Order 6630382-APA- Government and Institutional Accounting - Week 1 Project
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Week 1: Governmental and Institutional Accounting
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Week 1: Governmental and Institutional Accounting
Starting a not-for-profit foundation requires a clear understanding of governmental
accounting concepts as they are essential in ensuring that the foundation functions efficiently and
is compliant with the stipulated financial regulations. One significant concept is fund accounting,
which involves the separation of resources into different funds based on their purpose and
restrictions, allowing for better financial management and accountability (Chase, 2020). It helps
track cash assigned to varied programs and its usage for the intended programs as it entails
recording resources whose utilization has been limited by the grant authority, donor, or
governing agency. It bases significant emphasis on accountability instead of profitability.
Additionally, the foundation must adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability.
Transparency ensures proper governance and administration of funds as the foundation must
offer information regarding its activities, programs, and governance to stakeholders in a timely,
accurate, and complete manner (Chase, 2020). This enables the concept of accountability to
manifest. Therefore, these three concepts once implemented by the foundation will ensure
effective management of finances raised and better fulfillment of the foundation’s stated mission
and vision
The decision to add a not-for-profit foundation to a business has several benefits which
include. allowing individuals and organizations to come together and contribute towards a
common cause. The foundation can serve as a platform for collaboration and collective impact,
enabling the pooling of resources for maximum effectiveness. Another benefit is that in
establishing a foundation, there is an opportunity to attract funding from various sources, such as
grants, donations, and sponsorships with this financial support being able to help sustain and
expand the foundation’s programs and initiatives (Ingram, n.d.). Another benefit is that operating
a not-for-profit entity may provide tax benefits, as donors may be eligible for tax deductions on
their contributions, which could reduce the tax liabilities of Alexandria Chocolate and its
founders (Ingram, n.d.).
Despite many benefits existing when a for-profit company starts a foundation, there are
also disadvantages that include the need to ensure ongoing financial sustainability. Unlike for-
profit organizations, foundations rely heavily on external funding sources, which may fluctuate
or even cease altogether, thereby creating financial instability and uncertainty for the
foundation’s operations (Mayhew, 2019). Additionally, establishing and operating a foundation
requires significant administrative efforts, including compliance with regulatory requirements,
governance structures, and reporting obligations. These tasks can be time-consuming and
resource-intensive, diverting attention from the core mission of the foundation and one’s for-
profit business which may experience some reduced productivity or performance (Mayhew,
2019). Furthermore, operating as a not-for-profit entity may restrict certain activities and
transactions that could otherwise generate revenue or opportunities for growth, thus impacting
future prospects for the foundation’s sustainability.
When opening and operating a foundation, there are ethical concerns that need to be
addressed based on ethical accounting principles. One fundamental ethical concern is the proper
utilization of funds and resources as it is essential to ensure that all funds received are used
solely for their intended purpose and are not misappropriated or mismanaged (Morales, 2022).
Transparency in financial reporting is also crucial to maintaining trust and accountability with
donors and stakeholders to ensure the continued flow of funds for the foundation’s sustainability
(Wild & Shaw, 2019). Financial statements should accurately reflect the true financial position of
the foundation without any manipulation or misrepresentation to highlight any funding gaps and
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offer the donors a chance to source more funds to finance various projects undertaken at the
foundation.
Another ethical concern is the fair and equitable distribution of resources. The foundation
should strive to allocate its resources in a way that maximizes impact and serves the best
interests of its beneficiaries or target population (Morales, 2022). This entails careful
consideration of needs assessment, program evaluation, and regular monitoring of outcomes to
ensure prudent resource and fund allocations. It is also important to avoid conflicts of interest
and ensure high levels of integrity when allocating financial resources to various projects and
ensure every transaction is undertaken with the utmost fairness, integrity, and honesty, thereby
ensuring personal interests don’t influence financial and resource allocation decisions (Wild &
Shaw, 2019).
References
Chase, B. W. (2020). Fundamentals of Governmental Accounting and Reporting.
Ingram, D. (n.d.).
What are the Benefits of Starting a Non-Profit Organization?
