Non-Profit & Public Sector

Non-profit organizations and public sector agencies face unique financial, compliance, and funding challenges.
There are around 86,000 registered charities and an additional 80–100,000 non-profit organizations in Canada — each dedicated to a mission but often constrained by resources and regulations. Mackisen CPA specializes in supporting these mission-driven entities with tailored accounting, tax, and advisory services so you can focus on your cause. From helping you register a charity or NPO, to setting up proper fund accounting, to ensuring compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules, we provide the financial clarity and governance needed to maximize your impact. We also assist in identifying and securing grants, and in designing clear reports for donors, boards, and government stakeholders. With our help, you’ll strengthen your organization’s financial health and credibility – enabling you to unlock more funding and do more good in your community.

Understanding the Challenges for Non-Profits & the Public Sector

Running a non-profit or public institution means balancing purpose with accountability. You must maintain donor trust and service quality under tight budgets and scrutiny. Common challenges include:

• Complex Compliance Requirements: Non-profits and charities enjoy tax-exempt status but must meet strict CRA reporting obligations (annual filings, donation receipt rules, payroll taxes, etc.). Public sector organizations likewise face rigorous audit and reporting standards by oversight bodies.

• Limited Resources: Non-profits often rely on donations or grants and must do more with less. Public agencies have fixed budgets and need to demonstrate efficient use of taxpayer funds.

• Financial Transparency: Both sectors are expected to provide transparent, detailed reporting to stakeholders – whether it’s donors, boards, or the public. Failing to comply can risk funding, reputations, or even loss of charitable status.

• Funding & Grant Challenges: Securing grants or government funding is highly competitive. Organizations need solid financial plans and proven compliance track records to win funding.

• Governance & Oversight: Volunteer boards and public administrators need accurate financial information and guidance to make good decisions. Strong internal controls are required to prevent fraud or mismanagement of funds.

We understand these challenges. Our team has decades of experience helping charities, NGOs, foundations, government programs, and other public service entities navigate complex regulations while driving growth and impact. We act as your partner in financial stewardship, ensuring you meet all requirements and make the most of every dollar.

Our Services for Non-Profits & Public Sector Organizations

Mackisen offers end-to-end accounting and advisory solutions for charities, non-profits, and public sector institutions. Our services are designed to improve compliance, increase funding, and boost operational efficiency:

• Charity/NPO Incorporation & Registration
  We guide you through establishing a non-profit or charitable organization, from drafting bylaws and choosing the right legal structure to obtaining your federal or provincial registration (including charitable status for tax receipts). This ensures you start off compliant with CRA requirements and eligible for tax exemptions.

• Grant Application Support
  Our team helps research grant opportunities and prepares the financial portions of grant proposals, including budgets, cash flow projections, and impact metrics. We ensure your applications meet funders’ financial criteria and position your organization for funding success.

• CRA Compliance & Reporting
  We make sure you meet all CRA obligations, so your tax-exempt status is never in jeopardy. This includes preparing and filing annual charity returns (Form T3010) or non-profit information returns (Form T1044), handling GST/HST registrations if needed, and advising on donation receipting rules. We keep you fully compliant with Charities Directorate guidelines on allowable spending and reporting.

• Fund Accounting & Financial Systems
  We set up robust fund accounting systems to track restricted vs. unrestricted funds (grants, endowments, projects) and to produce donor-ready financial statements. By segregating funds and following accounting standards for non-profits, we help you demonstrate exactly how every dollar is used for your mission.

• Donor Reporting & Board Governance
  Mackisen assists in crafting clear financial reports for your board, donors, and government overseers. We advise on best practices for financial transparency and accountability, helping you present budgets, financial statements, and program reports that satisfy stakeholders. Our experts can even attend board meetings to explain financial results or audit findings in plain language.

• Internal Controls & Fraud Prevention
  Protecting your funds is paramount. We evaluate and strengthen your internal controls – such as segregation of duties, expense policies, and oversight processes – to minimize the risk of fraud or errors. Your donors and constituents can trust that funds are managed responsibly.

• Outsourced Bookkeeping & Payroll
  Offload your day-to-day accounting tasks to us. We provide full bookkeeping services, payroll processing (T4/RL-1 slips, source deductions), accounts payable/receivable management, and month-end reporting. You get accurate, up-to-date books and on-time compliance with payroll taxes, without the burden of hiring full-time staff.

• Part-Time CFO & Financial Advisory
  Gain executive-level financial guidance at a fraction of the cost. Our outsourced CFO services give you a dedicated CPA advisor who oversees budgeting, financial planning, cash flow management, and strategic advice. We help you analyze financial data to make informed decisions and plan for sustainable growth, whether you’re a small charity or a large public institution.

• Public Sector Financial Management
  For government agencies, educational institutions, and other public sector bodies, we offer specialized support in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with public sector accounting standards. We help prepare budgets that align with policy goals, implement cost-saving measures, and ensure transparent reporting of how public funds are spent. From municipalities to healthcare organizations, we bring best practices to drive efficiency and maintain public trust.

• Audit Preparation & Support
  Whether you need an independent audit (required by funders or regulations) or are undergoing a CRA review, we guide you every step of the way. Our team will organize your financial records, draft required statements, and liaise with external auditors or CRA agents on your behalf. With a CPA auditor on our team, we know what auditors look for – reducing your stress and helping you sail through audits successfully.

Don’t see a specific service? Chances are we do it. Mackisen’s multidisciplinary team (CPAs, tax lawyers, and consultants) can tackle virtually any financial or compliance challenge your organization faces. We customize our services to your needs – whether it’s a one-time project or ongoing support.

Why Choose Mackisen for Non-Profits & Public Sector?

Choosing the right advisor can make all the difference for your mission. Here’s why organizations like yours partner with Mackisen CPA:

• Deep Sector Expertise
  We have 35+ years of combined experience supporting non-profits, charities, and public agencies. Our team understands the nuances of charitable tax law, government funding rules, and industry best practices. We stay up-to-date on CRA regulations and public sector standards, so you get expert guidance founded on real experience.

• One-Stop Integrated Team
  Mackisen brings accounting, tax, and legal experts under one roof. Our in-house tax lawyers and CPA auditors collaborate to cover all angles – from routine bookkeeping to complex charity law compliance. This integrated approach saves you time and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

• Tailored Solutions & Personal Touch
  We know each organization has a unique mission and challenges. That’s why we customize our approach – whether you’re a small local charity or a large government-funded program. You’ll receive personal attention from a dedicated advisor who truly cares about your cause. We pride ourselves on being responsive and treating your goals as our own.

• Proven Results
  Mackisen has helped clients unlock new funding, pass audits with flying colors, and achieve greater efficiency. Our grant support has helped charities secure major grants, and our financial oversight has saved public programs significant costs. We focus on delivering measurable value – be it dollars saved, funds raised, or risks avoided.

• Focus on Growth and Impact
  Beyond just compliance, we actively look for ways to help you grow your impact. Whether it’s identifying a new grant opportunity, optimizing your fundraising cost ratio, or finding efficiencies in your operations, our advisory mindset means we’re always thinking about how to advance your mission.

• Bilingual Service & Broad Reach
  As a Montreal-based firm, we offer services in English and French to serve Canada’s diverse communities. Our team can work seamlessly in either language, ensuring all stakeholders are comfortable. While local to Quebec, we have a “local & global” approach – leveraging Montreal/Quebec expertise with Canada-wide reach and international coordination when needed. No matter where you are, you can count on our support.