Wednesday, October 31, 2012

November Learning Community Events!



November has a great line up of classes @RAFFALearning including social media, cloud based technology, and propelling your organization with video:  Register Today!

Social Media for Nonprofits- The What, Why & How of Social Media
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
12:00pm-2:00pm

Why a Cloud Based Accounting System is the Right Choice for Your Business
Thursday, November 8, 2012
8:30am-11:30am

Evaluating the Leading Mid-Market Accounting Systems in Today's World
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
8:30am-11:30am

Propel Your Organization with Video: Tell Your Organization's Story
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
12:00pm-2:00pm

Many more valuable Learning Community events coming your way! 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

@RAFFALearning presents: Build Capacity with Dynamic Volunteer Engagement

Wednesday, October 31st 12:00-2:00pm
 
Move your engagement of volunteers up a notch – by engaging leaders and skilled volunteers to save money, make money and get the job done.  Tap more volunteers in such areas as finance, IT, marketing, graphic & web design, events planning and many other areas. See how, with the right level of support and vetting, volunteers can take on key leadership roles - even serving as part-time program managers.  Discover what motivates the new breed of volunteer to give their time and money. Findings from a recent Volunteer Engagement Stars report showcases nonprofits that leverage stakeholders in new and innovative ways.
 
Areas covered include:
·    Challenges faced by nonprofits in this economy and role volunteers can play
·    Spectrum of volunteer engagement framework
·    Nonprofit culture around volunteering:  How did we get here?
·    Understanding why nonprofit staff are resistant - especially to leader volunteers
·    Success stories from local nonprofits where volunteers bring an impressive return on investment.
·    Interchangeable nature of nonprofit stakeholders: Today’s volunteer is tomorrow’s donor.
·    Shifting from volunteer management model to volunteer engagement model
·    Utilizing capacity building volunteers
·    Eight key recommendations
 
**To get prepared for next week's event, check out this great Q&A featured in The Chronicle for Philanthropy
 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

@RAFFALearning presents: Accounting for Leases- Basics and Updates

Registrants- Join Us Today! 12:00-2:00pm

Seminar Overview:

The accounting profession recognizes leases as either an operating lease or a capital lease (finance lease). An operating lease records no asset or liability on the financial statements, the amount paid is expensed as incurred. On the other hand, a capital lease is recorded as both an asset and a liability on the financial statements, generally at the present value of the rental payments (but never greater than the asset's fair market value). To distinguish the two, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) provided criteria for when a lease should be capitalized, and if any one of the criteria for capitalization is met, the lease is treated as a capital lease and recorded on the financial statements.

For more information about this and other great seminars-  visit our Events Page:

Monday, October 15, 2012

October Learning Community Events!

We're having a great season @RAFFALearning and October will conclude with several more classes including technology, accounting, and volunteer engagement:  Register Today!

**Upcoming Classes**

How To Save Money on Your IT Infrastructure
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
8:30am-11:30am
Accounting for Leases - Basics and Updates
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
12:00pm -2:00pm
Build Capacity with Dynamic Volunteer Engagement
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
12:00pm-2:00pm

Many more valuable Learning Community events coming your way!


Light the Night Walk 2012

Light the Night was a great success and we're still so close to our team goal.  You still have time to donate to TEAM RAFFA by clicking here:  Light the Night Donations!

Thank you!

About Light The Night
Light The Night is a relaxed two-three mile walk.  The Walks take place in the evening and walkers carry illuminated balloons -- white for patients and survivors, red for supporters, and gold for those who have lost their battle to blood cancer.  Anyone can take part -- children, adults and seniors are welcome!  It's a casual fundraising event with music, food and fun prior to the Walk.  Everyone who raises $100 or more will become a Champion For Cures and will receive a Light The Night t-shirt, illuminated balloon and access to food and entertainment at the Walk.

Pictures from the 2012 walk will be posted soon; in the meantime, take a look back at 2011!





Friday, June 29, 2012


What was Learned:

This week's learning seminars were focused in Professional Services Accounting Systems led by RAFFA's subject matter experts Seth Zarny and Glenn Anstead, and the Healthcare Reform seminar led by Jon Zeisler. The focus of these seminars were to learn how you can solve your project management challenges with a cost effective Microsoft Dynamics solution, and to understand how the PPACA law has changed and what lies ahead for employers over the next two years.