[Review of
What
are the Benefits of Starting a Non-Profit Organization?
]. Small Business.
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-starting-non-profit-organization-1663.html
Mayhew, R. (2019, February 13).
Advantages & Disadvantages of Nonprofits
. Small Business -
Chron.com.
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-nonprofits-
11430.html
Morales, D. (2022). Ethical Principles in the Non-Profit Sector: An Analysis of Accountability
and Corruption in Philanthropy.
Wild, J. J., & Shaw, K. W. (2019). Fundamental accounting principles. McGraw-Hill.
Related Questions
Compared to direct transactions between ultimate fund users and providers, fee-charging, profit-oriented financial institutions provide the benefit of _____.
I. reducing the search costs and improving matching between fund users and providers
II. transforming the size, duration, risk and liquidity of assets to better serve the needs of fund users and providers
III. providing information-related products and services to fund users and providers
Group of answer choices
a. I
b. I and II
c. I and III
d. I, II and III
arrow_forward
Summary objectives under new government accounting system
arrow_forward
1
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Considering the importance of financial record keeping, which financial documents do you need keep, file and report?
Which method is best for creating and organizing them in a timely and accurate way?
Why are these documents so important for your grant writing, foundation proposals, and other funding events? How do these documents enhance credibility and reputation with potential funding sources?
arrow_forward
As the manager of a nonprofit organization please list five policies that you can implement to protect your organization's cash?
arrow_forward
1-20 Comprehensive performance measurement in public and nonprofit organizations Organizations in the public and nonprofit sector, such as government agencies and charitable social service entities, have financial systems that budget expenses and monitor and control actual spending. Explain why these organizations should consider developing a compre- hensive set of performance measurements (including nonfinancial measures) to monitor and report on their performance. Provide examples of financial and nonfinancial measures that should be included in such a comprehensive set of measurements. Thanks!
ps. need answer asap
arrow_forward
Which of the following statements is/are true? i. Information is the raw material for data processing. ii. External sources of information include an organization's financial accounting records. III. The main objective of a non-profit making organization is usually to provide goods and services.
I and III only
I, II, and III
II and III only
III only
arrow_forward
Explain to a nonfinancial audience explaining how increasing scrutiny and demand for accountability by the public has influenced reporting for governmental entities.
Explain why governments use fund accounting.
Analyze the importance of budget and control of government resources.
Explain how the GASB revenue and expense recognition model may improve the usefulness of the information governments report to the public.
Format references according to APA guidelines.
arrow_forward
1.Explains the importance and role of the business fund (business activities) in government entities.2. How company fund accounting (business activities) compares to accounting for a for-profit company.
arrow_forward
During an internal audit of a non-profit organization, it is found that there is a lack of clear policies for donor fund management. What should the auditor recommend to enhance governance and
transparency?
○ A. Cease accepting donations until a solution is found.
B. Limit the number of donors to reduce complexity.
OC. Suggest that an external body manage the donor funds.
O D. Develop and implement comprehensive donor fund management policies.
arrow_forward
(a) Financial reporting in the public sector involves reporting on the government’s financial position and its financial performance. Essentially, it concerns a process of communicating the financial information, whereby elected official make informed choices about how to use the government’s limited resources to best serve the interest of the public. Discuss FOUR (4) objectives of financial reporting.
(b) All government revenues and monies received have to be accounted for into a fund known as the Consolidated Fund. Fund Accounting is a self-contained accounting entity with its own assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures and fund balance. It is the financial accounting techniques adopted and reported in terms of funds in the operating statements and balance sheet of public sector organizations. There are three types of Consolidated Account in the fund. Discuss the THREE (3) accounts of Consolidated Fund.
arrow_forward
Discuss the basic assumptions of CVP analysis and how can we use CVP analysis in making decisions in a not-for-profit organization, as well as a for-profit organization?
arrow_forward
The cornerstone of external financial reporting for governmental units and not-for-profit organizations is:
a.
to show the flow of financial resources
b.
to determine profit or loss
c.
to compare budgeted to actual resources
d.
