A volunteer CPA: a certified public accountant on your not-for-profit board can see the financial black-and-white (or red) aspects.

• Author: Johnson, Shelley R.
• Position: ADVICE: ACCOUNTING

THE ROLE OF A CPA on a not-for-profit board can range from simple to complex, depending on the structure of the organization. It's important for an organization to find a CPA that suits its board's needs. On the flip side, a CPA may want to volunteer on a board that fits his or her passion.

Board members are expected to participate not only with their time and treasures, but also with their talents. With a small or "young" board, the CPA often becomes an extension of the bookkeeper. More developed and complex boards benefit from the CPA's ability to see the bigger picture. Often CPAs have diverse backgrounds and can offer the benefit of their technical and communication skills learned through a variety of experiences through the years.

Watching younger organizations grow and develop is exciting in itself. There can be a tremendous sense of accomplishment as the organization matures and stabilizes. Larger and older organizations can provide the CPA with exposure to a different type of organization than his or her normal day-to-day dealings.

Most recently, I was able to use my professional knowledge as a CPA volunteering to serve as treasurer of the board with the Lacy Leadership Association (LLA). By developing, engaging and mobilizing current and future leaders, LLA encourages philanthropic involvement that helps our community thrive. I was able to use my experience with compliance and new-business issues to help LLA transition to operating solely on its own.

The most important skill a CPA brings to a not-for-profit board is the ability so see the black-and-white (or red) aspects of the financial side of the organization. In return, CPAs gain...