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2026 Nonprofit Finance & Accounting Academy

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(Check-In 8:00am)

Towers Crescent Conference Center

1850 Towers Crescent Plaza
Vienna, VA 22182

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8.00 Credits

Member Price $400.00

Non-Member Price $500.00

Overview

Join the Greater Washington Society of CPAs for our Nonprofit Finance & Accounting Academy. This comprehensive one-day conference is tailored for individuals relatively new to the nonprofit industry or those seeking to enhance their understanding of the distinctive accounting, reporting, and compliance requirements that define the nonprofit sector. By attending this conference, participants from both public accounting firms and nonprofit organizations will gain insights into nonprofit accounting, revenue recognition, financial reporting, auditing, and tax topics, delving deeper into some specific subjects. In addition to 8 hours of valuable CPE, attendees will have the opportunity to network with other participants during lunch, break, and reception times. We expect about 100 attendees for this event.

Topics include:

  • Introduction to Nonprofits
  • Revenue Recognition in Action: Case Studies 
  • Nonprofit Financial Reporting- a Deeper Dive
  • The lifecycle of a Nonprofit Audit  & What to Expect as an Audittee
  • Nonprofit Tax Overview
  • From Award to Closeout: Essential Grant Management Strategies
  • Ask the Experts Panel

Format: Hybrid (In-person and virtual)

Group Discounts:
Groups of 3 or more, take 10% off (promo code GROUP3)
Groups of 5 or more, take 15% off (promo code GROUP5) 

Interested in sponsoring this conference? Contact Kari Bedell, kbedell@gwscpa.org for more information.

Prerequisites

None

Objectives

Attendees will gain insights into nonprofit accounting, revenue recognition, financial reporting, auditing, and tax topics, delving deeper into some specific subjects.

Preparation

None

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Optional Session

- Registration & Breakfast

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Welcome and Announcements

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Introduction to Nonprofits

Tamara Vineyard, Partner, Forvis Mazars

Tamara Vineyard

Tamara is the regional nonprofit, education, and public sector industry lead partner for the Mid-Atlantic region and the assurance lead partner for the Metro D.C. market. Tamara has more than 23 years of experience in public practice and the private sector. Much of her experience is focused on audit for nonprofit organizations, specifically 501(c)(3) organizations, professional membership associations, private foundations, private operating foundations, social welfare organizations, labor unions, and audits of employee benefit plans. She also has considerable experience in providing assurance services for a variety of small to midsize businesses including, but not limited to, government contractors, technology companies, construction contractors, municipalities, and quasi-governmental organizations. Tamara has significant experience with compliance work in accordance with 2 CFR 200 (formerly OMB Circular A-133). She assists for-profit and nonprofit clients with financial statement audits for various federal agencies and provides consulting services in areas such as cost allowability and allocability, indirect rate cost analysis, purchase accounting, and developing internal control and financial reporting best practices.

She is actively involved with the Greater Washington Society of CPAs, Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of CPAs, and the IRS TEGE Exempt Organizations Council. She regularly speaks on a variety of topics such as the lease accounting standard, unrelated business income, indirect costs, lobbying, excess compensation, and intermediate sanctions.

Tamara is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, with a B.S. degree in economics.

Sarah Loghin, Director, Nonprofit Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars

Sarah Loghin

Sarah Loghin is the Austin/San Antonio market champion of Forvis Mazars’ Nonprofit Advisory Service Practice. Sarah also serves clients in the DC Metro area via virtual service offerings. With over 24 years of experience in nonprofit accounting, Sarah leads consulting engagements that focus on financial operations, systems optimization, internal controls, and policy development. She specializes in supporting nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions nationwide, including implementing Forvis Mazars’ Financial & Scenario Modeling tool.Sarah’s background includes leadership roles in finance and accounting within higher education and religious organizations, as well as experience in nonprofit auditing. She holds the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credentials, and is an active member of AICPA, IMA, and ACFE. Locally, she contributes to the Austin Chapter of TXCPA and Social Venture Partners Austin.A frequent speaker on audit preparation, risk management, governance, and chart of accounts design, Sarah brings both technical expertise and practical insight to her sessions. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Schreiner University with a BBA in accounting.

