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Questions and Answers
Which type of engagement results in the external accountant assisting management in preparing and presenting financial information without performing audit or review procedures?
Which type of engagement results in the external accountant assisting management in preparing and presenting financial information without performing audit or review procedures?
An external accountant completes which of these engagements, and is able to also provide tax compliance services without affecting their independence?
An external accountant completes which of these engagements, and is able to also provide tax compliance services without affecting their independence?
According to the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNPCA), what is the minimum number of days before an annual general meeting (AGM) that financial statements must be provided to members?
According to the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNPCA), what is the minimum number of days before an annual general meeting (AGM) that financial statements must be provided to members?
A not-for-profit organization (NFPO) is required to prepare its financial statements in accordance with which standard?
A not-for-profit organization (NFPO) is required to prepare its financial statements in accordance with which standard?
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Under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, when is a corporation classified as 'soliciting'?
Under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, when is a corporation classified as 'soliciting'?
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Within how many months of its fiscal year-end must a soliciting corporation submit its financial statements to Corporations Canada?
Within how many months of its fiscal year-end must a soliciting corporation submit its financial statements to Corporations Canada?
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Which of the following best describes the level of assurance provided by a review engagement?
Which of the following best describes the level of assurance provided by a review engagement?
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What is a key difference in reporting requirements between soliciting and non-soliciting corporations under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act?
What is a key difference in reporting requirements between soliciting and non-soliciting corporations under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act?
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What is a key characteristic of goods and services provided by the not-for-profit sector in Canada?
What is a key characteristic of goods and services provided by the not-for-profit sector in Canada?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical role for an accountant in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, according to the provided content?
Which of the following is NOT a typical role for an accountant in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, according to the provided content?
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In the not-for-profit sector, what main expectation is held for a professional accountant?
In the not-for-profit sector, what main expectation is held for a professional accountant?
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What is NOT a primary activity of a professional accountant in the NFP sector, according to the content?
What is NOT a primary activity of a professional accountant in the NFP sector, according to the content?
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Besides competence, what are the other two qualities an accountant in the not-for-profit sector should uphold when communicating?
Besides competence, what are the other two qualities an accountant in the not-for-profit sector should uphold when communicating?
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What does the concept of 'competence' require from an accountant in the NFP sector?
What does the concept of 'competence' require from an accountant in the NFP sector?
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Which activity is most associated with the need for an 'internal' audit mentioned in the text?
Which activity is most associated with the need for an 'internal' audit mentioned in the text?
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What is a typical filing requirement for not-for-profit organizations in most provinces?
What is a typical filing requirement for not-for-profit organizations in most provinces?
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What is a primary characteristic of members within a typical NFPO?
What is a primary characteristic of members within a typical NFPO?
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Which of the following best represents an NFPO where members are primarily involved in leadership?
Which of the following best represents an NFPO where members are primarily involved in leadership?
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What is the ultimate authority of the members within an NFPO?
What is the ultimate authority of the members within an NFPO?
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What documents require member approval to be changed within an NFPO?
What documents require member approval to be changed within an NFPO?
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In the context of an NFPO, what is the role of a purchasing cooperative?
In the context of an NFPO, what is the role of a purchasing cooperative?
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What is the main reason an NFPO might incorporate?
What is the main reason an NFPO might incorporate?
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According to the provided content, who is commonly included as members in a newly incorporated social service agency?
According to the provided content, who is commonly included as members in a newly incorporated social service agency?
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In a typical NFPO accountability structure, who holds primary responsibility for defining the organization's purpose?
In a typical NFPO accountability structure, who holds primary responsibility for defining the organization's purpose?
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What is the primary responsibility of board members when they also serve as service volunteers?
What is the primary responsibility of board members when they also serve as service volunteers?
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Who holds the highest level of authority within a Not-For-Profit Organization (NFPO)?
Who holds the highest level of authority within a Not-For-Profit Organization (NFPO)?
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What is the purpose of policy in an NFPO?
What is the purpose of policy in an NFPO?
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Which of the following is NOT a key area of policy the board is responsible for developing and overseeing?
Which of the following is NOT a key area of policy the board is responsible for developing and overseeing?
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What is the function of framework policies within an NFPO?
What is the function of framework policies within an NFPO?
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What is the primary focus of a mission statement within framework policies?
What is the primary focus of a mission statement within framework policies?
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Which of the following is primarily addressed by a vision statement?
Which of the following is primarily addressed by a vision statement?
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If an NFPO has an unwritten policy, what makes it valid?
If an NFPO has an unwritten policy, what makes it valid?
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Who is primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing operational policies within an NFPO?
Who is primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing operational policies within an NFPO?
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Which of the following is NOT typically covered by operational policies?
Which of the following is NOT typically covered by operational policies?
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What is a key aspect of financial controls that should be defined in operational policies?
What is a key aspect of financial controls that should be defined in operational policies?
