[REGTaker]

I was approached by a recruiter I know personally about whether or not I would be opposed to working at a NFP. I hadn’t really thought much about it until she mentioned it. I don’t know anything about the company or position yet…waiting on an email back from her, but it got me thinking that some of you may have experience with both profit and not for profit companies and would be able to tell me what the pros and cons are. My work history is in accounting departments at public corporations. Any experiences you have had would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[golfball7773]

I work for a NFP and love it. Yes the pay is about 15 to 20 percent lower compared to standard but the hours are great. Most NFP do not want to pay OT if you are not salaried.

Culture is more driven to service and the internal culture is much nicer and more forgiving then normal.

What other questions do you have?

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[REGTaker]

Thank you! Based on your response I feel like my current company operates more like an NFP that a big corporation. They don't pay as well, but use flexibility to attract new hires. The forgiving attitude we have allows people to stayed employed even after their performance has declined significantly. I am not sure what I was looking for really. Just wondering if I would be a good fit at an nonprofit to even determine if I should apply. How do the benefits compare? I know it will vary company by company, but in general I wonder if NFP's have better benefits–insurance, 401K contributions, etc.

[golfball7773]

I really enjoy working from 7 – 3:30 everyday or flexing once in a while to leave early on a different day etc.

My last NFP, the 401K(they outsourced) was awesome and health insurance was the best I have ever seen. At my new company, the health insurance and 403b are not as good. It is really going to depend on the size of the company. Since my employer is so big, they have negotiated really cheap term life policies without answering any medical questions. And I can take it with me if I leave. That is really nice for me since I have had 5 heart surgeries.

I will say that after being here for a year, I now get 18 days of pto a year and 6 holidays

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[Anonymous]

I worked for a NFP and didn't love it. It was smaller, so there weren't many opportunities for advancement. The pay was just okay. I also was really bored after a year, which was probably the main reason I left. Nothing about the job was challenging. However, the benefits were awesome. We had 7 hour work days, 20 days of vacation/13 sick days, 10% 403b matching and free health insurance. It's the kind of job I'll probably want once I have kids.

[cool_kid]

It depends on whether its a large NFP or small one. I used to work at a small one and I absolutely hated it. It can generally be hard to attract good talent because they don't have the money to pay well. And because of that, you may not be working with the most brightest or motivated people. Advancement was also very difficult. I would highly suggest working for a well known non-profit rather than just any one.

[REGTaker]

Thanks for the feedback guys. It doesn't sound like a good fit for me. The hours and benefits sound okay, but I already work for a company that can't afford the brightest and most motivated people. It's why I want to leave, so I really don't want to go into another organization that has the same issues. I will look into bigger non-profits if I go that route.

[Author]

Replies