As Your St. Louis Nonprofit Accountant, We’ll Save You Up to 40% in Admin Costs
Serving the greater St. Louis area’s 2,795,504 residents and over 80,000 businesses spanning from Central West End to Soulard, Lafayette Square, and beyond for all of your St. Louis nonprofit accounting needs.
Are You Frustrated By…
- Being off your mission and programs because you’re sidetracked by admin tasks
- Never being able to catch up on your books
- Looking like a fool in front of your board
- Missing out on funding opportunities because of disorganized financials
We’re the Perfect St. Louis Nonprofit
Accountant for You, If:
What St. Louis Nonprofit Accounting
Services Do You Need?
- Internal bookkeeping (including grant fiscal management)
- Audit representation
- CFO advisory
- Nonprofit auditing (we work with your external auditor)
- Tax services
- Short-term consulting
We’ll handle your books, save up to 40% on your overhead ratio, and secure current and new funding
So you can focus on your programs.
CPAs Who Have Mastered Accounting Services for Nonprofits
While most CPAs shy away from the confusing and complex nature of nonprofit accounting, we focus solely on it. After having worked with nonprofits with a budget of $1M+ for over 25 years, we understand how to do your accounting like few do. That’s why our clients love working with us.
We are a team of detail-oriented, can-do nonprofit accountants and CPAs who strongly value responsiveness, integrity, excellence, helpfulness, innovation, professionalism, and fun!
We look forward to working with you, so we can help you focus on your programs, reduce headaches, get more funding, produce perfect audits, and look amazing in front of your board, all the while reducing your admin costs.
Syd Highley, CPA | Daily Balance
Managing Principal Trusted by Nonprofits
“In addition to cutting costs for accounting, Daily Balance has been most responsive to our needs. ”
“Their ability to step in, respond quickly to needs, and offer cost-saving solutions has been an incredible asset.”
“Daily Balance has moved us beyond a tiny little non-profit to a thriving business!”
“With Daily Balance, we’ve been able to spend 99% of our grants last year and achieve a level of financial health and compliance that we couldn’t reach before.”
“Daily Balance's team of experts have a huge heart for non profits and the essential services they bring to enrich our communities.”
“The knowledge that Daily Balance provides enables me to make better decisions in my business.”
“Using Daily Balance bookkeeping and tax services does not cost you; it saves you stress, time and money.”
“Syd and his team discuss solutions with us and provide solid options to consider as we are making business decisions.”
“Not being distracted by accounting issues, I can focus on increasing sales and market penetration.”
Everything You Need for Financial Success:
Bookkeeper, Audit Advocate & CFO
Bookkeeper
Real-Time, Precise, & Audit-Ready Financials
- Ensure all transactions are posted to the correct general ledger and cost-center
- Optimize grant spending to obtain full grant awards
- Prepare grant invoices on a monthly/quarterly basis
- Record salaries, payroll taxes, and employee liabilities
Audit Representation
Financial Audits Made Easy
- Prepare detailed audit schedules and workpapers
- Manage all auditor inquiries and requests
- Reconcile discrepancies before audit submission
- Implement adjustments to meet compliance
CFO Advisory
Unmatched Financial Expertise Tailored to Your Needs
- Address cash flow challenges effectively
- Enhance financial stability and growth
- Guide you to the funding you want
- Optimize systems for scalable growth
- Develop a comprehensive long-term financial strategy
What You Get When You Hire Us
Virtual CFO
Advisory
In Just 90 Days, You’ll Get:
- An organized and efficient accounting system
- Enhanced internal controls
- Easy-to-use, cutting-edge software to enhance productivity
- Comprehensive ongoing support
- Compelling reports so you can take decisive action
We'll Integrate with Your Accounting Software
6 Reasons You’ll Want to Work With Us
Accurate & Auditable
- We are detail-oriented
- We get the job done no matter what
- We simplify the complex
Quick & Responsive
- We return phone calls promptly
- We are on call for you 24/7/365
- We meet deadlines
No Downtime
You’ll receive one point of contact, but you’ll also have access to our team so that there is never any down time.
We internally cross-train so that even if your contact is out, you’ll always get the quick responses you deserve.
