Ask an Expert: Nonprofit Financial Management

Wells CPA is hosting a drop-in session on nonprofit financial management at the Main Library on Wednesday, November 4, from 9 AM to 11 AM. It's a free event, and the whole thing is run by the CPAs from Wells CPA, an accounting and auditing firm that works specifically with nonprofits.

Since it's a drop-in format, you can stop by with whatever's on your mind rather than sitting through a formal presentation. They're offering help with the day-to-day side of things—QuickBooks, building a budget, putting together financial statements, and fund accounting—and the more technical requirements, like filing Form 990, getting ready for an audit, and staying on top of federal grant compliance. They'll also talk through financial controls and the financial responsibilities that come with being a board member, which is often the part that feels most daunting when you're just starting out or taking on a new role.

The session is part of the Business and Nonprofit Resource Center at the Main Library, which is a dedicated workspace for small businesses and nonprofits. It's more than just a place to sit; it's staffed by specialized librarians, gives you access to research databases, and has a co-working area equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud. There's also a private meeting room you can reserve if you need a quiet spot for a call or a small group. If you're working on a business plan, they provide a four-week subscription to LivePlan, and they'll point you toward Columbus SCORE for free, confidential business advice from local mentors.

It's all happening at the Business and Nonprofit Resource Center in the Main Library, 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215. The session runs from 9 AM to 11 AM on Wednesday, November 4, and it's free to attend.