Non-profit finance is grant-driven and highly compliance-sensitive. A non-profit CFO owns the grant reporting, restricted vs. unrestricted fund tracking, and the board and Form 990 disclosures your auditor and donors expect.
Metrics that matter
- Restricted vs. unrestricted net assets
- Program vs. admin vs. fundraising expense ratios
- Grant utilisation and remaining balance
- Months of operating reserves
- Cost per program participant / outcome
- Donor retention and average gift
Common finance challenges
- Grant accounting and restricted fund tracking
- Cost allocation across programs and grants
- Form 990 preparation
- Board financial reporting standards
- Endowment and reserve investment policy
What to look for in a specialist CFO
- Non-profit CFO or controller experience
- Grant compliance experience (federal, foundation, state)
- Familiarity with FASB non-profit standards (ASC 958)
- Board and audit committee experience
Frequently asked questions
- Why not just use a bookkeeper?
- Grant compliance, restricted fund tracking, and 990 preparation carry real regulatory risk. A non-profit CFO ensures you don't lose grant eligibility or 501(c)(3) status over avoidable mistakes.
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