Our Presenters:


Professional Services Accounting System Seminar

Seth Zarny is the Information Technology Partner at RAFFA. He joined the firm in 2004 after 19 years as a Principal with Information Resource Associates, a financial systems and technology consulting firm. He sold the company to EYT, formerly Ernst & Young Technologies, in 2003.

Seth specializes in technology consulting services for Raffa Tech clients, including financial system implementations for several leading product lines, modifications and integrations with existing applications, custom database and web-based projects that require design and developments services, and infrastructure support projects, including network upgrades and consolidations. Seth regularly consults with CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and other executives across a wide range of financial system, information technology, and business process projects. Seth remains up to date on key technology trends for the nonprofit community.

Seth has been active with financial system implementation for twenty+ years.. Seth has implemented a wide variety of technology projects including a Business Intelligence (BI) application for a World Bank Division, the financial applications including payroll for the Supreme Court of the U.S., and financial system services to C-Span.



Glenn Anstead is the MAS Technical Senior Manager, and is responsible for managing the professional services staff within the Management Accounting Systems (MAS) practice. His 25 years of experience in business ranges from CFO to Sr. Project Manager.  Glenn has managed both large and small technical engagements, including a large publicly traded insurance firm, where he was responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a custom invoicing and collections management system that integrated with Microsoft Dynamics.  Glenn is one of twelve partners nationwide that serves on the Microsoft Dynamics SL Partner Advisory Board.  He is also an accomplished finance and accounting systems professional with proven experience in project management, business analysis, systems integration, accounting software implementation, government contracting, financial management, cost analysis, and strategic planning. 
At RAFFA, Glenn is focused on ensuring that the MAS engagements are properly planned, executed and delivered.  His specialty is project management implementations. 

Glenn is a Certified Public Accountant.  He received his Master of Administrative Science (MAS) degree in Financial Management from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Hillsdale College, Michigan.
 


Healthcare Reform Today

Jon Zeisler has been involved with employee benefit plans for his entire career beginning in 1995. He has extensive experience in designing, communicating and providing advice concerning all types of employee benefit programs, including fully insured and self-funded group health plans, consumer-directed plans, and wellness programs.  Mr. Zeisler is the Director of Group Benefits at Raffa Financial Services where he leads the strategic direction of the department and oversees a staff of twelve experienced benefit professionals. 
Education:  Arizona State University (B.S., in Finance).  Professional Licenses: Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Michigan.  Member:  National Association of Health Underwriters, Maryland Association of Health Underwriters, Society for Human Resource Management. 

Friday, June 22, 2012



Related Articles to Upcoming Events!

Check out these articles relating to next weeks RAFFA Learning Community events! Get familiar with the topics of our upcoming seminars. Register Here


Getting Prepared for an A-133 Audit
Title: What Foundations Need to Know about Federal Funds Management
Author: Daniel Rader
Website: Council on Foundations
Article Link: Read Here!
Article Summary:
Many non-profit organizations are under pressure due to the recent struggles of the economy. This article explains some of the Federal grant opportunities out there and what government regulations you must comply with as a recipient of these grants such as A-122, A-110 and A-133 OMB Circulars. In addition, you can see where to find federal grant opportunities and how you would prepare for them.
A major concern for non-profit organizations receiving a federal grant is the lengthy audit requirements associated with it. Questions such as, “How would my audit, as a federal grantee differ from my organization’s regular audit?”, “Are there award thresholds for federal grantee audits?”, “What are the differences between types of audits, and who pays for these audits?”, and “do they come out of my grant?” are all frequent questions that are explained.
After reading this article, you may be eager to learn how to ensure internal controls are established in your organizations in order to comply with federal regulations associated with your grant. The RAFFA Learning Community has an event that will teach you just that. Sign up for our free, Getting prepared for an A-133 Audit here!


Title: Introduction to OMG Circular A-133
Author: John Meriscko
Website: nonprofitaccountingbasics.org
Article Link: Read Here!
Article Summary:
Nonprofit organizations that receive Federal awards and grants have specific regulations and requirements in place. This article briefly lists and explains the 14 compliance requirements that should be considered in performing audits. These compliance requirements include; activities that are allowed, cost principals and management, eligibility, provisions and more.
 The Learning Community has an upcoming event  will go into detail on many of these regulations by explaining how your company can ensure internal controls are established to make sure you comply with all the requirements outlined in this article. Join us to learn how to prepare your organization for an A-133 Audit. Register here!


