About Us
Mission
To provide high quality accounting services designed to meet the specific needs of the nonprofit sector. In addition to meeting the standards of our profession, our goal is to provide client service that is responsive, progressive, and timely.
Experience
We work with a variety of nonprofits:
human services, human rights, educational, arts and environmental organizations. These charitable organizations are tax-exempt under IRS code section 501(c)(3).
What makes nonprofit accounting so exciting for us is that all of our clients operate based on a different premise. Some are entirely grant funded, some fund operations with their earned program service fees, some are supported by an individual constituency or events, and most are a combination of all of these factors.
We approach our work desiring an understanding of what is important to our clients. We get involved, and, as a result, we enjoy long-term relationships. Because we specialize in serving nonprofit organizations, we keep abreast of the latest developments in nonprofit accounting and tax issues.
History
The practice was established in 1991 by Donna Cohen. In 2018 Tricia Anderson become a partner. Working exclusively with the nonprofit community since our inception, we have developed a reputation for providing high quality services designed to meet the specific needs of the nonprofit sector.
Cohen Anderson has performed hundreds of audits and reviews for nonprofit organizations throughout the bay area. In 2011, we made the strategic decision to stop performing audits, and to focus on proactive work with the nonprofit sector: helping agencies with their systems, reporting, and financial integrity. Many of our prior audit clients enlisted our services to help them improve their accounting.
The firm now works with over 30 nonprofit organizations. Working closely with our clients, we prepare monthly or quarterly financial statements, customized to meet the varying needs of each organization. We also set-up customized accounting systems, consult regarding internal controls, staffing, and financial matters, as well as prepare IRS, Franchise Tax Board and regulatory annual returns.
“Donna Cohen's office has provided services for our organization for years - spanning three different directors each with different styles. When I first became the director, Donna was willing to meet and explain the nuts and bolts of the reports and accounting as I had no experience in these areas. I often still make mistakes and Donna's office handles these recurring problems with grace and support. It is a great relief to have confidence in her and her firm.”
— Mary A. Stearns, Director
Alternate Defenders Inc.