What is the difference between financial accounting and nonprofit accounting?

@aidan.jacobs 

Financial accounting and nonprofit accounting have several key differences:

1. Purpose: Financial accounting is primarily concerned with providing financial information to users outside the organization, such as shareholders, lenders, and investors, to enable them to make informed economic decisions. Nonprofit accounting, on the other hand, focuses on providing financial information to internal users within a nonprofit organization, such as board members, donors, and managers, to support strategic planning and decision-making.
2. Reporting Principles: Financial accounting follows Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), a set of standardized principles and guidelines issued by professional accounting bodies such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Nonprofit accounting follows a similar set of principles called Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for Nonprofits (GAAP for Nonprofits). While these principles are based on GAAP, there are some key differences in reporting requirements and financial statement presentation for nonprofit organizations.
3. Revenue Recognition: In financial accounting, revenue recognition is typically based on the realization principle, which recognizes revenue when it is earned and reasonably determinable. Nonprofit accounting, however, may have additional considerations for revenue recognition, as nonprofit organizations typically rely on contributions, grants, and donations. Revenue may only be recognized when the conditions attached to the contribution are met, such as restrictions on its use or the absence of donor-imposed conditions.
4. Fund Accounting: Nonprofit accounting often utilizes fund accounting, which is a method of segregating and tracking financial resources based on their purpose or restrictions. This allows nonprofits to effectively manage and report on funds designated for specific purposes, such as program expenses, capital projects, or restricted donations. Financial accounting, in contrast, does not typically utilize fund accounting unless an organization has multiple divisions or subsidiaries.
5. Tax-exempt Status: Nonprofit organizations often have tax-exempt status, which means they are exempt from paying certain taxes as determined by the local tax laws. Nonprofit accounting needs to comply with specific regulations related to tax-exempt organizations, including tracking income and expenses eligible for tax exemptions and proper reporting to maintain their tax-exempt status. Financial accounting for businesses does not have these specific tax-exempt considerations.

Overall, while financial accounting principles provide a foundation for nonprofit accounting, nonprofit accounting incorporates specialized rules and requirements to address the unique nature and objectives of nonprofit organizations.