A CPA’s Guide to Not-for-Profit Board Service

Not-for-profit (NFP) board service is one of the most impactful ways certified public accountants (CPAs) can leverage their professional skill sets while making meaningful contributions to their communities. Whether you’re looking to advance a cause you care about, expand your network, build leadership skills, or amplify your organization’s community presence, joining an NFP board offers a powerful avenue for making a difference.

WHY CPAs AND NFPs GO HAND IN HAND

NFPs rely on board members to provide strategic direction, safeguard financial stability, and support initiatives that drive social change. These needs align naturally with a CPA’s core professional strengths, which are rooted in financial stewardship, governance, and integrity.

Despite this clear alignment, the pathway to board service can feel intimidating for many CPAs, especially for those new to the NFP sector or unsure of how their skills translate beyond traditional business settings. However, this hesitation often overlooks a critical reality: NFPs commonly operate with lean teams, making CPAs’ specialized financial oversight invaluable. As CPAs, our financial acumen and strategic thinking can be truly transformative for mission-driven organizations. In fact, Tristan Slemmons, senior manager of Social Impact Activation at Deloitte Services LP, says there’s a consistent, high demand for specific financial skills within the NFP sector.

Beyond technical experience, NFPs value the professional networks that CPAs can bring to the table. Slemmons, who also serves as a board member for The Gray Matter Experience, emphasizes that organizations gain “new introductions and deeper connections” when board members serve as ambassadors. In this capacity, a CPA can act as a key link between the NFP and new resources.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF BOARD SERVICE

While passion for an NFP’s mission should remain the driving force for wanting to join its board, serving can also offer substantial opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are a few potential benefits:

• Expanded professional networks: Board service can introduce you to an array of civic leaders, executives, and peers across industries who share common values. The collaborative and problem-solving environment of a board fosters high-level networking and can help CPAs build deep, trust-based relationships.
• Leadership and skill development: Board service offers a practical training ground for leadership, offering opportunities to fine-tune skills that may not be part of your daily job description. Speaking from her perspective as a founding member of the WOW Council for Youth Guidance, Slemmons explains: “It’s important not to limit yourself by only serving in areas tied to your day job. You can also use board service as a chance to learn in new areas—it rounds you out as a professional.”
• Visibility: Board involvement can elevate the visibility of both you and your organization. For instance, if you contribute to a successful NFP initiative, it can reinforce your reputation, and the reputation of your employer, as a community-minded leader. This increased presence can strengthen brand trust and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.
• Personal fulfillment and purpose: Beyond the career advantages, there’s a strong sense of purpose that comes from witnessing an organization’s impact firsthand. “It creates a greater sense of empathy and understanding of what others are going through, expanding your mind and heart,” Slemmons highlights. This fulfillment can provide a meaningful counterweight to the pressures of a traditional career.

TYPES OF BOARD SERVICE

It’s important to consider that not all boards are the same, and NFP organizations offer multiple entry points that vary in responsibility, time commitment, and fiduciary obligation. Understanding these differences can help you identify opportunities that align with your experience, availability, and interests. 

While specific titles may vary across the sector, here’s a breakdown of the most common forms of NFP board service:

• Associate or young professional boards: These boards primarily consist of early-career professionals (often under age 40) who serve as support to the board of directors and take lead in organizing fundraising events. They may also be tasked with managing mentoring programs and community outreach, especially through social media. These boards can serve as an entry point for emerging leaders who want to support an NFP, build their skills, and expand their professional networks. The financial contribution requirement is minimal, and the members have no fiduciary or governing power.
• Advisory boards, councils, or committees: These groups provide guidance and specialist knowledge to the main board and NFP leadership. They may be formed to tap into the experience of subject matter experts, influential community members, or other valuable networks to provide perspective on strategy and help expand the organization’s reach. Similar to junior boards, these groups generally don’t have any fiduciary or governing power—although they may offer recommendations.
• Governing board of directors: This board is the ultimate authority in the organization and sets the overall strategy as a decision-making body. Members are elected or appointed according to the NFP’s bylaws and typically represent a range of skill sets, including finance, legal, sector expertise, fundraising, and governance. The main responsibilities of these board members include providing oversight, setting strategy, and securing resources (which typically entails a personal financial contribution or a commitment to fundraising). This board bears both legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization’s actions and finances, especially in the form of approving the NFP’s budget and key policies, as well as ensuring compliance with laws. This board meets regularly and typically votes on major decisions.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR JOINING A BOARD