Accounting System Seminar Geared To Professional Services Organizations
Title: Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics
Author: Microsoft Website
Website: Microsoft.com
Article Link: Read Here!
Article Summary:
If your company is looking for a cost-effective project management system, then Microsoft Dynamics may be perfect for you. This article outlines all of the benefits this system has to offer. Microsoft Dynamics makes it simple for you to provide your company with the tools you need to be as useful and effective as possible with a recognizable Microsoft office interface.  By using a familiar system, it reduces the time needed for training and lets your company start reaping the benefits of the system right away.
                In this article you can see some of the many different options your company has when it comes to finding the right project management system. It outlines some of the different packages Microsoft has to offer with its Microsoft dynamics system. RAFFA is offering a Professional Services Accounting System seminar that will teach you exactly how a Microsoft Dynamics solution could benefit your company. Register today!



Title: “Rapid Adoption of Microsoft Dynamics Continues Across U.S. Government, Education and Health Organizations”
Author: Press Release - Microsoft Corporation
Website: Marketwatch.com
Article Link: Read Here!
Article Summary:
The article outlines the growing need for a cost effective project management system in many industries. Organizations from several different markets including government, educations and healthcare are rapidly adopting these types of systems.  The Microsoft Dynamics system gives companies the capability to address a wide variety of needs “from finance and human resources applications to information management tools”.  Realize the benefits of this system with easy-to-use tools that help with company collaboration and communication.
Many companies, from various different industries are implementing Microsoft dynamic solutions for both cost and efficiency.  The article outlines how companies are adopting this system for reasons including its flexibility and rapid time-to-value, tracking records, and improving coordination and management of information and services within a department.
                Learn more about why your company may want to switch over to Microsoft dynamics, or other project management systems at RAFFAs upcoming Professional Services and Accounting Systems Seminar. Join us and find the solution that is right for you!


Healthcare Reform Today!
Title: “How US health care reform will affect employee benefits”
Author: Shubham Singhal, Jeris Stueland, Drew Ungerman
Website: mckinseyquarterly.com
Article Link: Read Here!
Article Summary:
 You may not fully realize the full effects of the new Healthcare reforms. A study by Mckinsey Quarterly predicts how the PPACA will affect employers in the next few years.  Many of changes associated with the new law will not take effect until 2014. Mckinsey expects that as more employers become aware of the Affordable Care Act, it will cause a dramatic decline in employer–provided health insurance. 
The article points out how the healthcare reform will change the way employee’s value health insurance as a form of compensation.  The new laws could cause employers to completely change the types of health care benefits they offer to their employees.  In the next few years, employers will have to reconsider and change their benefit packages.
It will be imperative for employers to make sure they fully understand the ramifications of the new health care reform. If companies drop health insurance all together, the government has the right to raise taxes or even the employer penalty.  RAFFAs upcoming seminar, Healthcare Reform Today, will help you understand the possible effects of these new laws and what lies ahead for employers over the next two years. Sign up today!

Thursday, June 14, 2012



Upcoming Events!


Sign up today for the RAFFA Learning Community next week for topics such as Getting Prepared for an A-133 Audit, Accounting System Seminar Geared to Professional Services Organizations and Healthcare Reform Today!

A growing concern for many non-profit organizations is the audit requirements associated with receiving a federal grant directly from federal departments and agencies and making sure they comply with all of them. That doesn’t need to be you! RAFFA will show you how to ensure internal controls are established for your organizations to comply with Federal grand regulations.
Getting Prepared for an A-133 Audit

Come get an Introduction to OMB circular A-133 Audits of Nonprofit Organizations that receive Federal awards and how to ensure internal controls are established for the organizations to comply with Federal grant regulations such as A-122, A-110 and federal grant requirements.

Start Date: 6/26/2012 9:00AM – 11:00AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event please visit Event Details

 

RAFFA Technology Group is hosting another ground-breaking event. Join to learn about the next big trend! 

Does your project management system support both your project managers and financial managers’ requirements? Are your project managers able to assign staff, evaluate project deliverable status, and review project financials? Are you outgrowing your current systems and need an easy to use, cost effective, and efficient project and financial management system solution? RAFFA Technology will make it easy for you by teaching you how an effective software platform can help you manage financial and project management challenges with your organization.
Accounting System Seminar Geared To Professional Services Organizations

Join the RAFFA Technology Team for our Professional Services System Seminar to learn how you can solve your project management challenges with a cost effective Microsoft Dynamics solution.  This seminar will cover the following:  Monitoring Project Staff, Real-Time Project and Financial Reporting, Project Management & Job Summary Reports, Resource Management, Time and Expense Management, and much more!