Our name says it all: Daily Balance. We serve our clients daily so they never have to worry about key person risk again.
- Dedicated accounting manager, plus team interaction
- 24/7/365 access to your financial data
- Updated in real time
- High-tech tools to streamline your processes
Save Up to 40%
By outsourcing your accounting department to Daily Balance, you can save up to 40% on your accounting costs, while getting better expertise, service, and value. In-housing a full-time data entry person, bookkeeper, and an accountant means you’ll have to pay their salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, 401-K contributions, insurance, paid time off, workman’s comp insurance, training and administration expenses, and overhead costs (space, equipment, etc).
By hiring us, you’ll simply pay a flat monthly fee, which is often already included in your program funding anyway.
- Flat monthly fee
- Included in your program funding
Financial Audit Representation
As your advocate, we handle your annual financial audits and will answer ALL of the hundreds of questions the auditor will have on your behalf. You’ll be happy to know that you most likely won’t even need to be part of the process.
You can stop feeling anxious and rest assured because we’ll make sure there are no surprises when your audit comes around.
- Stress-free audits
- No surprises
Increase Your Funding
As a non-profit, the backbone of your organization is funding, and that only comes as a result of accurate and meticulous books.
You no longer have to endure missed grant opportunities because you fail to have all the financials in place.
Your funders will be so happy to receive your accurate and unquestionable financials, and so will your future funders, because as your CFO adviser, we’ll guide and advise you on how to diversify with new funding.
- Clean financials on-time to your funding sources
- Guidance on funding diversification
Plus, You’ll Be Able To…
- Spend less time worrying about money
- Be of real service to your constituents
- Run your organization more efficiently and effectively
- Make smarter organizational decisions
- Be highly respected by funding sources
- Look good in front of your board
- Realize your organization’s full potential!
Loved by Auditing Firms
“Because of Daily Balance’s efforts we are able to perform our audits, reviews and 990 tax filings with the highest level of efficiency.”
Steven Nicolson
Independent Nonprofit Auditor
Your World-Class St. Louis Nonprofit Accountant
On-Call 24/7/365
No Surprises Guarantee
Proactive CPAs
Value-Focused Accounting
30-Day No Fault Agreement
Cloud-Based & Real-Time
Meet Your Nonprofit Accounting Team
Syd Highley
Amy Fryatt
Julie Asuncion
Norie Fabian
Tessa Joy De Vera
Ilonah Vivas
Let Us Lighten Your Load!
Book a call to discuss your nonprofit’s unique bookkeeping needs so we can provide you with actionable recommendations that will help you take control of your financials and make a bigger difference.
Fixed Fee
No Surprises
Guarantee
We believe in full transparency and respect, which is why we offer a fixed fee for our nonprofit bookkeeping services – it’s often already included in your program funding anyway.
Nonprofit Bookkeeping Resources
Nonprofit Accounting in Your Area & Beyond
Bakersfield Nonprofit Accountant
5630 District Blvd 102 Suite 202
Bakersfield, CA 93313
1 (661) 218-1122
111 N Canal St
ste 900 Floor 5 Room 7
Chicago, IL 60606
1 (872) 253-6677
Los Angeles Nonprofit Accountant
360 N Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 2000 Floor 3
El Segundo, CA 90245
1 (213) 463-8484
Sacramento Nonprofit Accountant
3835 N Freeway Blvd
Floor 1 Unit 11
Sacramento, CA 95834
1 (916) 999-5955
Your Next Steps
FAQs
The average cost to audit a nonprofit in St. Louis ranges from $7,000 to $20,000, depending on the organization’s size and financial complexity. Larger nonprofits or those with government grants may face higher costs, while smaller organizations may qualify for financial reviews instead of full audits.
Nonprofit consultants in St. Louis charge between $75 to $250 per hour, depending on their expertise and services. Some consultants offer flat-rate packages for fundraising strategy, compliance, or board development. Full-scale strategic planning or grant writing services may cost $5,000 to $20,000+ per project.
A nonprofit can operate without an accountant, but financial mismanagement risks increase. Accountants ensure compliance, donor tracking, and IRS reporting. Many small nonprofits use outsourced bookkeeping, accounting software, or volunteer treasurers but may require a CPA for audits, IRS Form 990, and financial planning as they grow.