This foundational session explores the unique ecosystem of nonprofit accounting, focusing on the “mission vs. profit” framework. Participants will gain a high-level overview of how mission-driven goals dictate specialized accounting needs, donor-imposed restrictions, and program-to-admin ratios. The session also covers “big picture” nonprofit governance, the fiduciary role of the Board, and IRS compliance basics like 501(c)(3) status and the Public Support Test.

Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Revenue Recognition in Action: Case Studies

Heather Johnson, Partner, Han Group LLC

Heather Johnson

Heather has dedicated more than 25 years to serving nonprofit organizations. She is a trusted strategic advisor who helps nonprofits strengthen financial operations, implement best practices, navigate uncertainty, become audit ready, and plan with confidence. Heather is passionate about creating educational content, and speaking at conferences, where she equips leaders with practical tools and real-world insights

David Nazari, Senior Audit Manager, Han Group LLC

David Nazari

David is a senior audit manager at Han Group. He has over 11 years of public accounting experience specializing in the non-profit industry. He graduated from University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. David stays current with emerging accounting issues and auditing requirements including 12 hours of GAGAS specific training on an annual basis.

He has his CPA license from the State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia. He also completed AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Certification. David is a trusted advisor in nonprofit and financial reporting and internal controls.

This interactive workshop focuses on the complexities of nonprofit revenue recognition through hands-on analysis. Participants will work through common scenarios to apply relevant revenue recognition guidance, deepening their understanding of key principles and practical implementation.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify key revenue recognition concepts applicable to nonprofit organizations.
2. Recognize and apply ASC 606 principles to common nonprofit exchange revenue streams.
3. Analyze and distinguish between conditional and unconditional contributions.
4. Interpret and apply accounting guidance for contributions with donor-imposed restrictions.
5. Evaluate complex revenue arrangements to determine proper revenue recognition timing.

Credits: 1.5 - Accounting

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Nonprofit Financial Reporting- a Deeper Dive

Lee Klumpp, National Assurance Technical Principa, BDO

Lee Klumpp

Lee Klumpp, CPA, CGMA, is a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit and governmental accounting, audit methodology, and financial reporting. With over 30 years of experience, he has built a distinguished career guiding firms’ Professional Practice Groups, shaping audit and accounting policies, and advising organizations on complex technical issues. His deep knowledge extends to GAAP, GAAS, GASB, and regulatory compliance, with a specialization in nonprofit financial reporting (FASB ASC 958), Single Audits (OMB Uniform Guidance), and governance best practices. Lee has held senior leadership roles in major CPA firms, serving as National Assurance Technical Principal and Professional Practice Principal at BDO USA. In these roles, he has led firm-wide initiatives to enhance audit quality, develop technical policies, and train professionals on emerging accounting standards. His expertise is widely sought after by audit teams nationwide, advising on financial reporting complexities, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies. As a former FASB Fellow, Lee directly contributed to the development of accounting standards for nonprofits, helping shape industry practices in financial statement presentation, revenue recognition, and liquidity disclosures. His leadership has extended to professional organizations such as AICPA and GWSCPA, where he has influenced industry thought leadership, ethics policies, and audit methodologies. Lee is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and educator in the nonprofit and governmental accounting sector. He has presented at AICPA conferences, GWSCPA Nonprofit Symposiums, and state CPA society events, delivering technical updates on FASB standards, compliance, and financial statement interpretation. His expertise has also been show cased through numerous articles and blogs published in Accounting Today, Nonprofit World His book, How to Read Nonprofit Financial Statements: A Practical Guide (3rd Edition, Wiley), is a widely used resource in the nonprofit sector, reinforcing his role as a thought leader in financial reporting and governance best practices. Beyond his firm leadership roles, Lee has been deeply involved in professional and nonprofit governance. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA), including a term as President, guiding strategic direction and professional development initiatives for accounting professionals. His contributions to AICPA committees, including the Executive Committee of the Government Audit Quality Center, Not-for-Profit Entities Revenue Recognition Task Force, Technical Standards Subcommittee, and Task forces of the Ethics Committee, have helped shape policies that impact nonprofit and governmental accounting nationwide. Lee has also held leadership positions in community organizations, including the Congressional Award Foundation, Montgomery Community Television, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his commitment to financial stewardship and nonprofit sustainability. Lee Klumpp’s combination of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and industry influence has positioned him as a leading authority in nonprofit and governmental financial management. His ability to guide firms, educate professionals, and shape industry standards makes him an invaluable asset to the CPA profession and the nonprofit sector.