Start Date: 6/27/2012 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event please visit Event Details

Healthcare Reform Today!
You may not fully realize the full effects of the new Healthcare reforms. Since PPACA was passed almost two years ago, the landscape of healthcare reform continues to evolve. The RAFFA Financial Services department invites you to our Health Care Reform Seminar To understand how the PPACA law has changed and what lies ahead for employers over the next two years.

Start Date: 6/28/2012 9:00AM – 11:00AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event please visit Event Details


For more information and to sign up for on future events please visit the RAFFA Learning Community Webiste

Tuesday, April 3, 2012


HOT Event!

RAFFA Technology Group is hosting another ground-breaking event. Join to learn about the next big trend! 

In this day and age cloud computing is all the rage, don't be left in the dust. RAFFA Tech. will review the options that Cloud Computing has to offer. Cloud Computing is still at an early stage, get ahead of the game and let the learning begin!


How to Evaluate Cloud Technology
 
The RAFFA Technology Team invites you to join us for a seminar on Cloud Computing.  Come learn about the different technology solutions and uses for cloud computing along with the financial impact this has on your organization.  This webinar is focused on educating organizations on the value of cloud computing and the supporting technologies currently offered in the market place.  Some of the areas we will cover include:

• Email Management - Document Management
• Back-up and Recovery
• Security
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and;
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

Start Date: 4/05/2012 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Location: RAFFA, P.C. - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar


To register for this event pleas visit Event Details

Monday, March 19, 2012

HOT Event!

Project-driven organization, such as government contractors, professional services firms, and construction companies must meet specialized customer, accounting, project management, and regulatory requirements that aren’t always supported by traditional accounting and business management software. With Microsoft Dynamics SL you always have access to powerful core project management and accounting capabilities. Microsoft partners have built on this platform to create solutions that can help you meet requirements that are specific to your industry. Learn more through this insightful seminar offered by RAFFA within the Microsoft office.


Professional Services and Government Contractors Financial Systems Seminar 
Does your organization struggle to manage your government contracts and related projects? Are you having difficulties tracking time and expense, as well as invoicing? Are you spending too much time meeting government regulations and DCAA compliance?  Learn how you can better solve your compliance and project management challenges with a cost-effective Microsoft based solution. We will cover: Real-Time Financial and Project Reporting, Project Management & Job Summary Reports, Earned Value Management, Resource Forecasting, Time and Expense Management (including Subcontractors), Provisional & Indirect Costs, and much more.  This seminar will include a live demonstration of Microsoft Dynamics..

Start Date: 3/28/2012 8:30AM - 11:30AM
Location: MICROSOFT OFFICE - 12012 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, VA 20190
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event pleas visit Event Details

Upcomming Events!

Sign up today for the RAFFA Learning Community next week for topics such as Private Foundations: Reasonable Compensation and Other Self Dealing Concerns and Educating and Presenting Financial Information to Board Members. 



Private Foundations: Reasonable Compensation and Other Self Dealing Concerns

One of the biggest areas of concern for all private foundations is that of self-dealing.  Do you know exactly who your disqualified persons are? Do you know which types of transactions are actually prohibited, regardless of the amount involved? Are you concerned about “reasonable compensation” for your foundation’s executive…are you sure you know what “reasonable compensation” means and what documentation you need to maintain?  Join us for a discussion of the processes you can implement to ensure that your executive’s compensation is reasonable and will stand up to an audit by the IRS and make sure self-dealing is nothing to be concerned about for your foundation.

Start Date: 3/28/2012 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event pleas visit Event Details


Educating and Presenting Financial Information to Board Members

For Executive Directors, COOs and CFOs:  To better educate the Board of Directors and those charged with governance, and there various committees that deal with financial matters, your organization’s interim and annual financial statements, internal controls and fraud risk, auditor rotation, and other matters.  This class will also address the role of the audit committee, the finance committee, and the Board of Directors, and how you might better manage them.. 

Start Date: 3/28/2012 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To Register for this event please visit Event Details


For more information and to sign up for on future events please visit the RAFFA Learning Community Webiste

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Upcomming Events!

Sign up today for the RAFFA Learning Community next week for topics such as Charitable Solicitation Requirements and Benefit Plan Audit Changes for 2012 



Charitable Solicitation Requirements

39 states and the District of Columbia require most "charitable" organization to register before "soliciting "contributions" in the jurisdiction. "Fundraising consultants," "professional solicitors." and "commercial co-ventures are also required to register in many states. You'll learn expansive definitions of the terms in quotes, the kinds of entities to which the registration business, and how to keep your charity or clients out of trouble.

