INSIGHT

What makes Sage Intacct the best accounting software for nonprofits

December 10, 2024

Services: Sage Intacct Industries: Nonprofit

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Nonprofit organizations have unique financial management needs, from tracking donations and grants to helping ensure compliance with complex regulations. Sage Intacct, an AICPA-preferred software, offers specialized solutions that meet these requirements, making it an ideal choice for nonprofits. With tools for fund accounting, real-time reporting and compliance management, Sage Intacct empowers nonprofits to focus on their mission while maintaining financial transparency and accountability. 

This article explores why Sage Intacct is the top choice for nonprofit accounting and how its features support organizations in fulfilling their mission effectively. 

The importance of AICPA-preferred status 

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) sets standards for excellence in accounting practices. That’s why its endorsement of Sage Intacct as preferred software carries significant weight. This endorsement is granted to solutions that meet rigorous criteria for accuracy, reliability and compliance; it highlights Sage Intacct’s suitability for managing complex financial needs. For nonprofits, AICPA-preferred software provides confidence that their accounting system meets high standards and supports best practices in financial management. 

Key features of Sage Intacct for nonprofit accounting 

Sage Intacct provides a range of tools specifically designed to address the financial needs of nonprofits, allowing them to maintain accurate records, manage funds effectively and meet reporting requirements. Here are some of the standout features that make Sage Intacct a trusted choice for nonprofit organizations: 

1. Fund accounting

Fund accounting is essential for nonprofits that need to track multiple sources of funding, such as donations, grants and endowments. Sage Intacct’s fund accounting tools enable organizations to manage and report on these funds separately, helping ensure compliance with donor restrictions and grant requirements. Key benefits of Sage Intacct’s fund accounting include: 

• Real-time fund balances: Nonprofits can track fund balances in real time, helping transparency and accountability to donors and grant providers. 
• Restricted fund tracking: Sage Intacct’s tools help nonprofits manage restricted funds in accordance with donor guidelines, reducing the risk of non-compliance. 
• Automated allocation of funds: Automate the allocation of funds across programs or projects, simplifying complex financial processes and helping ensure accurate reporting. 

These capabilities make Sage Intacct ideal for nonprofits that must maintain detailed, transparent financial records for each funding source.

2. Grant and donor management

Grant and donor management are critical components of nonprofit financial management. Sage Intacct’s tools make it easy to track these revenue sources. Sage Intacct’s grant management features enable organizations to track the lifecycle of each grant, from application to reporting, helping ensure compliance with funding requirements. 

• Grant tracking: Sage Intacct provides visibility into the status and performance of grants, making it easier to manage funds, monitor expenditures and meet grant obligations. 
• Donor contributions: Nonprofits can track individual donor contributions, enabling them to recognize and report on each donor’s impact accurately. 
• Automated reporting: Generate reports that meet grantor and donor requirements, helping ensure transparency and compliance with funding agreements. 

With these grant and donor management tools, Sage Intacct helps nonprofits build strong relationships with funders and streamline the reporting process.

3. Real-time reporting and dashboards

Nonprofits often need to report on their finances to multiple stakeholders, including boards, donors and regulatory bodies. Sage Intacct’s real-time reporting capabilities allow organizations to create accurate, up-to-date financial statements and dashboards that reflect their current financial health. 

• Customizable dashboards: Sage Intacct enables finance teams to build customized dashboards that display key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to their organization, such as program expenses, revenue by funding source and cash flow. 
• Automated financial statements: Generate financial statements instantly, reducing manual effort and helping ensure data accuracy. 
• Drill-down capabilities: Finance teams can drill down into specific transactions to gain a deeper understanding of their organization’s finances, supporting data-driven decision-making. 

With real-time access to financial data, nonprofits can respond quickly to challenges and demonstrate fiscal responsibility to their stakeholders.

4. Compliance and audit preparation

Nonprofits face unique regulatory requirements and are often subject to audits by donors and government agencies. Sage Intacct helps simplify compliance and audit preparation with features that support transparency and data integrity. 

• Comprehensive audit trails: Sage Intacct maintains detailed records of all financial transactions, providing a clear audit trail for accountability. 
• Automated compliance reporting: Generate compliance reports that meet regulatory standards, helping ensure nonprofits are well-prepared for audits. 
• Internal controls: Sage Intacct includes built-in controls and approval workflows that reduce the risk of errors and unauthorized transactions. 

These features not only ease the burden of compliance but also help build trust with funders. This demonstrates a commitment to transparency and responsible financial management. 

Why nonprofits trust Sage Intacct for financial management 

Sage Intacct’s nonprofit-specific features make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking reliable, efficient and compliant financial management software. Here are some additional benefits of using Sage Intacct for nonprofit accounting: 

1. Scalability: Sage Intacct grows with your organization, allowing you to add new funds, programs or entities as needed. This scalability helps ensure that Sage Intacct can continue to support your organization as it expands. 
2. Automation: By automating routine tasks like fund allocation, reporting and compliance checks, Sage Intacct reduces manual work and frees up time for mission-critical activities. 
3. Integration: Sage Intacct integrates with other software commonly used by nonprofits, such as donor management and CRM systems. This integration streamlines data management across the organization, eliminating data silos. 

With these capabilities, Sage Intacct enables nonprofits to streamline their operations, maintain financial integrity and focus on achieving their mission. 

Partnering with BPM for Sage Intacct implementation 

Implementing an accounting system for a nonprofit requires specialized skills and knowledge to help ensure compliance, efficiency and ease of use. BPM’s team of Sage Intacct specialists understands the unique challenges of nonprofit financial management and provides end-to-end implementation support. From configuration to training, BPM helps ensure that nonprofits get the most out of Sage Intacct’s capabilities. 

To learn how Sage Intacct can support your nonprofit’s financial management needs, contact BPM today.