Nonprofit Accounting Basics for Non-accountants

Presenter: Jackie McLaughlin, CPA, Technical Reviews & Training Manager, Chazin

Session Description: An introductory guide to understanding the fundamentals of accounting within the nonprofit sector, designed specifically for individuals without prior accounting experience. Participants will receive an overview of nonprofit organizations and their financial structures including learning the key differences between nonprofit and for-profit accounting principles. The components of nonprofit financial statements will be reviewed with a focus on restricted funds and how all three statements: Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activity, and Statement of Functional Expense relate to each other.

Biography: Jackie McLaughlin is a CPA with over 35 years of accounting experience, including 18 years dedicated to nonprofit organizations. Starting her career at KPMG auditing tech startups, she advanced to audit leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies before transitioning to nonprofit financial management.

At Chazin & Company, Jackie oversees technical reviews, training, and financial reviews, ensuring nonprofits meet the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. An accomplished educator, Jackie spent 10 years as a top-rated instructor for the nation’s largest CPA review provider and has taught financial tools and strategies to small business owners and CPAs.

Her sessions empower association professionals to innovate, lead with confidence, and drive positive change through strong financial foundations.