This course is designed for accounting and finance professionals working with not-for-profit organizations who wish to deepen their expertise in NFP financial reporting. Participants will explore the complexities of financial statement preparation and presentation under current U.S. GAAP, including the latest updates from the FASB and emerging best practices.  Key topics include:  •   Detailed analysis of NFP financial statement components (statement of financial position, activities, cash flows, and functional expenses)  •               Net asset classification and donor restrictions  • Revenue recognition for contributions, grants, and exchange transactions  •          Endowment accounting and underwater endowments  •        Accounting for investments, split-interest agreements, and gifts-in-kind  •    Financial statement disclosures unique to NFPs  •             Implementation of ASU 2016-14 and subsequent guidance  •             Common challenges and pitfalls in NFP reporting  •        Real-world examples and case studies  By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to address complex reporting issues, enhance transparency, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This course is ideal for those seeking to advance their technical skills and provide greater value to their organizations or clients.

Credits: 1 - Accounting

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Lunch

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- The lifecycle of a Nonprofit Audit & What to Expect as an Audittee

Gery Ivanova, Managing Director, CBIZ

Gery Ivanova

Gery Ivanova is a Managing Director in the Firm’s Assurance Division focusing on the Not-For-Profit Industry out of the Washington, DC office.

Gery oversees audit engagements and consults on business and accounting issues. She has helped clients with the implementation of internal controls, consulted on federal grant compliance requirements, and advises on updated accounting standards.

Adi Rubin, Managing Director, CBIZ

Adi Rubin

Adi Rubin is a Managing Director in the Outsourced Advisory Solutions Division in the Firm’s Washington, DC office. Adi’s career in public accounting has included several industries including real estate, professional services and Not-For-Profit. Adi supports Not-For-Profit organizations with their accounting needs, overseeing teams focusing on transactional support all the way through CFO services. Her work with clients includes ensuring strong internal controls, guidance on compliance needs, and support through the annual financial statement and/or single audit. In addition to being a trusted advisor for organizations’ accounting, Adi guides organizations through leveraging technology to build efficiencies and strong processes.

This session is for entry-level professionals to understand the complete audit timeline for a nonprofit organization. We’ll start with client communication during the planning phase, move through preliminary risk assessments, PBC request lists, and sample selection. Next, we’ll cover the essentials of audit fieldwork and internal reviews. Finally, we’ll walk you through the issuance of draft audit deliverables and the key communication points with management and governance. This session will provide a clear and practical understanding of the entire audit process from both the auditor perspective and that of the organization’s finance team.

Learning Objectives:
Attendees will:   -Learn the comprehensive timeline of a nonprofit audit, from initial planning to final deliverables.   -Gain insights into each phase of the audit, including client communication, risk assessments, PBC requests, sample selection, fieldwork, and internal reviews.   -Gain insights on strengthening the relationship between auditor and the organization’s finance team.  -Develop effective communication strategies for interacting with management and governance throughout the audit process.

