Session Description:
Strong operational systems are essential for nonprofits implementing new programs, particularly when managing public funding. Clear workflows, defined roles, and consistent financial processes help ensure that day-to-day activities run efficiently and support program delivery. Organizations that rely on informal or inconsistent processes may face delays, errors, or increased risk during implementation.
This session focuses on strengthening internal workflows and controls in a way that is practical and sustainable. Participants will explore how to clarify roles and responsibilities, improve coordination across teams, and establish key checkpoints within financial processes. The session emphasizes building systems that balance efficiency with accountability and can adapt to each organization’s size and structure.
Participants will leave with a foundational internal controls checklist and begin to outline their critical fiscal functions to support more consistent operations, understand the financial roles and responsibilities, and reduce risk.
Some of the intended learning objectives from this workshop include:
- Identify core components of effective operational workflows
- Strengthen accountability through clear roles and responsibilities
- Apply strategies to streamline processes while maintaining appropriate controls
- Ensure key financial controls are in place and include appropriate checks to reduce error and risk
Intended Audience:
Senior Finance and Operations Leadership, Operations Managers / COOs/CFOs, Finance Staff, Executive Leadership
Rebecca Kellogg, Director
Direct 646-202-9018 rkellogg@bdo.com
200 Park Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10166
Experience
Rebecca works with BDO’s Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory team to help nonprofits develop and maintain the tools necessary to make effective fiscal and management decisions. She directs our practice’s Current State Assessment services, leading and advising teams through assessments of nonprofit financial operations and workplan development, tackling challenges such as fiscal staffing, technology, process, and financial management strategy.
Rebecca also provides tailored financial management workshop facilitation and one-on-one coaching aimed at increasing nonprofit financial sustainability and currently manages BDO Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory’s New York City government contracts, providing training, coaching, and capacity building to City agencies and their grantees.
Rebecca is also an Assistant Adjunct Professor for Public Administration at NYU Wagner, teaching Microeconomics for Public Service Organizations. Previously, Rebecca worked as a consultant at Hudson Planning Group (HPG), providing planning services, project management, capacity building, and technical assistance to nonprofit community-based organizations.
Education
- M.P.A., Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy, New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
- B.S., Commerce, specializing in Finance and Marketing, University of Virginia
Professional Affiliations
- New York University, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Assistant Adjunct Professor
Samantha Schaefer, Experienced Senior Associate
Direct 646-593-7572 sschaefer@bdo.com
200 Park Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10166
Experience
Samantha is a nonprofit professional with a passion for mission-driven work. She brings a variety of experience in community development and international organizations to her role with the Consulting and Advisory Services team at BDO FMA.
Prior to joining BDO FMA, Samantha had a history of working with mission driven organizations on program operations, strategic development, and communications. Most recently, Samantha served as the Global Communications Director for Democrats Abroad, where she led outreach, press, and strategic communications efforts for the organization, while collaborating with numerous grassroots chapters and country teams.
Fluent in English and German, she has diverse experience working internationally, as a Political Affairs Intern with the United Nations, as a volunteer teaching English and supporting an adult education center for refugees in Samos, Greece, and as a Strategy and Operations consultant for multiple organizations, including an environmental organization in Namibia and a refugee services organization in Germany.
Education
- M.P.A., International Policy and Management, New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
- B.A., Political Science, Chapman University
Organization: BDO
Website: https://www.bdo.com/
Org Description: BDO USA is a leading professional services organization that helps nonprofits, educational institutions, and public-sector organizations strengthen operations, strategy, financial management, and organizational effectiveness. Through its nonprofit and advisory services, BDO supports organizations in building sustainable systems that improve outcomes for the communities they serve.