accountability
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As this and the previous chapter have discussed, public colleges and universities follow GASB standards. These schools have been directed to use the same reporting model as state and local governments. Such schools frequently classify themselves as special purpose governments consisting solely of business-type activities. In that way, they only need to produce fund financial statements as an enterprise fund.In contrast, private not-for-profit colleges and universities adhere to FASB Accounting Standards Codification® requirements and prepare financial statements. U.S. GAAP for public schools comes from GASB while, for private schools, it comes from FASB.Readers of college and university financial statements might want to compare the data presented by various institutions. This information is especially important to potential donors who are attempting to evaluate each school’s efficiency and effectiveness in utilizing the funding that it receives.Are decision makers well served by the…
arrow_forward
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Related Questions
- Compared to direct transactions between ultimate fund users and providers, fee-charging, profit-oriented financial institutions provide the benefit of _____. I. reducing the search costs and improving matching between fund users and providers II. transforming the size, duration, risk and liquidity of assets to better serve the needs of fund users and providers III. providing information-related products and services to fund users and providers Group of answer choices a. I b. I and II c. I and III d. I, II and IIIarrow_forwardSummary objectives under new government accounting systemarrow_forward1arrow_forward
- Considering the importance of financial record keeping, which financial documents do you need keep, file and report? Which method is best for creating and organizing them in a timely and accurate way? Why are these documents so important for your grant writing, foundation proposals, and other funding events? How do these documents enhance credibility and reputation with potential funding sources?arrow_forwardAs the manager of a nonprofit organization please list five policies that you can implement to protect your organization's cash?arrow_forward1-20 Comprehensive performance measurement in public and nonprofit organizations Organizations in the public and nonprofit sector, such as government agencies and charitable social service entities, have financial systems that budget expenses and monitor and control actual spending. Explain why these organizations should consider developing a compre- hensive set of performance measurements (including nonfinancial measures) to monitor and report on their performance. Provide examples of financial and nonfinancial measures that should be included in such a comprehensive set of measurements. Thanks! ps. need answer asaparrow_forward
- Which of the following statements is/are true? i. Information is the raw material for data processing. ii. External sources of information include an organization's financial accounting records. III. The main objective of a non-profit making organization is usually to provide goods and services. I and III only I, II, and III II and III only III onlyarrow_forwardExplain to a nonfinancial audience explaining how increasing scrutiny and demand for accountability by the public has influenced reporting for governmental entities. Explain why governments use fund accounting. Analyze the importance of budget and control of government resources. Explain how the GASB revenue and expense recognition model may improve the usefulness of the information governments report to the public. Format references according to APA guidelines.arrow_forward1.Explains the importance and role of the business fund (business activities) in government entities.2. How company fund accounting (business activities) compares to accounting for a for-profit company.arrow_forward
- During an internal audit of a non-profit organization, it is found that there is a lack of clear policies for donor fund management. What should the auditor recommend to enhance governance and transparency? ○ A. Cease accepting donations until a solution is found. B. Limit the number of donors to reduce complexity. OC. Suggest that an external body manage the donor funds. O D. Develop and implement comprehensive donor fund management policies.arrow_forward(a) Financial reporting in the public sector involves reporting on the government’s financial position and its financial performance. Essentially, it concerns a process of communicating the financial information, whereby elected official make informed choices about how to use the government’s limited resources to best serve the interest of the public. Discuss FOUR (4) objectives of financial reporting. (b) All government revenues and monies received have to be accounted for into a fund known as the Consolidated Fund. Fund Accounting is a self-contained accounting entity with its own assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures and fund balance. It is the financial accounting techniques adopted and reported in terms of funds in the operating statements and balance sheet of public sector organizations. There are three types of Consolidated Account in the fund. Discuss the THREE (3) accounts of Consolidated Fund.arrow_forwardDiscuss the basic assumptions of CVP analysis and how can we use CVP analysis in making decisions in a not-for-profit organization, as well as a for-profit organization?arrow_forward
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SEE MORE QUESTIONS
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Recommended textbooks for you
- Principles of Accounting Volume 1AccountingISBN:9781947172685Author:OpenStaxPublisher:OpenStax College
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ISBN:9781947172685
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Publisher:OpenStax College