Alan Strand

Current

Senior Program Director for Financial Services at The Nonprofit Center

Past

Owner at Strand and Associates
Interim Executive Director at California Association of Nonprofits
Director of Finance and Quality Reporting at California Association of Nonprofits

Operations Manager at California Association of Nonprofits
Manager at California Banquet Corporation - Shakers Restaurant
Volunteer at Peace Corps

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Education

California State University, Chico

Recommended

16 people have recommended Alan

Connections

149 connections

Industry

Non-Profit Organization Management

Websites

Alan Strand’s Summary

Alan Strand has 10 years of experience in nonprofit accounting, reporting, training and consulting, chiefly as Director of Finance and Quality Reporting with the California Association of Nonprofits (CAN). While with CAN, Alan oversaw the general ledger and chart of accounts; generated and presented financial statements; prepared and monitored the annual budget; managed cash flow, including multiple grants and contracts; managed annual audits, reviews and tax form preparation; oversaw the A/P, A/R and payroll processes; and created and maintained policies and procedures manuals for the organization's accounting and risk management. Alan also coordinated CAN's human resources function – including taxes, insurance, workers' comp, benefits and compliance – as well as the operations and technology sides of the organization.

In addition, Alan created and presented more than 50 highly-rated workshops and seminars across California and the U.S., training 1,500 people on nonprofit accounting standards, practices and procedures. He has trained nonprofit professionals at events hosted, among others, by CAN, the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, The Ventura Community Foundation, The Flintridge Foundation and The Santa Cruz Community Foundation. Alan also sat on Independent Sector's Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, 990 Sub-committee, which made recommendations to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee about changes to Tax Form 990.

Throughout Alan's nine years with CAN, he responded to over 6,500 Helpline calls on nonprofit financial management, general management, human resources, compliance, policies and procedures and governance issues, and coordinated the organization's partnership with the Nonprofit Risk Management Center.

Alan Strand’s Specialties:

Nonprofit accounting, human resources and internal controls. Teaching about nonprofit financial concepts to both financial and non-financial folks.

Alan Strand’s Experience

Senior Program Director for Financial Services

The Nonprofit Center

(Non-Profit; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

November 2009 — Present (1 month)

I will be managing the Center’s accounting and bookkeeping services as well as marketing all the Center’s programs.
Owner

Strand and Associates

(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

December 2008 — October 2009 (11 months)

Strand and Associates provides consulting and contracted services to help nonprofits manage their money more effectively and efficiently. Our services include:

Bookkeeping: We offer bookkeeping services to help you meet your day-to-day financial needs (including general ledger, A/P, A/R, reporting and payroll) in a knowledge-able, professional and cost-effective way.

Financial Systems Analysis and Development: We can evaluate your financial system’s functions and efficiency; recommend and implement tailored solutions; train your staff to use the new or upgraded system; and turn the system back over to you with ongoing support.

Outsourced CFO: A CFO package may include providing quality control for accounting functions; creating and presenting financial reports; facilitating budget processes; overseeing audit preparation and processes; developing internal controls; ensuring compliance; and other financial and accounting functions specific to your nonprofit’s needs.

Strand and Associates offers off-the-shelf and customized workshops and seminars to single organizations and to associations, foundations, trade groups and others looking to reach a wide audience of nonprofit professionals. Topics may include:

Nonprofit Accounting Basics: This training builds the skills and knowledge to operate a professional and transparent accounting system in your nonprofit.

Accounting for Non-Accounts: A Financial training for folks who don’t handle the money but still need to understand how it all flows

Financial Management in Tough Times: This training helps nonprofits develop strategies for getting through a difficult economic climate with their missions, programs and budgets intact.

Introduction to the New 990: This workshop familiarizes nonprofits with common pitfalls in filling out the 2008 Form 990.

Custom On-Site Trainings: You can order custom, on-site training for your staff or board.
Interim Executive Director

California Association of Nonprofits

(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

June 2008 — December 2008 (7 months)

Provide oversight, direction and day-to-day management of personnel, finance, fundraising, administration and program functions.

Bolster staff morale during a difficult period of the organization’s history.

Monitor and secure staff performance and completion of organizational objectives.

Ensure clear and effective communication among staff, board, members and partners.

Work with board to manage and facilitate assessment and transition process.
Director of Finance and Quality Reporting

California Association of Nonprofits

(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

January 2002 — June 2008 (6 years 6 months)

Fiscal Responsibilities:
Design and oversee financial systems and operations order to assure integrity and compliance.

Work closely with directors to develop and adhere to financial policies and procedures.

Develop, administer and continually monitor organizational and program budgets.

Provide safe and efficient receipt, custody, management and disbursement of restricted and unrestricted funds; generate financial reports for all stakeholders.

Develop, analyze and forecast the daily cash flow to assure adequate cash balances.

Evaluate tax liability impact of contemplated actions; minimize organization’s tax burden; deal with tax authorities; oversee development of tax returns.

Administrative Responsibilities:
Work closely with directors to develop and adhere to personnel policies and procedures.

Ensure organizational protection through regulatory compliance and risk management.

Administer and track employee time and records; generate personnel reports and employment data; manage payroll; maintain retirement records; ensure proper management of investments.

Plan and oversee information systems including purchasing, installation, maintenance and upgrades; electronic communications; other office equipment, maintenance and related needs.

Perform accounting tasks and supervise half-time staff member performing additional such tasks.

Program Responsibilities:
Provide consulting services to streamline accounting systems and ensure proper cost allocation.

Develop curriculum and act as lead trainer for Nonprofit Accounting Boot Camp.

Develop, write and maintain blog on nonprofit accounting trends, practices and regulations.

Sit on state and national committees, including Independent Sector’s Panel on the Nonprofit Sector (990 Subcommittee) to develop recommendations for U.S. Senate Finance Committee.

Respond to helpline calls regarding nonprofit financial, personnel, compliance and related issues.
Operations Manager

California Association of Nonprofits

(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

November 1999 — January 2002 (2 years 3 months)

Maintained books and records, processed payroll.

Developed and managed operational and fiscal procedures, maintained IT systems

Cultivated partnerships and sponsorships to generate income and benefit members.

Managed capital and inventory needs, reduced costs to organization.
Manager

California Banquet Corporation - Shakers Restaurant

(Food & Beverages industry)

June 1997 — November 1999 (2 years 6 months)

Managed busy restaurant with 35-member staff; held final approval on all hiring and firing decisions; performed accounting tasks including bookkeeping, A/P, A/R and cost analysis; ensured effective work environment. Promoted from Assistant Manager to General Manager within two years of hire.
Volunteer

Peace Corps

(Government Agency; International Affairs industry)

July 1994 — October 1996 (2 years 4 months)

Health Education Technician in rural Moroccan village. Learned local language and culture; performed community health assessments; participated in outreach strategy discussions; performed outreach and health education. Coordinated menu and meal preparation and service for incoming Peace Corps trainees including managing diverse staff; adhering to budget; and managing inventory needs.