Charity Navigator is an esteemed organization that evaluates and assesses charitable organizations in the United States. Baker Tilly’s latest article provides an overview of Charity Navigator’s qualifications and evaluation model so that not-for-profits may achieve their best score to enhance their ability to attract donors.

This on-demand presentation discusses enhanced accounting systems that have helped prevent against current fraud types and leading practices to raise and discuss the risk of fraud with boards.

Fraud is everywhere: how to be aware and well protected

Ellen is Baker Tilly’s firm not-for-profit professional practice principal and team leader of the New York not-for-profit/healthcare services practice. In 2024, Ellen was appointed to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.

“Influencers in Accounting,” Long Island Business News, 2024

“Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business,” Long Island Business News, 2018, 2012 and 2009 

“Power 25 List,” Long Island Business News, 2021

Bachelor of Science in business administration 

With more than 35 years of experience in public accounting, including multinational, national and regional firm experience, Ellen concentrates exclusively on providing assurance services to not-for-profit organizations, including their single audits, cost reports, and employee benefit plans 

Clients include behavioral health/human services organizations (developmentally disabled, special education, mental health and HUD), foundations, educational institutions, and membership and religious organizations 

Provides training seminars for industry groups, clients, AICPA National Conference and NYSSCPA

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) 

New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) 

NYSSCPA Not-for-Profit Organizations Committee, conference vice chair

Adelphi University Accounting Advisory Board, member

North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center, past treasurer 

Girls Incorporated of Long Island, past president

Looking back and planning ahead on key accounting, tax and industry insights 2024 was a transformative year for the not-for-profit (NFP) and higher education industries. From evolving regulatory requirements and presidential election impacts to technological disruptions (like the rise of artificial intelligence) and workforce challenges (including increased leadership turnover), NFPs faced myriad issues and opportunities that will continue to affect these organizations, including colleges and universities, in 2025. Join us for a 2-hour in-depth discussion on key changes and events from the past year and how to navigate the future of this unique industry landscape. Our NFP and higher education sector-specialized team will reflect on important issues and guide you through effective strategies on numerous financial, accounting and operational topics imperative to growth, sustainability and success. Don’t miss this annual CPE session focused on helping your organization drive its mission forward. Learning objectives Gain perspectives from recent Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC) meetings on accounting standards, select FASB projects and financial reporting implications of NFP industry trends and observations Discuss the broad challenges and opportunities experienced during current expected credit losses (CECL) adoption Navigate situations and events that may require reassessment of audit procedures for the allowance for credit losses Understand both management's and the auditors’ responsibility relating to ASC 205-40, Going Concern Explore recent challenges with going concern assessments in the current economic environment Recognize where the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) stands and the latest guidance from IRS audits and evaluate if your organization should payback ERC funds or still apply for 2021 Assess new and current tax regulations, their potential impact on your NFP and how to develop strategies to prepare your organization effectively  Meet this year’s presenters and industry specialists Nicki Donlon, CPA, Principal Ellen Labita, CPA, Principal Troy Marine, CPA, Director David Sacarelos, CPA, CGMA, Principal Mike Wascura, CPA, Principal Who should attend Executive leadership and accounting and finance professionals, including CEOs, CFOs, COOs, controllers, audit and finance committee members and board members from any type of not-for-profit organization or higher education institution.

Ellen Labita

Location

Uniondale, NY

Education

Expertise

Ellen's latest insights

Navigating Charity Navigator

Fraud is everywhere: how to be aware and well protected

Ellen's upcoming events

Webinar

2024 year in review: Not-for-profit and higher education update