Issue
A not-for-profit education provider was facing major challenges with its financial management. Although the team excelled at delivering reputable educational programs, their back-office financial processes hadn’t kept up with their growth. Tight margins, complex accounting requirements, and a limited understanding of concepts such as capitalized salaries and deferred revenue made matters challenging. An upcoming merger with another not-for-profit further complicated matters, requiring the alignment of different systems, histories, and financial practices. Many staff members, especially those newer to the team, weren’t sure how their everyday work tied into the broader organizational mission or financial health.
Solution
The organization partnered with CBIZ to help address these challenges. Our not-for-profit finance professionals didn’t just clean up the books—they educated staff on critical financial concepts, such as capitalizing development costs and managing deferred revenue. They strengthened internal controls, reconciled complex accounts, and improved audit trails. During the merger, CBIZ helped ensure clarity and continuity by aligning reporting and standardizing processes across both entities. More than just technical fixes, they also fostered a culture of financial understanding, helping staff see how their individual work contributed to the overall mission.
Outcome
The partnership with CBIZ resulted in substantial improvements:
- The not-for-profit now operates with more transparent books, tighter controls, and greater confidence in financial reporting.
- Board members, staff, and stakeholders have renewed trust in the organization’s financial health, making decision-making faster and smarter.
- Staff at all levels, including junior members, have a deeper appreciation for how their work supports the mission.
- The merger went smoothly, with aligned systems and clear reporting.
- Overall, the organization is better positioned to achieve its mission, with CBIZ ensuring accuracy, transparency, and integrity in its financial stewardship.
The experience revealed that financial management is more than compliance; it’s about building a culture that enables an organization to confidently pursue its purpose and make a positive impact.
| Company Information | |
|---|---|
| Industry | Not-for-Profit |
| Entity Type | 501(c)(6) |
| Ownership Structure | Trade Organization |
| Geographic Footprint | International, headquarters in DC |
| Number of Employees | 36 |
| Annual Revenue | $11 Million |
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