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What is the primary purpose of communication policies within an NFPO?
What is the primary purpose of communication policies within an NFPO?
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Who typically is the spokesperson to interact with the media?
Who typically is the spokesperson to interact with the media?
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What should the consequences of budget variances ideally include?
What should the consequences of budget variances ideally include?
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What is a crucial aspect of operational control policies related to personnel?
What is a crucial aspect of operational control policies related to personnel?
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Why is it important to tailor governance policies to the specific NFPO?
Why is it important to tailor governance policies to the specific NFPO?
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Which of the following is NOT typically part of internal controls for an organization?
Which of the following is NOT typically part of internal controls for an organization?
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For a not-for-profit organization (NFPO), why is direct monitoring of spending crucial?
For a not-for-profit organization (NFPO), why is direct monitoring of spending crucial?
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What is the primary purpose of a capital grant for a school district?
What is the primary purpose of a capital grant for a school district?
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What is the main difference between a capital grant and an operating grant?
What is the main difference between a capital grant and an operating grant?
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Why do donors or patrons to an NFPO need assurance that funding was used as intended?
Why do donors or patrons to an NFPO need assurance that funding was used as intended?
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How does a good budgeting process serve as an entity-wide control?
How does a good budgeting process serve as an entity-wide control?
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Which of the following is NOT a main IT system control?
Which of the following is NOT a main IT system control?
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What is the purpose of 'change controls' within IT systems?
What is the purpose of 'change controls' within IT systems?
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Flashcards
What is a Review Engagement?
What is a Review Engagement?
A review engagement is a type of assurance service where an accountant examines a company's financial statements to provide a limited level of assurance. It's less intensive than an audit but offers more confidence than a compilation engagement.
What is a Compilation Engagement?
What is a Compilation Engagement?
A compilation engagement is a basic assurance service where an accountant assists a company in preparing its financial statements but does not perform any audit or review procedures. It provides the least assurance.
What is an Audit Engagement?
What is an Audit Engagement?
An audit engagement is a comprehensive assurance service where an accountant examines a company's financial statements with the objective of expressing an opinion on their fairness.
What is a Soliciting Corporation?
What is a Soliciting Corporation?
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What is a Non-Soliciting Corporation?
What is a Non-Soliciting Corporation?
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What are the reporting requirements under the CNPCA for NFPOs?
What are the reporting requirements under the CNPCA for NFPOs?
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What are the submission requirements for a soliciting corporation's financial statements?
What are the submission requirements for a soliciting corporation's financial statements?
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What are the submission requirements for a non-soliciting corporation's financial statements?
What are the submission requirements for a non-soliciting corporation's financial statements?
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NFPO Members
NFPO Members
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Board of Directors
Board of Directors
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NFPO Employees
NFPO Employees
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NFPO Volunteers
NFPO Volunteers
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Purpose of an NFPO
Purpose of an NFPO
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Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
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Accountability in NFPOs
Accountability in NFPOs
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Accountability Structure
Accountability Structure
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What is the importance of the NFP sector?
What is the importance of the NFP sector?
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What are some examples of NFP services?
What are some examples of NFP services?
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How are accountants involved in the NFP sector?
How are accountants involved in the NFP sector?
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What is the role of an accountant in the NFP sector?
What is the role of an accountant in the NFP sector?
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What are the key requirements for an NFP accounting professional?
What are the key requirements for an NFP accounting professional?
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What tasks do NFP accountants perform?
What tasks do NFP accountants perform?
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Financial Operational Policies
Financial Operational Policies
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Budgeting Policies
Budgeting Policies
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Financial Control Policies
Financial Control Policies
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Operational Control Policies
Operational Control Policies
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Communications Policies
Communications Policies
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Tailoring Governance Policies
Tailoring Governance Policies
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Organization-Specific Policies
Organization-Specific Policies
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Importance of Governance Policies
Importance of Governance Policies
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Framework Policies
Framework Policies
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Board Self-Governance Policies
Board Self-Governance Policies
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Board/Staff Relations Policies
Board/Staff Relations Policies
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Operational Policies
Operational Policies
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Communications, Advocacy, and Public Relations Policies
Communications, Advocacy, and Public Relations Policies
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Vision Statement
Vision Statement
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Mission Statement
Mission Statement
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Internal Controls for NFPOs
Internal Controls for NFPOs
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NFPO Expense Monitoring
NFPO Expense Monitoring
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Restricted Funds in NFPOs
Restricted Funds in NFPOs
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Budgeting for NFPOs
Budgeting for NFPOs
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Budgeting and Strategic Planning
Budgeting and Strategic Planning
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Fiscal Prudence & Budgeting
Fiscal Prudence & Budgeting
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IT Systems Controls
IT Systems Controls
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Access Controls in IT Systems
Access Controls in IT Systems
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Study Notes
Not-for-Profit Accounting
- This document is a course on not-for-profit (NFPO) accounting, specifically for Canada.
