Accounting Transition & GAAP Compliance Support

We are a small nonprofit looking to expand our accounting capabilities and knowledge. We want to transition CWA’s accounting system from cash to accrual in order to meet GAAP standards by 2026. Specifically, we need support with:
- Updating our Chart of Accounts for GAAP compliance (assets, liabilities, deferred revenue, depreciation).
- Configuring QuickBooks for accrual entries and reports.
- Creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for monthly close, receipting, and reconciliations.
- Developing board-ready reporting templates (monthly dashboards, annual statements).
- Training our staff and board on accrual basics.

The volunteer will help us set up the structure, provide training, and guide a short “pilot run” of accrual books so we can confidently manage the system moving forward.

Accurate and transparent financial reporting is critical for CWA’s mission of helping women and children heal from trauma and achieve self-sufficiency. By converting to accrual accounting, we will strengthen compliance, increase funder confidence, and unlock eligibility for larger grants that require GAAP-compliant statements. This project ensures that our programs—Courage House, CDEEP, and Sister2Sister—have the financial infrastructure to expand and serve more survivors. Volunteers will directly empower us to sustain safe housing, career development, and wraparound support by building the financial foundation that funders and community members trust.

We have internal buy-in from both staff and board, who recognize the importance of GAAP compliance for grant eligibility and transparency. We’ve already gathered our last 2–3 years of financial records, and we use QuickBooks regularly, so the foundation is in place. A designated staff member will serve as the project point-person to ensure timely communication, and we will dedicate time each week to reviewing deliverables and testing the system. Outcomes will be fully implemented into our ongoing financial operations, and SOPs will become part of our Policy & Procedures Manual, ensuring sustainability beyond the project.