Net Assets Financial Management Articles

Financial Management

prof achievement business updated
  • Accounting
  • | Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.
5 min read
percent decrease image

Business Intelligence  

  • Budget
  • | Facilities
  • | Maintenance

Trends in the Capital Spending Ratio This item is protected.

Even before the pandemic and recent economic challenges, many schools were not meeting the capital spending ratio to maintain their campuses.
3 min read
stock image of man holding dice
  • Budget
  • | Financial Aid

Betting on Change in Financial Aid

Leaders in independent school financial aid offer their take on the current terrain — plus NBOA’s Financial Aid Fast Facts sheet.
4 min read
investment concept
  • Endowment
  • | Governance

Endowments and Governance: 5 Key Insights This item is protected.

Results from a recent survey reveal best practices for enhancing financial governance and strategies for sustained intergenerational equity.
4 min read
summer camp stock image

Business Intelligence  

  • Budget
  • | Extended Day
  • | Summer Camp

Financial Trends in Auxiliary Programs This item is protected.

Auxiliary programs brought in higher revenues late pandemic (2021–22) than they did pre-pandemic, and with lower expenses.
4 min read
Artificial intelligence

Feature  

  • Accounting
  • | Audit
  • | Legal
  • | Technology

DIY AI: Business Applications (Part 2)

AI has never been more accessible, and it will impact every corner of the independent school business office.
13 min read
Unsung  Paul Silva
  • Membership
  • | Planning

Unsung Hero: Paul Silva, Cushing Academy

Silva's skilled financial management resulted in substantial tuition revenue increases backed by a long-term financial model, ensuring his school’s long-term sustainability.
2 min read
Unsung Robert A. Orenstein
  • Membership
  • | Planning

Unsung Hero: Robert A. Orenstein, Avon Old Farms School

Orenstein's dedicated approach to school finances extends to his work with the broader business officer community.
2 min read
Joan McCabe
  • Debt
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Joan McCabe, Pinecrest Academy

McCabe's financial skills resulted in successful debt refinancing, reduced interest rates and enhanced financial stability.
2 min read

Strategies  

  • Boards and Trustees
  • | Budget

A Snapshot of School Finances This item is protected.

This one-pager provides trustees with the information they need to spend their time together on strategy.
5 min read
financial model
  • Budget
  • | Planning

Business Office Basics: The Importance of Using a Long-Range Financial Model

The answer to some trustee questions should always be “Yes” — including, “Does the school have long-term financial projections?”
4 min read
clean energy

Strategies  

  • Budget
  • | Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Creating a Clean Energy Consortium This item is protected.

Seven independent schools and an arts education center came together to create a hydroelectric power consortium. Annual savings per school are in the tens of thousands.
7 min read
firm foundations

Projections  

  • Budget
  • | Facilities

Firm Foundations Against Inflation

School leaders are finding constructive ways to pursue capital projects despite higher materials costs, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates.
7 min read
stock image of audit button
  • Audit
  • | Budget

Business Office Basics: Know Your Audit, Part 2

Tips on explaining to the board how the Statement of Activities relates to the operating statement, and on improving the audit note about the flow of Temporary Restricted Net Assets.
5 min read
nboa member

Feature  

  • Endowment
  • | Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: The Endowment Landscape

A deep dive into independent school endowments trends FY2005-FY2022, including analysis of asset allocation, performance, spending and contributions, plus a perspective on future developments.
13 min read
money image

Feature  

  • Facilities
  • | Financing

Where the Money Goes This item is protected.

When everything costs more, considered and strategic facilities spending is a must.
12 min read
school solar panels
  • Budget
  • | Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Inflation Reduction Act Opens Solar Opportunities for Schools

The IRA opens the door for nonprofits to take advantage of tax credits associated with solar power.
8 min read
stock image of audit button
  • Audit
  • | Leadership

Business Office Basics: Know Your Audit, Part 1

Mapping your school’s trial balance to the audit’s financial statements helps both you and the audit process.
3 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Investments
  • | Leadership

Perspective: A Tool You Need To Lead

Two new research reports on critical aspects of independent school business can help your school understand its financial position and strengthen it.
4 min read
investment report stock image
  • Governance
  • | Investments

Business Office Basics: The CFO’s Investment Committee Report

Tips on sharing how the school’s portfolio has changed since the last board meeting.
3 min read