7CCompliance%7C_____7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Order to Cash<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intacct.com\/ia\/docs\/en_US\/help_action\/More\/Compliance\/Workflow_Controls\/record-to-report-controls.htm?tocpath=Basics%7CCompliance%7C_____8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Record to Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-automated-reconciliation\">8. <strong>Automated reconciliation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The more often nonprofits can reconcile their books, the higher the likelihood of catching mistakes or discrepancies early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A reconciliation control uses two or more sources of information to validate the completeness, accuracy, and validity of one or both sources of information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/resources\/datasheets\/bank-feeds-reconciliations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Intacct Bank Feeds<\/a> securely connect to over 10,000 banks to deliver daily accurate cash insights and automated transaction matching to help nonprofits get closer to a continuous close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-centralized-grant-records\">9. <strong>Centralized grant records<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A lack of internal controls or insufficient recordkeeping can put grants and donations at risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage Intacct centralizes grant records and reports, tracks funding details, and monitors spending and budget as grants are used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/product-capabilities\/extended-capabilities\/nonprofit-revenue-recognition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Intacct Nonprofit Revenue Recognition<\/a> improves management of conditional grants by automating revenue recognition when milestones are reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining financial integrity is crucial for nonprofits. Internal controls play a critical role in ensuring accurate recordkeeping and reliable financial statements, which is vital for donor trust and proper fund usage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These controls also prevent fraud, reducing the risk of theft through checks and balances such as separating duties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, they help nonprofits comply with specific laws and regulations related to tax-exempt status and grant requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud accounting software has nonprofit internal controls built into the system, with features including secure logins, role-based access, approval processes, and audit trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These features make it easier to demonstrate compliance to regulatory agencies and good stewardship to funders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about how to establish excellent internal controls when you download the <a href=\"#gate-ce9402be-5ef7-4a57-998e-9be275661881\">Benefits of Cloud-Based Nonprofit Accounting Software e-book <\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-author\">About the author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a053f0342598&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a053f0342598\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"752\" height=\"670\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/nancy-master2.jpg\" alt=\"A headshot photograph of Nancy Master.\" class=\"wp-image-23740\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nancy-master\">Nancy Master<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nancy Master is a senior nonprofit industry marketing manager at Sage Intacct, dedicated to providing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/industry\/nonprofit\/\">solutions for nonprofits<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/industry\/nonprofit\/church\/\">accounting software for churches<\/a>, community development, education, healthcare, governments to foundations and philanthropic organizations, Sage Intacct offers comprehensive tools to support mission success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With over 15 years of experience in software marketing and nearly 20 years of experience working with a human services nonprofit organization, Nancy is passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover why using a cloud-based nonprofit accounting solution, such as Sage Intacct, helps organizations tighten internal controls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1426,"featured_media":25123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,49],"tags":[2,4,427,168,154],"business_type":[41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[58],"persona":[100],"imagine_tag":[209,472],"coauthors":[561],"class_list":["post-25122","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy-legal-operations","category-trends-insights","tag-accountants","tag-business-intelligence","tag-cfo","tag-sage-accounting","tag-technology","business_type-growing-business","industry-nonprofit"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Nancy 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