- It covers various aspects of NFPO governance, financial reporting, and ethics.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Not-for-Profit Organizations
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Not-for-profit organizations (NFPOs) in Canada play a significant role in the economy.
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NFPOs vary in type and purpose (e.g., food banks, hospices, co-operatives).
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An NFPO's resources cannot be used for personal financial gain by members or founders.
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Incorporation process for NFPOs can vary depending on relevant legislation.
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Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws must be drafted and submitted to Corporations Canada.
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Extra-provincial registration is necessary if the NFPO operates in more than one jurisdiction.
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Financial reporting obligations for NFPOs are distinct from for-profit entities.
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Financial statements include general purpose, program-specific, and internal management statements.
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Tax-related obligations: Registered charities have specific reporting requirements.
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Other NFPOs have different tax obligations.
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Ethics and the role of professional accountants; ethical considerations are crucial in NFPOs.
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Accountants must act with competence, truthfulness, and reliability. They must understand relevant accounting standards and their application to the organization.
Chapter 2: Governance
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NFPO governance includes the roles and responsibilities of members, board of directors, employees, and volunteers.
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Organizational Structure outlines the accountability of the key members in the organization.
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The board of directors is responsible for directing the organization.
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The executive director manages everyday operations.
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Employees and Volunteers are responsible for performing the tasks assigned to their roles.
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Board policies cover framework issues for how the board governs itself (e.g., meetings) and relationships with the staff.
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Operational policies cover internal day-to-day operations (e.g., budgeting).
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Communications, Advocacy, and Public Relations Policies outline how to communicate the organization’s vision and position.
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Ethics in an NFPO context encompasses honesty, integrity and responsibility.
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Internal controls are implemented to ensure proper spending and management of resources.
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Budgeting is a critical tool for planning and internal control of the organization.
Chapter 3: NFPO Financial Statement Concepts
- The information needs of NFPO financial statement users differ from those of for-profit organizations' users.
- Financial statements used by NFPOs, such as the statement of financial position, statement of operations, statement of changes in net assets, and statement of cash flows, are different from those used in for-profit corporations.
- The accrual basis of accounting is applied to NFPOS.
- Contributions to NFPOs can be classified as restricted, endowment, or unrestricted contributions, and the accounting treatment will vary accordingly.
- Capital assets management and depreciation accounting is discussed to prepare the financial statements.
Chapter 4: Fund Accounting
- The deferral method and restricted fund method are two primary methods of recognizing revenue in NFPOs.
- Fund accounting is a method that specifically tracks restricted contributions.
- Restricted contributions, both externally and internally imposed, are addressed.
- Endowment contributions and accounting and reporting for them are described.
- The method of accounting for tangible capital assets is discussed.
Chapter 5: Relevant Information for Decision Making
- Costs are analyzed and categorized as direct vs. indirect, fixed vs. variable.
- Cost behavior and patterns are explained.
- The relationships among revenues, volume, and costs are examined to aid in decision-making, including the contribution margin and contribution margin ratio.
- Identifying relevant costs and relevant revenues are important when analyzing various decisions such as segment margin analysis, investment decisions, and special orders.
- Outsourcing decisions are analyzed using a cost-benefit approach.
Chapter 6: Budgeting
- Budgeting in not-for-profit organizations (NFPOs) and the specific challenges are addressed in detail.
- Differences between for-profit and NFPO accounting practices are explained.
- Various budgeting types and procedures for NFPOs, including incremental budgets and zero-based budgets, are described.
- Cash flow management as an element of budgeting and its importance for NFPOs is covered.
- Variance analysis methods are discussed for evaluating expenses and revenues.
- Preparing budgeted financial statements is part of the budgeting process.
Chapter 7: Evaluating Strategy and Performance
- Balanced scorecard (BSC) perspectives for NFPOs and the use of strategy maps to relate performance to strategic objectives.
- Matrix mapping methods for evaluating activities are explained and illustrated.
- Ratio analysis tools, such as liquidity ratios (current ratio, acid-test ratio), profitability ratios (net revenue ratio, return on total assets ratio, revenue to total assets ratios, etc.), leverage ratios (debt to assets ratio), and efficiency ratios (fundraising efficiency, charitable expense, and administration efficiency ratios), are presented along with their calculation and interpretation for an NFPO.
Chapter 8: Registered Charities
- The advantages and unique requirements for registered charities, including differences from other NFPOs, are discussed.
- Disbursement quotas for registered charities are explained and calculated.
- The characteristics of gifts and tax-creditable receipts are described.
- Annual registered charity information returns, including guidelines and importance of procedural compliance, are covered.
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Description
Test your knowledge on not-for-profit financial reporting as per the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. This quiz covers essential topics such as financial statement preparation, engagement types, and compliance requirements. Perfect for accounting students and professionals working with not-for-profit organizations.