A PESTEL analysis examines a nonprofit’s external environment through Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. It helps organizations anticipate challenges, adapt strategies, and assess risks related to funding, regulations, community needs, and technology trends to improve sustainability and impact.
The best accounting software for nonprofits in St. Louis includes QuickBooks for Nonprofits, Aplos, and Blackbaud. QuickBooks is ideal for small to mid-sized organizations, while Blackbaud serves larger nonprofits with advanced grant and donor tracking. Aplos specializes in fund accounting and church financial management.
1 Fun & 1 Interesting Fact About St. Louis
St. Louis is the birthplace of the ice cream cone, introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair. When an ice cream vendor ran out of bowls, a nearby waffle vendor rolled up his waffles to hold the ice cream, creating a treat that became an instant hit and is now a staple dessert worldwide. The fair also introduced other American favorites like the hot dog and iced tea, making it a landmark event for food culture. Beyond culinary history, St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the U.S. at 630 feet. Completed in 1965, the stainless-steel structure symbolizes the city’s role in westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram to the top for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the Arch was engineered to withstand earthquakes and high winds, with the ability to sway up to 18 inches in extreme conditions.
St. Louis Nonprofit Accounting Resources
What is the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants?
The Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA) is a professional organization supporting CPAs and accounting professionals in Missouri through education, advocacy, and networking. Established in 1909, it offers continuing education, career resources, and leadership training while advocating for the profession at state and national levels. MOCPA also provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and industry updates to help CPAs stay current with tax laws and accounting standards. With local chapters in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia, the organization connects accountants across public, corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, promoting professional development and ethical standards.
What is the Missouri Division of Professional Registration?
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration oversees the licensing and regulation of various professions, including accounting, healthcare, and engineering. Operating under the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, it ensures professionals meet education, experience, and ethical standards. The division manages regulatory boards, including the Missouri State Board of Accountancy, handling licensing, renewals, and compliance enforcement to protect the public and maintain professional integrity.
St. Louis, MO Local Resources
Top Companies in St. Louis, MO
More About Nonprofit Accounting in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, MO, has a population of around 293,000, with the greater metro area exceeding 2.8 million. The city has a diverse demographic makeup, with approximately 45% African American, 44% White, 4% Hispanic/Latino, and 3% Asian residents. It is a hub for healthcare, education, and technology, home to institutions like Washington University, Saint Louis University, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The city also boasts major sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) and St. Louis Blues (NHL), contributing to its strong community culture.
Residents enjoy a low cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, with distinct neighborhoods offering unique atmospheres, such as The Hill (Italian heritage), Soulard (historic French district), and the Central West End (arts and nightlife hub). St. Louis provides a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, with many professionals and families settling in areas like Clayton, Chesterfield, and Kirkwood. The city continues to grow with new developments and revitalization projects while maintaining its historical significance, strong community ties, and vibrant cultural scene.
Nonprofit accounting in St. Louis, MO, follows GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IRS regulations, ensuring transparency and compliance. Most nonprofits use accrual accounting to track donations, grants, and restricted funds accurately. Organizations must file IRS Form 990 annually and may be subject to audits or financial reviews, depending on revenue and funding sources. The Missouri Secretary of State’s Charitable Organization Division oversees nonprofit compliance, including registration and financial reporting.
St. Louis nonprofits often work with specialized accounting firms like Anders CPAs + Advisors, RubinBrown, and UHY LLP for audit preparation, tax compliance, and financial strategy. Local resources, such as the Regional Business Council’s Community Impact Network and the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation, provide funding and financial management support. Many organizations use QuickBooks for Nonprofits, Aplos, or Blackbaud to streamline bookkeeping and reporting. To maintain financial health, nonprofits must implement strong internal controls, board oversight, and strategic financial planning to ensure long-term sustainability in St. Louis’s competitive nonprofit landscape.
Daily Balance offers bookkeeping, audit representation, and CFO services for nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis area so they can focus on their mission/programs, rather than their financials. Our clients love our quick response time, fixed fees, and our proactive solutions.
Nonprofit Accounting Firm St. Louis Also Serves Cities Around St. Louis, Missouri
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