We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide free financial consulting to nonprofit organizations by evaluating current systems, streamlining processes through best practices, and ensuring regulatory compliance to build strong accounting and finance functions.

• Animal Welfare – rescues, shelters, nonprofit clinics
• Arts & Environment – museums, art organizations, parks, conservancies, and environmental causes
• Education & Youth – schools, childcare, libraries, sports leagues, camps, and youth programs
• Healthcare – community health, recovery centers, behavioral health, and disability services
• Human Services – low-income housing, shelters, adoption services, domestic violence support, violence prevention, and memorial/legacy foundations

1. Finance Department & Startup Support:
Build or optimize nonprofit finance departments from the ground up. Services include ERP setup, internal controls, banking structure, budgeting systems, fund tracking, and establishing compliant financial infrastructure for new or growing organizations.
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2. Interim & Fractional Financial Leadership:
Serve as a temporary or part-time Director of Finance, Controller, or CFO during FMLA, parental leave, vacancies, or rapid growth. Maintain continuity in financial operations, reporting, compliance, and leadership support.
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3. Audit Preparation & Tax Compliance Readiness:
Ensure clean, timely audits with strong internal controls, reconciliations, and documentation. Act as a liaison with auditors to make audits and 990 preparation more efficient.
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4. Financial Consulting & Analysis:
Deliver consulting on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll, fund tracking, and revenue recognition (ASC 606). Lead software transitions. Align financial strategy with your mission and support leadership in making informed, data-driven decisions.
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5. Policy & Procedure Development:
Draft and optimize finance-related policies, including expense, travel, student loan, and lease accounting. Establish or update SOPs that support operational efficiency, accountability, and compliance.
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6. Banking, Treasury, & Capital Access:
Assist in opening nonprofit bank accounts, setting up dual controls, securing lines of credit, and building investment and reserve strategies. Provide practical banking and treasury guidance tailored to nonprofit realities.
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7. Cloud-Based Financial Operations & AI Integration:
Modernize your finance function with cloud-based solutions and AI tools. Transition to paperless systems, automate workflows, paying bills via ACH, and implement platforms. Improve efficiency while strengthening controls.

Michael B. Hefner, Founder and CEO, is a former nonprofit finance executive with over 15 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations build and strengthen their financial operations. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Finance (2008) and his Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Management (2019) from DePaul University. Throughout his career, he has worked with a diverse range of nonprofit organizations including:
- The Salvation Army
- SEIU Illinois Healthcare Benefit Funds
- Secure Community Network
- American College of Surgeons
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- National Equity Fund
- MPEA
He has also worked for major private-sector firms such as:
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- RSM McGladrey
- Great Wolf Lodge
- McShane Construction
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Outside of work, he enjoys spending time at the gym, playing golf, and exploring national parks. He has visited more than 20 so far. In 2021, he completed the Chicago Marathon, an experience that reinforced his belief in discipline, endurance, and consistent effort. He also have a deep and ever-growing knowledge of sports, which has been a lifelong passion. His two cats Hemi and Oliver bring a lot of laughter, personality, and calm to his daily life.
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Board of Directors
John W. Field III
Robert Odden
Matthew Schoenstene