Background and Regulatory Issues -- Types of Not-for-Profit Organizations Covered by This Book -- Unique Characteristics of Not-for-Profit Organizations -- Financial Reporting Environment of Not-for-Profit Organizations -- Users of Not-for-Profit Organization Financial Statements -- Regulatory Environment of Not-for-Profit Organizations -- Establishing an Audit Committee and Determining Its Charter -- Charter and Bylaws Review -- Audit Committee Members -- Number of Audit Committee Meetings -- Meeting Attendance -- Minutes of Meetings -- Designation of Committee Chair -- Designation of a Committee Secretary -- Terms of Audit Committee Appointments -- Staggering Audit Committee Member Terms -- Annual Review and Reporting of Audit Committee Activities -- Ability to Hire Outside Counsel and Other Advisors -- Conflicts-of-Interest Statements -- Responsibilities of Internal Control over Financial Reporting -- Internal Control Basics -- Risks of Management Override of Controls -- Relationship of Internal Control to Financial Reporting -- Options for Reporting by Management and Independent Auditors on Internal Control -- Understanding and Addressing the Risks of Fraud -- Definition of Fraud -- Fraud in Relation to Financial Reporting -- The Audit Committee's Role in Preventing and Detecting Fraud -- Fraud Risk Factors to Consider -- Defining the Role of the Internal Audit Function -- Definition of an Internal Audit Function -- Relationship of the Audit Committee to the Internal Audit Function -- Internal Audit Function's Role in Supporting Management Assertions about Internal Control -- Establishing an Effective Whistleblower Program -- Sarbanes-Oxley Requirements for Audit Committees Relative to Whistleblowers -- Protecting Whistleblowers from Retaliation -- Audit Committee's Relationship with the Independent Auditor -- Defining the Broad Relationship of the Audit Committee and the Independent Auditor -- Procuring the Services of an Independent Auditor -- Understanding the Independent Audit of Financial Statements -- Monitoring the Independence of the Independent Auditor -- Communications Received from the Independent Auditor -- Optional Attestation about Management's Assertions Regarding Internal Control over Financial Reporting -- An Audit Committee Action Plan -- Holding an Organizational Meeting -- Reviewing the Audit Plan with the Independent Auditor -- Reviewing the Audit Results and Draft Financial Statements -- Reviewing the Independent Auditor's Management Letter and Addressing Internal Control Issues -- Holding Executive Sessions.
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"This book helps not-for-profit organizations cut through the chaos and confusion, analyze various proven financial and reporting methodologies, and implement the best practices and safeguards that best fit their organizations. It is a reference for those serving not-for-profit organizations, including audit committee members, individuals serving on boards of directors, managers, independent auditors, and legal advisors."--Jacket.