By Heather Kuhns, DBA, and Mark Koscinski, CPA, DLitt

The accounting profession has consistently supported community-building efforts over the years. In addition to the external positives of giving back, there are benefits to be had internally, including improved overall employee engagement, skills and leadership development, and a positive brand image. Working with nonprofit organizations, whether on a board or committee, can also contribute to networking opportunities, thus growing potential business opportunities for your firm. Every new nonprofit connection is a potential new client.

Personal and Professional Growth

Employee involvement with nonprofit organizations, in almost any capacity, provides opportunities for growth. It fosters a culture of social responsibility, which ultimately impacts a community’s vitality. Employees serving on boards or committees have an opportunity to connect to their passions while also developing leadership skills. Some of the skills that can be enhanced include decision-making, fundraising, and managing diverse perspectives. By exercising these skills with nonprofit organizations, employees gain ability and confidence that can be applied to their existing day-to-day roles. It can translate into greater initiative, motivation, and engagement and ultimately improved performance. Your employees can also develop skills in nonprofit accounting, which has its own unique and specialized features.

If your firm places a strong emphasis on community building, there is a greater likelihood that employees will want to volunteer or give back in some way. When it’s an important part of your firm’s culture, employees will seek out opportunities that align with those same values. By choosing nonprofit opportunities employees care about, your firm is ultimately contributing to a positive impact in the community as well as on employees.

Expanding the Network

Employees serving nonprofit organizations broaden connections for the firm and create new business opportunities. With decreasing funds and smaller staffs, nonprofit organizations rely on the expertise and talents of volunteers and value partnerships. Examples might be an accounting firm lending its expertise to help coordinate an annual audit, preparing relevant financial analyses, or tackling other functions that may be outsourced.

Serving a nonprofit organization also offers personal growth opportunities. Contributing to the community and connecting with a cause important to employees is important emotionally, but it also helps enhance personal brands. When employees understand their personal brand, they also understand how they can contribute on a deeper level to their organizations. As greater opportunities arise, it allows employees to contribute even more to the positive impact the firm is making in the community.

Developing and Enhancing Skills

Serving a nonprofit organization promotes skills development on many levels, all of which are transferable to an employee’s job. Some specific skills include leadership development, decision-making, budgeting, and managing conflict. If an employee is pursuing a promotion or greater responsibility in his or her current role, serving on a nonprofit board is the perfect way to demonstrate commitment, leadership, and readiness.

Many initiatives brought to a board of directors require consensus building or ways to generate buy-in – important skills for employees to develop. They will learn how to negotiate and persuade other professionals to adopt a particular course of action. Additionally, helping to make decisions for a committee or board may serve as a great steppingstone for managing a team. Serving a nonprofit can also foster skills such as time management and conflict resolution, both of which also translate to improved processes within the workday.

Exploring Opportunities

Helping your employees identify potential volunteer opportunities is an important aspect of the process. Many employees, especially younger staff or those new to your region, may not be aware of the community’s needs. Sharing networking opportunities or attending community events are ways to identify potential needs. Even if there aren’t nonprofit opportunities that align with your firm’s focus, there may be other needs and employees may gravitate to organizations that support specific interests. Providing training or workshops for employees new to volunteering will send a positive message that your firm is committed to philanthropy. The key is finding the right connection for you and your employees, all while fostering goodwill within the community and building your brand image.

Heather Kuhns, MBA, DBA, is an assistant professor of practice in management at the Moravian University School of Business and Economics in Bethlehem, Pa. She teaches marketing, management, and leadership disciplines. Kuhns also is owner/chief inspiration officer of zenspire communications, a boutique agency specializing in branding, social media strategy, and communication planning. She can be reached at kuhnsh02@moravian.edu.

Mark Koscinski, CPA, DLitt, is an associate professor of accounting practice at the Moravian University School of Business and Economics, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate accounting courses. Koscinski has worked for a Big 4 accounting firm and also held various executive positions at privately held and public companies. He can be reached at koscinskim@moravian.edu.

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^{Statements of fact and opinion are the authors’ responsibility alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the PICPA's officers or members. The information contained herein does not constitute accounting, legal, or professional advice. For actionable advice, you must engage or consult with a qualified professional.}