CPAs Teach Nonprofit Leaders Preventative Measures

Nathan Wechsler & Company, PA Certified Public Accountants Kelli D’Amore and Ashley Davison will present the NH Center for Nonprofits workshop, “Guarding Against Fraud and Embezzlement” from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 28, 2015, in Lebanon, according to a press statement.

As repeatedly reported in the media, fraud, particularly embezzlement, is an increasing prevalent problem in business, even in nonprofit organizations. It causes great loss, not only financially, but in public perception and trust.

This half-day event will teach nonprofit executives, board leaders, legal counsel, business managers and others to detect and prevent fraud before it happens. D’Amore and Davison, both nonprofit industry experts, will give attendees specific steps on recognizing the signs of theft and embezzlement, tips for fraud prevention, how to deal with suspected theft, and how to create policies and procedures to deter fraudulent activities.

“Every nonprofit needs to take steps to prevent fraud in the workplace,” said D’Amore, who is a principal at Nathan Wechsler & Company, and directs the firm’s nonprofit practice.

“We’re very excited to present at this event, and to give our New Hampshire nonprofit leaders real tools to avoid fraud and protect our charitable assets.”

D’Amore serves on the Capital Region Board of the NH Charitable Foundation, the MSA Advisory Board at University of New Hampshire; and the governance board of the Portland, Maine-based Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, which serves Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Additionally, she’s a frequent featured speaker at nonprofit conferences, including the NH Center for nonprofits, the Council on Fundraising (CONFR), the Independent School Association of Northern New England, and the Finance & Risk Management Essentials for Nonprofit Leaders Regional Conference.

Ashley Davison joined Nathan Wechsler & Company in 2010, and was soon promoted to Supervising Senior Accountant. She directs fieldwork on engagements or projects, and oversees on-the-job training of staff members. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from Siena College, specializes in the nonprofit and manufacturing industries, and serves as treasurer and board member of the YWCA New Hampshire.

“Fraud and embezzlement is every nonprofit’s worst nightmare,” she said. “When it happens, it’s hard to recover from. We’re very proud that Nathan Wechsler & Company is sponsoring this NH Center for Nonprofits event to give nonprofits the fundamental training they need.”

Special guest will be Terry Knowles, assistant director of charitable trusts, office of the NH Attorney General. She will outline a nonprofit organization’s fiduciary responsibilities under New Hampshire law, and discuss current trends.

The fee for the event is $60 for members and $100 for non-members. Participants who register before April 21 will receive a $10 discount.

Details and registration are available at: nhnonprofits.org or call 603-225-1947.