Stuart Karas
Balancing ERP and Niche Solutions: Choosing the Right Path for Growth
The system(s) that once helped bring order to your operations may now be slowing things down. As organizations grow, shift focus, or respond to new demands, software that once felt like a perfect fit can start to feel restrictive. Finance teams rely on more workarounds. Spreadsheets multiply. Reports take longer to produce and answer fewer […]
CSV Import/Export, Batch, or Real-Time? How to Choose the Right System Integration Method
The promise of seamless system integration—real-time dashboards, automatic updates, reduced manual handling—often sounds too good to pass up. Vendors tout live data connections, executives expect instant visibility, and teams grow impatient when information does not flow. But full integration is not always necessary or worth the investment. In many cases, a well-mapped file transfer or […]
How to Document System Requirements Before You Choose New Software
New software opens up abundant opportunities for improvement: automated processes, streamlined workflows, system integrations, and much more. For many organizations, however, bridging the gap between current systems to new systems can be daunting. What begins as a push for efficiency can lead to frustration when the system fails to meet expectations—or worse, creates new problems. […]
Seminar Recap: Strategic Software Add-Ons to Streamline Operations
During AAFCPAs’ recent Nonprofit Seminar (April 2025), Robyn Leet and Stuart Karas of AAFCPAs’ Business Process & IT Consulting practice presented strategic considerations for nonprofit finance leaders looking to improve efficiency, automate painful manual operations, reduce duplication, and make better use of their existing software tools. Nonprofits often rely on a patchwork of systems—some modern, […]
Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Software Implementation
The Key to Successful Software Implementation is Careful Planning Implementing new software offers more than just a chance to update systems; it’s an opportunity to refine how your organization operates. While the drive to launch quickly may seem appealing, rushing the process can lead to missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and even long-term complications. A deliberate and […]
A Better Way to Track Representative Payee Services
For health organizations providing representative payee services, tracking expenses can be time-consuming, particularly when managing hundreds or thousands of client transactions and bank accounts. Many organizations rely on spreadsheets, which are risky, difficult to maintain, and lack real-time visibility. Month-end allocations and reconciliations further complicate client accounting and timely reporting. As a result, managers may […]
The Role of Internal Controls in Effective Risk Management
Internal controls—or the policies, procedures, and systems that safeguard assets and ensure compliance—are essential for managing risk. They help organizations prevent fraud, prevent and detect errors, and meet regulatory requirements. Beyond risk mitigation, internal controls enhance financial accuracy, protect critical assets, and improve efficiency. When aligned with organizational goals, they create a framework that supports […]
Is your chart of accounts an unnecessarily complex maze?
In the fast-paced world of business, growth often leads to complex challenges, especially in accounting. A common issue many organizations face as they expand is the management of increasingly lengthy account numbers. These numbers, which detail segments of transactions such as location, department, and grants, can become unwieldy as organizations rise to meet new challenges. […]
Cost Center Coding Strategies for Effective Grant Reporting
For complex human and social services providers, managing grants and ensuring compliance can often feel like navigating a labyrinth. One effective strategy to simplify this process is through cost center coding. AAFCPAs provides the following detailed guidance on how to leverage cost center coding to streamline grant reporting and maintain compliance. Design Your Cost Centers […]