Start Date: 3/14/2012 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event pleas visit Event Details


Benefit Plan Audit Changes for 2012 and Top Findings Review Discussion

Your annual plan audit does not have to be stressful. We will review plan audit requirements and how you can best be prepared for your audit to make it a more efficient and less stressful experience. Specific areas will include common audit findings: coordinating information from your plan service providers; timely completing your auditor's requests; and wrapping up the audit. We will discuss your fiduciary responsibility and risk regarding your plan audit and why you should be concerned in having an experienced firm perform your audit. 

Start Date: 3/14/2012 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To Register for this event please visit Event Details


For more information and to sign up for on future events please visit the RAFFA Learning Community Webiste
What was Learned

This week's learning seminar was focused in Nonprofit Financial Management & Accounting Systems, lead by our very own subject matter experets, Seth Zarny and Buu-Linh Tran. The focus of the seminar was placed around key topics such as the challenges and solutions of grants mangement for both financial and non-financial information, feild office accounting, and federal reporting alongside insightful 'demos' in Intacct and Dynamics GP.

Our Presenters:

Seth Zarny is the Information Technology Partner at RAFFA. He joined the firm in 2004 after 19 years as a Principal with Information Resource Associates, a financial systems and technology consulting firm. He sold the company to EYT, formerly Ernst & Young Technologies, in 2003.

Seth specializes in technology consulting services for Raffa Tech clients, including financial system implementations for several leading product lines, modifications and integrations with existing applications, custom database and web-based projects that require design and developments services, and infrastructure support projects, including network upgrades and consolidations. Seth regularly consults with CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and other executives across a wide range of financial system, information technology, and business process projects. Seth remains up to date on key technology trends for the nonprofit community.

Seth has been active with financial system implementation for twenty+ years.. Seth has implemented a wide variety of technology projects including a Business Intelligence (BI) application for a World Bank Division, the financial applications including payroll for the Supreme Court of the U.S., and financial system services to C-Span.


Buu-Linh Tran is the Senior Financial Systems Manager with RAFFA.  Buu-Linh has over 17 years of public accounting and consulting experiences.  At RAFFA, Buu-Linh is focused on ensuring that GP engagements are properly planned, executed and delivered.  Her specialty is project management implementations.
Buu-Linh also works with clients on accounting outsourcing transitions including accounting system reviews and implementations and ensuring that processes and procedures continue and work smoothly. In addition, Buu-Linh sometimes works as an interim CFO and assists clients with development and implementation of budgeting concepts, and works to ensure an efficient year-end audit process and successful implementation of business procedures.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Upcomming Event!

Join RAFFA  for upcomming seminars; hear our experts talk about the subject that matter to you and get your CPE Hours!

Nonprofit Financial Management & Accounting

RAFFA understands the challenges that Nonprofits, NGO's, and Associations face when it comes to providing grant tracking to funders and managers, managing multiple remote locations, and generating critical government financial reports.  Successful management requires providing high-quality service, but at the same time, careful administration of expenses and improving processes are ongoing requirements.  Spend more time securing grants and performing effective management with the right accounting system in place.

Start Date: 3/6/2012 8:30AM - 11:30AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event pleas visit Event Details

Friday, February 24, 2012

Upcomming Events!

Sign up today for the RAFFA Learning Community next week for topics such as Leading Mid-Market Accounting Systems and Leveraging Sharepoint for Dashboard Reporting!



Compare and Contrast the Leading Mid-Market Accounting Systems

Join the RAFFA Technology Group for this seminar evaluating a new accounting systems for your organization. This interactive session will compare leading mid-market ERP solutions in one power packed session, including Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Intacct, and SAGE MAS90. This session will also provide you with an overview of the selection criteria and questions you need to address when determining the right solution for your organization.

Start Date: 2/28/2012 8:30AM - 11:30AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To register for this event pleas visit Event Details


Leveraging Sharepoint for Dashboard Reporting

The RAFFA Technology Group again offers their expertise on Dashboard Reporting in the cloud. Learn how to integrate critical business data from various systems into the cloud with a central repository so employees can be more self servicing when accessing key business data.

Start Date: 3/1/2012 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Location: RAFFA - 1899 L Street, NW, 6th Floor Conference Room
CPE Credit: 2
*Available to attend through webinar

To Register for this event please visit Event Details


For more information and to sign up for on furute events please visit the RAFFA Learning Community Webiste