Vendors are pitching stablecoin programs to community banks and credit unions — the TruStage TSDA coin being the most visible example aimed at our industry. Before committing, it's worth understanding the quieter, more deposit-friendly alternative regulators recently put on firmer footing. Here is the choice in plain terms.

Five strategic questions for leaders of arts and cultural nonprofits to assess whether their financial operations can support their future work. by Dorcas Riley, CPA Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Practice Leader We work with many arts and cultural nonprofits, and one thing we hear pretty consistently from Executive Directors is some version of this: "I know our finances aren't where they need to be, but I'm not sure exactly where the gaps are." That's a hard place to lead f

by Dorcas Riley, CPA Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Practice Leader A financial assessment offers significant value by identifying strengths, uncovering gaps, and providing actionable recommendations to optimize your finance and accounting functions. Below, I’ve outlined key benefits of this process: Ensures Audit Readiness: We evaluate your financial records, processes, and controls to confirm they meet regulatory and auditor requirements, reducing stress, audit cost, and m

by Dorcas Riley, CPA Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Practice Leader When does it make sense to bring in a fractional CFO or Controller to supplement your team? As the demands on nonprofit finance functions grow sharper, many organizations find themselves at a crossroads. You may find yourself managing: Diverse grants with strict restrictions Declining government support and tighter reporting deadlines Intense pressure to deliver accurate, timely financial reports and insigh

by Gardner Oleson, CPA Technology and General Business Practice Leader In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, CFOs and CEOs of startups and small firms rely on financial analytics to transform raw data into strategic insights. By integrating dashboards, scenario planning, and real-time KPIs into your finance function, you can make faster, smarter decisions that unlock growth. Here are some key points to consider. REAL-TIME DASHBOARDS & KPIs Consolidate data from accounting sys

by Dorcas Riley, CPA Nonprofit and Social EnterprisePractice Leader The recent uncertainty in federal grants presents a significant challenge for nonprofit organizations that rely on this funding to sustain their operations and fulfill their missions. As the Urban Institute recently reported, "95% of all U.S. counties have public charities that receive government grants. In every state, between 60% and 80% of nonprofits that rely on these grants would be at risk of a financia

Recently, Jack McCullough, CFO thought leader, author, Founder and President of The CFO Leadership Council, and member of Charles River CFO’s Advisory Board, presented his perspectives for 2025 to our team. 1. Economic Landscape and Policy Outlook CFO optimism is rising with confidence projected to reach 2021 levels (StrategicCFO360). Pro-business policies at the federal level including lower corporate taxes and deregulation may boost growth. Global trade risks persist and su

Three Key Challenges for Review this Fall As we approach year-end insurance renewals, it's crucial to review three important areas: Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance, clinical trial insurance, and cyber insurance. Early planning ensures your firm is prepared for upcoming changes and challenges. 1. Directors and Officers Insurance D&O insurance has experienced substantial changes since 2020. According to S&P Global, premiums increased by 38% in 2021 and 41% in 2022. Whil

With last week's solstice announcing summer, some adhere to tradition by leaping over bonfires for protection throughout the year. However,

(What you need to know about Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate) An organization's indirect costs are costs that cannot be directly attributable to a specific product, service or, in this case, grant. These indirect costs also known as overhead or administrative, go beyond project or grant costs. Geographical locations can significantly impact indirect costs. Ensuring these indirect costs are covered is essential for an organization’s sustainability and effectiveness. Funding a

Dorcas Riley joins Charles River CFO as Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Practice Leader and CFO

Seven areas of expertise an insightful CFO brings to a small business.