[mikey]

Hello, I recently accepted a position at a non-profit catholic charity as a staff accountant with 2 years’ experience. This position has a better salary, better benefits package and better mentor program than my previous position. My question is if I take this role, will it be impossible to transfer back into corporate accounting later in my career? I plan on taking and passing the CPA exam within the next 1-2 years. I am asking mainly individuals who have actually done or attempted this, not people who only have an opinion on the matter. Thanks.

[Accounting_is_Taxing]

I haven’t specifically worked for a non-profit, but I have worked for an accounting firm that does full-service contract accounting for non-profits. I would say my biggest specialization is in non-profit accounting. I have over two years of experience in it and I am just now starting a new job in a corporate accounting role.

I don’t think it will affect your job prospects very much. Non-profits usually get audited just like any other public corporation, so accounting procedures are going to be similar. You won’t have to meet SEC requirements, but you still will have to meet reporting requirements. Depending on the size, you may get more chances to broaden your accounting experience in the non-profit world. I know I did. Even though I was just a contractor, I was THE accountant for that non-profit, which meant doing everything accounting-related for that non-profit.

The only downside is the pay (usually). Although you are making more money now, there might be smaller increases in pay compared to a corporate environment. It really depends on what non-profit you are working for, but in my experience, most non-profit positions are paid less in the long run. If you stay too long, you could potentially be lowering your earnings. Just a small consideration. I doubt you will be stuck there, however.

[LongShot]

I know you're asking mainly for people who've done this, but you don't seem to have any bites. I've never worked for a nonprofit, but firm I work at does a boatload of crap for bunch of nonprofits. From what I've seen, you'll probably learn a lot more of what should be done, GAAP-wise, at a nonprofit. Nonprofits usually require annual audits so you'll know if you did it right or not. Small businesses, not necessarily the case.

From what I've seen, nonprofit books are usually way better than small businesses. Not all the time, and almost never perfect books, but generally speaking. And there are absolutely major exceptions, just talking generally.

From my POV, depending on the nonprofit, it's great experience. From corporate POV, no idea. That's just my opinion on the matter.

FAR - 75
AUD - 72; 87
REG - 64; 74; 84
BEC - 88

Done!!

[Author]

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