Credits: 1.5 - Auditing

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Nonprofit Tax Overview

Calvin Marks, Principal, Johnson Lambert LLP

Calvin Marks

Calvin is a Principal with 18 years’ experience at Johnson Lambert LLP, a niche-focused firm specializing in insurance, nonprofits, and employee benefit plans. Calvin leads the firms’ Nonprofit and Employee Benefits Tax & Compliance Group, serving clients ranging from small local charities to prominent national trade associations and employee benefit plans of all sizes.

Walk through Form 990 with a case study of an as-filed Form 990. Explore the structure, purpose, and challenges of preparing and understanding Form 990 with a hands-on examination of the return.

Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn:  -The tax and reporting structure for tax-exempt organizations  -What Form 990 is and how it relates to a tax-exempt organization  -How to interpret and review Form 990  -Challenges and issues with Form 990 reporting, and tips on how to address them

Credits: 1 - Taxes

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Break

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- From Award to Closeout: Essential Grant Management Strategies

Meghan Biggs, Senior Manager, Nonprofit Consulting, Aprio

Meghan Biggs

Meghan has over 20 years of experience and has dedicated much of her career to supporting mission-driven organizations in the Washington, DC area. She is an empathetic and passionate leader, a strategic and creative thinker with a focus on collaboration, and takes pride in serving the not-for-profit community. Most recently, Meghan served as the Vice President & Controller for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), with oversight of all accounting operations, including GAAP financial reporting and analytical activities, as well as tax, audit, and grant reporting. She recently oversaw the implementation of a new accounting system and chart of accounts redesign. Prior to joining PBS, Meghan was the Controller at both the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and at WETA. She began her career in public accounting gaining experience as an external auditor. Meghan earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from James Madison University.

Shelby Jackson, Senior Manager, Nonprofit Consulting, Aprio

Shelby Jackson

Shelby is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, from Old Dominion University as well as a Master of Arts in Administrative Management, majoring in Accounting, from Bowie State University. After gaining experience with a local not-for-profit focused audit and consulting firm and prior to joining Aprio in 2021, Shelby was the Director of Finance at the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, a 501(c)(6) trade association, supporting their collective organizations and overseeing all aspects of their accounting and finance operations. Since joining Aprio, Shelby has performed Finance and Accounting Department assessments with a focus on streamlining accounting operations through process improvements, implementation of new accounting systems and identifying opportunities to integrate existing systems. In addition, Shelby has supported clients as Interim Controller, by assisting with audit preparation, documenting processes of incumbent finance team staff members, and transferring knowledge to new employees. Shelby has completed the Senior Executive Leadership Program with the Greater Washington Society of CPAs as well as the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate Program II certification. Throughout her career, she has provided insight and guidance to several not-for-profit organizations in her role on various Boards and Committees.

Managing grants effectively is critical for nonprofit organizations, yet it often presents unique challenges for finance teams. This session provides a practical overview of grant accounting fundamentals and best practices tailored for accounting managers. We’ll cover the lifecycle of a grant—from award to closeout—while addressing compliance, reporting, and internal controls. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen grant management processes and ensure accurate financial reporting.  
  
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn to:  1.           Understand the grant lifecycle and key accounting considerations at each stage.  2. Apply best practices for compliance and documentation to meet donor and regulatory requirements.  3.      Implement effective internal controls to reduce risk and improve grant oversight.       4.    Develop strategies for accurate financial reporting and timely reconciliation of grant activity.  5.   Identify common pitfalls in grant management and practical solutions to avoid them.  

Credits: 1 - Accounting

This session is available to registrants only.

Optional Session

- Ask the Experts Panel

Tracy Bowers, Managing Director, Cherry Bekaert

Tracy Bowers

As a Managing Director at Cherry Bekaert, Tracy works with the Firm’s leadership team to oversee strategy and technical matters, including the implementation of new accounting standards, strengthening internal controls, and process improvements utilizing technology, budgeting, grant compliance and reporting, and audit assistance. With over 20 years of accounting experience and decades working in the Not-For-Profit industry, Tracy leverages her expansive skillset to deliver accounting solutions and excellent customer service.

