Outsourcing your bookkeeping can transform how you deal with the fiscal side of a nonprofit. It frees up valuable time and provides professional advice from experts who handle this daily. Defining clear goals before hiring an outsourcing provider improves the chances of long-term success. Focus on these three areas:
Take Stock of Your Current Financial Health
Before moving forward with an outsourced provider assess your nonprofit’s current status. Review cash flow, major expenses, and revenue sources to identify strengths and weaknesses. This baseline makes it easier to track progress and clearly communicate your needs to a bookkeeper.
Align Goals with Your Mission
Financial goals should support your nonprofit's mission. For example, if community outreach is a priority, ensure financial goals provide funding for new initiatives. Alignment keeps staff, board members, and partners working toward the same purpose.
Set SMART Goals
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals provide clarity and benchmarks. For example, instead of "improve fundraising," aim for "increase donor retention by 10% within 12 months." SMART goals make progress easy to track and share with stakeholders.
By following these tips, you’ll set your nonprofit up for a successful partnership with a bookkeeper while staying focused on your mission.