Working remotely has been beneficial for nonprofit organizations, Accounting Today reported, but the arrangements also pose new challenges.
"With working remotely, this is really going to put an emphasis on cloud computing," said Neil Taurins, general manager of MIP Fund Accounting, a nonprofit accounting software developer. "But as organizations move to the cloud, they need to just be very considerate that the software and the tech stack that they're using does have the specific security that is needed to be able to allow for remote folks in a safe environment."
Nonprofits can also outsource work to accountants located at CPA firms, Jennifer Arbore, a partner at The Bonadio Group in Pittsford, N.Y., told Accounting Today. She provides outsourced accounting work for nonprofit clients.
"Flexibility means working with our coaches and mentors and figuring out what's necessary in order for individuals, especially women, to be successful," she said.
Consulting and staffing firms reported a continuing demand for remote jobs to help accounting firms.
“It's a strategic decision made by senior leadership," Sam Shah, executive vice president of global revenue operations at SAPRO, an assurance, tax and advisory consulting firm providing workforce talent to accounting firms, told Accounting Today. "They recognize the need to implement a more remote workforce to help them grow their business.”
Cybersecurity remains an issue for nonprofits whose workers are remote, said Taurins. “One of the things that organizations can consider is educating employees using software solutions,” he said. “Implement multifactor authentication, but also education from a personal standpoint, as well as a business standpoint, of what to click on and what not to click on. There are vendors out there that provide weekly or monthly training."
Shah added that training is important. That means “invest[ing] in the right technology and infrastructure. You make sure that you have the appropriate data policies in place, and you're creating a collaborative culture. ... [T]o create this culture that transcends the global landscape, it's important to try to match that community feel between the nine to five hours and the non-nine to five hours."