Presented by JMT Consulting
Featuring: Buu-Linh Tran, CPA (SVP of Financial Solutions, JMT Consulting)
Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA (Founders Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits, Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits)
Paul Preziotti, CPA (Partner, Johnson & Lambert).

Introduction: Why Nonprofits Must Rethink the Month-End Close

Month-end close is more than an accounting routine. It is the foundation for timely decisions, clear reporting, and donor confidence. Too many teams spend weeks reconciling spreadsheets or waiting on data, which leaves leadership working from outdated information. This session outlined practical techniques and tools that speed the close, raise accuracy, and free time for proactive planning. 

What Risks Do Nonprofits Face with a Lengthy Close?

• Delayed leadership decisions and reactive planning
• Reduced board and donor confidence
• Compliance and audit readiness gaps
• Team fatigue from repetitive manual work
• Higher risk of errors without real-time visibility 

How Can Nonprofits Streamline the Close?

• Use a checklist-driven process with pre-close steps
• Standardize templates for reconciliations and reports
• Improve cross-department collaboration and data flow
• Build audit-ready documentation into each step
• Apply automation and AI to reduce manual tasks and detect anomalies faster

Role of Technology: Automation and AI

Sage Intacct capabilities such as bank feeds, reconciliations, close checklists, dashboards, and key financial and operational reports help teams move from spreadsheet firefighting to real-time insight.

How JMT Consulting Supports Nonprofits Beyond Close

• ERP implementation and support for Sage Intacct and MIP
• Outsourced services covering transactional accounting, grants management, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and FP&A
• Business process assessment and strategic advisement
• Training and change support for lasting adoption 

Best Practices for a Future-Ready Finance Function

• Target a five-day close or faster
• Automate reconciliations and routine checks
• Standardize processes to lower error rates
• Give department leaders clear, timely, actionable reports
• Maintain audit-ready documentation throughout the cycle 

Ready to Transform Your Close Process?

With the right process and tools, nonprofits can shorten the month-end close, improve transparency, and refocus time on mission. JMT Consulting can help you assess your current process, align stakeholders, and implement the technology and habits that stick.