SPOTLIGHT: Inside 2025’s Boldest Shifts in the Nonprofit Sector

Unlocking Potential – A Closer Look at Private Operating Foundations

3 mins read
PKF O’CONNOR DAVIES: A private operating foundation is a sub-classification of a private foundation. Unlike a private non-operating foundation, a private operating foundation utilizes its resources to actively conduct its own mission-related exempt activities. Common examples of private operating foundations include museums, performing art centers, artist-endowed foundations, zoos, medical research facilities, libraries and environmental or archeological sites. But how and why, exactly, would a foundation pursue operating foundation classification? Let's dive into the requirements for classification and other key considerations.…

Enhancing Nonprofit Operations: Utilizing External Expertise to Boost Efficiency & Reduce Risk

2 mins read
ANCHIN ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS: As nonprofit organizations navigate the evolving challenges of 2025, strategic approaches are essential for optimizing operations and reducing risk. Balancing mission-focused objectives with limited resources, regulatory demands, and operational complexities requires thoughtful planning and the smart use of external support. By leveraging solutions such as operational reviews, outsourced accounting, and advanced technology like artificial intelligence, nonprofits can improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and better align resources with their mission. These strategies empower organizations to strengthen internal processes, reduce exposure to risk, and amplify their impact on the communities they serve.…

The Risk You Can’t Afford to Ignore – The Consequences of Operating Without an Internal Audit Function

4 mins read
In today’s complex regulatory and financial landscape, the Internal Audit (IA) function is not a luxury but a necessity. Internal auditing's primary objective is to provide independent and objective assurance that an organization’s risk management, governance, and internal control processes are operating effectively. Most organizations think they have this covered…

Budgeting for Nonprofits: Planning for Impact, Allocating with Purpose

4 mins read
Budgeting is more than numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a strategic process that empowers nonprofits to turn vision into reality. A well-crafted budget is not just about balancing income and expenses; it’s about aligning financial resources with your mission, maintaining transparency, and enabling your organization to deliver meaningful impact to the…

Nonprofits Must Strengthen Resilience to Navigate Federal Funding Uncertainty

The nonprofit sector stands at a critical crossroads. Federal funding, which has served as a bedrock for many organizations across diverse mission areas, faces an uncertain future. Recent Congressional budget negotiations, changing administration priorities and shifting political landscapes have created what many nonprofit financial leaders are describing as a "flux"…

CFO & Leadership Catalyst

Shedding the Shadow Skin: An Open Dialogue on Executive Growth and the Modern CFO

5 mins read
We all carry a shadow skin. Not physically, of course, but mentally and emotionally. It is the version of ourselves built over time by pressure, disappointment, fear, and misinterpreted success. For CFOs and executive leaders, this shadow skin functions both as armor and as a burden. What fascinates me is that it begins as a survival tool. It helps us make it through. It keeps us safe. At some point, though, it becomes something else entirely. It starts serving as a barrier to becoming who we were meant to be as leaders.…

The Game-Changing Power of a CFO with Business Development Skills: Bridging Finance and Strategic Growth

6 mins read
Traditionally, the CFO’s role has been centered around core financial responsibilities such as reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. While these responsibilities remain crucial, today’s CFOs are stepping into a more strategic, forward-thinking role that drives business development, fosters growth, and fuels innovation. This article explores…

Every CFO Falls into One of Two Camps

1 min read
1. The Defensive CFO This CFO sees change as a threat. They stick to old objections: They view AI as a risk to be managed, not an advantage to be leveraged. Meanwhile, AI-driven finance teams move faster, cut costs, and gain deeper insights. But history is clear skeptics always fall…

Technology & AI

Beyond Spreadsheets: AI-Driven Budgeting

1 min read
In the evolving landscape of finance, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s becoming a critical tool for staying ahead. Anna Tiomina, founder of Blend to Balance and a recognized…

Harnessing the Power of AI

3 mins read
In a recent session with The Financial Executives Networking Group, CFOs, Controllers, and Treasurers convened for…

Financial Strategies & Management

Unlocking Hidden Cash: Calvetti Ferguson’s Experts Reveal Sales and Use Tax Refund Opportunities

1 min read
CFOs, controllers, and treasurers are sitting on a goldmine – untapped sales and use tax refunds. Calvetti Ferguson, a regional accounting and consulting firm with clients nationwide, is helping businesses unlock this hidden cash through expert-led refund reviews. Brian Valencia and Orges Lleshaj recently shared their invaluable insights with financial executives, shedding light on how to identify overpayments, explore potential exemptions, and maximize refund opportunities. Bryan, a seasoned tax expert who leads the tax incentives team, and Orges, head of Calvetti Ferguson’s sales and use tax practice, bring a combined wealth of knowledge to the table. Calvetti Ferguson Team’s Proven Track Record With a strong focus on tax compliance and advisory…

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Internship Opportunities at The FENG

1 min read
Internships are available, on a part-time basis, for college accreditation, at The Financial Executives Networking Group (The FENG). We are seeking creative and motivated marketing, graphics, communications and finance students to join our dynamic team. You will have the opportunity to apply and gain valuable experience in social media and…

Letter From The Editor–April 2025

2 mins read
The Financial Executives Networking Group is pleased with the continued success of the Financial Executives Journal, an online publication dedicated to industry thought leadership, career growth, and professional development. Featured Spotlight The current edition spotlights “Inside 2025’s Boldest Shifts in the Nonprofit Sector”, which explores the evolving landscape that mission-driven organizations…

Celebrating Women’s History Month at The FENG

1 min read
The Powerful Connection Between Paying It Forward and Women’s History Month The FENG is proud to recognize accomplished women and mentors that give generously of their time to pay it forward. They go beyond their professional achievements uplifting others, sharing knowledge, and empowering those around them. Their commitment to lifting…

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