Prior to joining Cherry Bekaert, Tracy started her career as an audit senior manager at a national Top 10 accounting firm, focusing exclusively on nonprofit organizations. Her clientele included multi-entity trade associations with significant conference and event income, as well as international nonprofits with substantial federal funding, requiring additional audit procedures dictated by the OMB Circular A-133 and A122 (Uniform Guidance). Tracy also served as assistant controller for two large international organizations in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.

Tracy serves as a trusted advisor to her clients, providing guidance and assistance on transactions, internal controls, and overall internal operating effectiveness. She works closely with nonprofit executives to assist them with strategic planning and risk management, helping their organizations achieve profitability, prepare for future growth, and improve the internal control structure.

Alex Shin, Chief Operating Officer, Interledger Foundation

Alex Shin

Alex joined the Interledger Foundation in September 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, where he leads strategic planning and oversees the foundation’s global operations, partnerships, and financial stewardship. As a member of the executive leadership team, he is responsible for driving organizational alignment and ensuring operational continuity across critical functions, including finance, human resources, and compliance. In this role, Alex focuses on building scalable systems, strengthening internal controls, and supporting mission-driven growth through sound operational and governance practices.

Prior to joining the Interledger Foundation, Alex built an extensive career as a Certified Public Accountant and auditor with national public accounting firms, advising and auditing large, multinational nonprofit organizations. His professional experience spans complex financial audits, operational assessments, and consulting engagements for globally operating nonprofits subject to diverse regulatory environments. Through this work, Alex developed deep expertise in nonprofit finance, compliance, and organizational effectiveness, and he has been recognized as a trusted advisor, published contributor, and frequent speaker within the nonprofit and social impact sector.

Alex earned a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from The George Washington University, graduating magna cum laude. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds active CPA licenses in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland.

Karl Spanbauer, Controller, Capital Area Food Bank

Karl Spanbauer

Karl Spanbauer, CPA, brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the forefront of accounting innovation, specializing in the nonprofit sector. With a solid foundation of five years in public accounting as a dedicated nonprofit auditor, Karl has developed a keen eye for the unique financial and operational challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. This experience laid the groundwork for his current role as Controller at the Capital Area Food Bank, an organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in the Washington DC area. Beyond traditional accounting, Karl is a fervent advocate for the transformative power of technology in finance and accounting. He is an expert in process automation, leveraging cutting-edge Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other techniques to streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and foster efficiency. Karl’s passion for technological innovation is matched by his commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others in the field. He has successfully implemented advanced automation solutions in his role as Controller, significantly reducing manual workload and enabling a focus on strategic initiatives. He is also published in the journal of accountancy. As a fun fact, he used ChatGPT to help formulate this biography.

Claudia DiCaro, Audit Senior Manager, Grant Thornton LLP

Claudia DiCaro

Claudia brings over 15 years of experience in public accounting, with a strong focus on nonprofit organizations. She has managed a wide range of engagements including audits, reviews, compilations, and agreed-upon procedures, guiding clients through complex financial reporting and compliance requirements. Her technical expertise spans revenue recognition, alternative investments, consolidations, and Uniform Guidance compliance testing, making her a trusted resource for not-for-profit entities navigating federal grant requirements.

In addition to her experience in reviewing financial statements, Claudia oversees multiple engagements simultaneously, ensuring quality and efficiency while helping clients resolve accounting and auditing challenges as they arise. She is recognized for her ability to translate technical standards into practical solutions, strengthening internal controls and enhancing transparency for nonprofit boards and stakeholders. Claudia is also deeply committed to building lasting client relationships, fostering collaboration, and supporting organizations in achieving their missions through sound financial practices.

Join our panel of seasoned professionals for an interactive, open-forum Q&A session to close out the Academy. This diverse group of experts will address attendee questions on the day’s most pressing topics.

Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

This session is available to registrants only.

Non-Member Price $500.00

Member Price $400.00