Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What if our financials are messy or behind?
Is there a minimum commitment?
How quickly can we get started?
Do you work with startups or newly formed nonprofits?
What if we’re between Treasurers or finance staff?
You’re not alone, and this is more common than most leaders realize. We regularly help organizations clean up, organize, and stabilize their financials without judgment or blame.
We don’t believe in forcing long-term contracts that don’t serve you. Engagements are scoped clearly, and ongoing work is structured so you can plan confidently without feeling trapped.
Timelines depend on scope and capacity, but we prioritize a smooth, realistic onboarding rather than rushing into work without proper context.
Yes, when early systems and expectations are set thoughtfully. We often help new organizations establish clean financial foundations from the start.
We frequently support organizations during leadership or staff transitions, helping maintain continuity and institutional knowledge.
Services & Scope
Do you replace our Treasurer or Board finance committee?
Can you work with our existing bookkeeper or staff?
What accounting software do you work with?
Do you handle grants and restricted funds?
Can your services scale as we grow?
No. We support and strengthen governance—we don’t replace it. Our role is to provide clear, accurate information so your Treasurer and Board can fulfill their responsibilities more effectively.
Absolutely. We often partner with internal staff, outsourced bookkeepers, or volunteers to improve systems, reporting, and oversight.
We can and will work with whatever you are currently using, if anything. We typically work with common accounting platforms and can help evaluate, improve, or transition systems when needed. The goal is always clarity and simplicity, never unnecessary complexity.
Yes. Proper tracking and reporting of grants and restricted funds is a core part of our work, and we design systems that hold up to audits and funder scrutiny.
Yes. Our support is designed to evolve as your organization changes. Whether that means increased reporting needs, more grants, or preparation for audits, we can help.
Do you help clean up prior-year issues?
Yes. We regularly assist with catch-up work, restatements, and historical cleanups so organizations can move forward with confidence.
Can you customize reports for our Board or funders?
Absolutely. We tailor reporting to match what your board and funders actually want or need to see.
Audits, Compliance, & Risk
Can you help us prepare for an audit?
Do you act as our auditor?
Will you file our taxes?
Yes. We help organizations get audit-ready by improving documentation, reconciliations, and internal reporting—often reducing stress, time, and audit costs.
No. To maintain independence, we do not perform audits for organizations we support operationally. We do work directly with your auditors to make the process smoother.
Yes. We can prepare your Form 990 or support with 990 preparation by ensuring your financials are accurate, well-documented, and clearly explained before filing.
Communication & Process
How do we communicate and how often?
Will you explain things in plain language?
Who will we be working with?
Communication is structured and predictable. Depending on the engagement, this may include monthly check-ins, reporting cycles, and clear points of contact, so nothing feels ad hoc or reactive.
Always! Our job is not just to produce reports, but to help you and your Board understand them.
You’ll work directly with experienced nonprofit accounting professionals – not a revolving cast of junior staff.
Pricing & Practicalities
How is pricing structured?
Are your services covered by grants?
What does the intro call involve?
We charge a flat monthly fee (or by project) based on scope and complexity, not hourly surprises. After an initial conversation and light review, we provide a clear proposal so you know what to expect.
Generally, yes. Most funders allow accounting, audit prep, and financial management support as allowable administrative expenses. We can help you position this to ensure compliance.
It’s a conversation – no prep required. We’ll talk through your organization, current challenges, and whether Franklin Glen is a good fit. If it is, we’ll outline next steps. If not, we’ll point you in a helpful direction.
