How nonprofit financial leaders build tech and leadership

The financial leaders of nonprofit organizations face many challenges, ranging from rapid technology change to the need for stable funding. This is why it’s so valuable to bring together people from the nonprofit sector for learning and frank discussion on such issues at a forum such as the AICPA-CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference. 

“This year’s event covered some of the perennial concerns nonprofits face, such as how to build strong leadership and governance,” says Kathleen Malloy, market manager, not-for-profit banking group at Capital One, who attended the June event. “But there were plenty of new subjects on the agenda, including sessions about how important it is for everyone to have a plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities effectively.”

 

Survey data from Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index finds that 82% of business leaders see 2025 as a pivotal year for organizations to set an AI strategy. Generative AI tools promise to streamline and strengthen finance and accounting processes for nonprofits, but organizations must be attentive to the protocols for properly managing issues related to bias, transparency and data privacy. 

Nonprofit leaders need to be informed stewards of AI-assisted decisions and workflows, even if they are not directly involved in AI projects. Moving forward, successful nonprofits will use technology to help demonstrate how they are effectively deploying donor funds to advance their mission.

Technology changes have already begun to affect personnel strategy. Most companies are now developing AI-focused roles, and nonprofits are likely to move in the same direction. This may mean adjusting job descriptions to include the use of AI-enabled tools as a productivity multiplier, or the creation of new roles to oversee AI agents to handle specific tasks.

 

The ability of nonprofit leaders to bridge the communication gap between employees from different generations was a recurring theme at the conference. Clear communication and the articulation of shared values can help foster stronger team cohesion. People of different ages may bring different work styles, but emphasizing common purpose and mutual understanding can unite employees with varied backgrounds and skills.

In some cases, organizations may still be rebuilding trust following the disruptions of the COVID pandemic and the uncertainties sown by other recent events. One panel discussion highlighted how leaders can foster trust through thoughtful communication and open collaboration. 

Transparency and accountability also can help maintain trust. Indeed, trust is an important currency for the nonprofit sector, and nonprofits have an opportunity to push back on the trend of eroding trust in our institutions. 

 

“Events like the AICPA conference offer an opportunity for participants to keep up-to-date on everything from key issues on FASB’s current technical and research agenda that could affect nonprofits to the current environment for financial statement audits,” Malloy says. “Indeed, staying informed on topics that matter to our clients is core to our approach in the not-for-profit banking group.”

Several speakers underscored the need for leadership to be nimble in the face of rapid change that can affect everything from tax status to funding opportunities. When funding sources may be in flux, nimble leaders will have contingency plans prepared in advance. Scenario planning can help an organization to be ready to face challenges—and to keep a steady focus on pursuing the mission and articulating the value of the work. 

The role of a nonprofit’s chief financial office (CFO) is increasingly important when viewed in this context. The CFO can build alliances and interact with advisors while also regularly engaging in what-if financial modeling. One presenter noted how the CFO role in nonprofit organizations has already expanded, suggesting that a “dynamic CFO” needs to embrace this shift and assume the role of change leader and culture builder.

 

Organizations benefit when there is sharing of knowledge and development of resources, and at Capital One, we strive to help nonprofits find those opportunities. “We're here to support nonprofits with tailored financial solutions and strategic insights—so you can focus on advancing your mission with confidence,” Malloy says. 

 

Learn more about how we partner with mission-driven organizations at our Not-for-Profit Banking page.