Our Process
We make nonprofit finance simpler, smarter, and way less stressful.
Expertise That Makes Your Life Easier
We specialize in nonprofit accounting. From restricted funding to grant tracking, we already speak your language.
What We Believe
At The Charity CFO, we believe you deserve financial support that goes beyond plugging in numbers. That’s why we built a process that’s thorough, strategic, and built for the reality of nonprofit life. No patch jobs. No black holes. Just clarity, structure, and a team you can count on.
Support That Goes Beyond the Numbers
At The Charity CFO, we’ve built a process that’s as thoughtful as the work you do. Our onboarding is deep and thorough because we believe every nonprofit deserves systems that are strong, staff who are supported, and numbers that make sense. We’re not here to patch holes. We’re here to build something that lasts.
What It’s Like to Work With Us
We meet you where you are, then we help you get where you’re going.
Whether you’re buried in backlogs or just need better reporting, we bring a clear structure to your financial operations—starting with deep onboarding, followed by day-to-day execution and long-term strategy.
Phase 1: Onboarding (First 90 Days)
Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Success
Our onboarding process goes deep to ensure a strong foundation and a smooth transition.
In your first 60–90 days, we’ll do a full deep dive into your systems, people, and processes:
- Assess your accounting system and internal controls
- Review contracts, grants, reconciliations, and tax returns
- Provide hands-on training for staff and leadership
- Set up systems, define key processes, and implement best practices
- Integrate technology and clean up outdated workflows
- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and communication rhythms
You’ll come out of onboarding with clean books, clear systems, and a financial infrastructure that’s audit-ready and built to last.
Phase 2: Day-to-Day Support
Reliable, Responsive, and Hands-On
After onboarding, we keep your back office running smoothly. You’ll have a dedicated associate accountant managing your books and staying in regular contact.
Our day-to-day services include:
- Daily bookkeeping and account reconciliation
- Grant tracking and ad hoc reporting
- Timely responses to your questions
- Monthly financial reporting and reviews
- Ongoing communication with your team
We’re not just on call—we’re on your team.
Phase 3: Strategic Financial Guidance
Looking Ahead with Confidence
With your operations in place, we move into long-term growth mode, giving you the insights you need to lead confidently.
Your CFO-level support includes:
- Monthly or quarterly financial reviews and reconciliations
- Budgeting assistance and forecasting support
- Audit prep and strategic planning
- Best practice recommendations
- Long-term financial goal setting for your organization
Your financials become more than a report—they become your roadmap.
Our Approach to Pricing
Smart support doesn’t mean bloated bills. We know how important predictability is for nonprofits—so our pricing is fixed, fair, and tailored to your organization. Whether you’re in startup mode or scaling fast, we’ll recommend a solution that fits your needs (and your budget), without sacrificing quality or responsiveness.
This Isn’t Just Accounting—It’s Partnership
We know how hard it is to find support you can trust, especially in the nonprofit world. That’s why we built a model around reliability, depth, and long-term partnership. When you work with The Charity CFO, you’re not just outsourcing your books. You’re gaining a team that truly cares about your mission—and is ready to help you move it forward.
99.5%
Client Retention Rate
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Process
How long does onboarding take?
Onboarding typically takes 60 to 90 days—but the exact timeline depends on the condition of your books, the complexity of your systems, and how responsive your team can be. If your books are behind or we uncover issues that need clean-up, we’ll build that into your onboarding plan from day one.
We map out a clear roadmap at the start, so you’ll always know what to expect and what’s needed to stay on track. Our goal isn’t just to get you up and running—it’s to set your nonprofit up for long-term success.
Do we need to change our accounting software?
We exclusively support nonprofits using QuickBooks Online, so if you’re not on QBO yet, we’ll guide you through a smooth and strategic transition. During onboarding, we’ll assess your current setup and ensure everything moves over cleanly—no stress, no mess.
Will I have a dedicated team?
Yes—and we’ve designed it that way on purpose. Every client is supported by a dedicated team that includes a CFO-level advisor and an associate accountant. Why? Because most nonprofits need both: a strategic thought partner to guide financial decisions, and a reliable, detail-oriented accountant to manage the day-to-day.
Too often, organizations have to choose one or the other due to budget constraints. We built The Charity CFO to change that. Your team is intentionally structured to provide both skill sets, along with built-in cross-training and continuity—so you’re always covered, even if someone’s out of the office. Because not all accountants are the same, and your nonprofit deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Let’s Make Your Mission Easier to Manage