Beyond determining what type of board to serve on, the next challenge becomes finding an NFP that’s the right fit for you. Here are five steps for finding and securing a seat at the table:

1. Identify causes that matter to you: Consider the issues you care most about, such as education, conservation, health, housing, arts, social justice, or economic development, and identify organizations whose missions resonate with you. Exploring the NFPs your organization already supports is another good place to start, as these relationships can provide a natural introduction to board opportunities. Formal board-matching services or professional social media platforms are also common avenues to connect with NFPs.
2. Conduct due diligence: Before raising your hand for service, take time to understand the organization’s mission, programs, leadership, and impact. Review their website, recent news coverage, and public communications to assess effectiveness, transparency, and reputation. Of course, for CPAs, performing a deep dive into an organization’s financial health should also be part of this process. Make sure to review the NFP’s annual report, IRS Form 990, and audited financial statements. Many NFPs publish these documents online, and there are platforms that provide centralized access to financial and governance information. Understanding the diversity of the board and sources of funding is also recommended. Slemmons advises caution regarding board size and expectations: “Don’t assume a small board means less governance. Even large organizations might have financial issues or require a lot of fundraising by board members—do your homework.” Additionally, Slemmons reminds CPAs to understand their own organization’s rules regarding outside service: “Even though board service is in your personal name, it’s important to clear it with your company.”
3. Understand expectations and fit: Clarify expectations up front, including time commitments, term limits, meeting schedules, committee work, and fundraising obligations. Prospective members should also inquire about “give/get” policies, which represent the amount a board member is expected to personally donate or raise from their network. “Go to events, volunteer, meet program staff or leadership, and see if the culture fits you,” Slemmons advises.
4. Build relationships: Not all NFPs publicly advertise board openings. Often, the best path is to build a relationship first through volunteering, committee service, or financial support before raising interest in board service. Demonstrating commitment and alignment with the mission is generally a baseline expectation for board consideration.
5. Apply and interview: This process can range from very formal to fairly casual depending on the NFP. “There’s often a nominating committee. You might have to send a resume, interview, meet other members, and wait for a vote. Conversely, I’ve seen introductions lead to placement in two weeks. It really depends on the NFP’s size and governance needs,” Slemmons explains.

If a seat isn’t currently available, you can ask to be placed on a candidate list for future vacancies as board members reach their term limits. The overall application process should be used to ask thoughtful questions, speak with current board members, and confirm mutual expectations.

OTHER BOARD SERVICE CONSIDERATIONS

As the NFP sector evolves, those who choose to serve on a board must be prepared to navigate a shifting strategic landscape. Beyond day-to-day governance, forward-looking boards are increasingly focused on the diversification of funding portfolios, ensuring financial stability across both governmental and private sources. Innovation also remains top of mind as NFPs figure out how to thoughtfully use artificial intelligence and other technologies to support their needs and the needs of the people they serve.

Additionally, as the NFP landscape remains highly competitive, Slemmons emphasizes that board members should be thoughtful of other organizations doing similar work. This awareness will allow you to advise, guide, and lead the organization toward a prosperous future. In some cases, this could mean recommending mergers or helping identify collaborative partnerships to maximize resources.

Given the NFP sector’s growing complexity, the demand for CPAs’ expertise will only continue to grow. Therefore, the most meaningful step you can take is to move from interest to action: Do the homework, find the right fit, and raise your hand to help shape the future of your community.

Garima Arora, CPA, is licensed in the state of Illinois.

This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication.