What is Nepal Accounting Standard for Not for Profit Organizations (NAS for NPOs), and Why Does It Matter for Non Profits in Nepal?
Introduction
Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) play a crucial role in Nepal’s development sector, managing funds from various donors, government agencies, and international organizations. To ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency in financial reporting, the Accounting Standards Board (ASB), Nepal introduced the Nepal Accounting Standard for Not-for-Profit Organizations (NAS for NPOs) 2018.
With the recent mandatory implementation of NAS for NPOs from 16 July 2023 for INGOs and from 16 July 2024 onwards for other non profit organizations which would include NGOs, profit not distributing companies, not for profit associations and any other organizations established with the motive of this standard is set to bring significant changes to how NPOs prepare their financial statements for FY 2024/25 (Nepalese Fiscal Year 2081/82).
In this blog, we will explore what NAS for NPOs is, its importance, and how it impacts NGOs and INGOs operating in Nepal.
What is NAS for NPOs?
The Nepal Accounting Standard for Not-for-Profit Organizations (NAS for NPOs) is a financial reporting framework specifically designed for nonprofit entities. Unlike businesses that focus on profit generation, NPOs operate to serve communities and pursue social objectives.
NAS for NPOs establishes guidelines for:
✔️ Accurate financial reporting to reflect income, expenditures, and fund balances
✔️ Ensuring accountability to donors, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies
✔️ Standardizing financial statements to improve comparability among NPOs
✔️ Adopting accrual-based accounting instead of cash-based reporting
The standard applies to all charitable organizations, NGOs, INGOs, trusts, and foundations in Nepal that are engaged in social welfare, humanitarian aid, or development projects.
Why Was NAS for NPOs Introduced?
Before NAS for NPOs, NPOs followed different financial reporting methods, leading to inconsistencies in financial statements. Some used cash-based accounting, while others followed international standards like IFRS or GAAP.
To address this issue, ASB Nepal introduced NAS for NPOs with the goal of:
📌 Enhancing transparency and trust in how NGOs manage donor funds
📌 Reducing discrepancies in financial reporting among NPOs
📌 Strengthening governance by providing structured guidelines
📌 Improving comparability of financial statements across the nonprofit sector
With mandatory compliance deadlines now in place, NAS for NPOs is set to become the national standard for nonprofit accounting in Nepal.
Key Features of NAS for NPOs
1️⃣ Accrual-Based Accounting – NPOs must follow double-entry bookkeeping and accrual accounting, ensuring financial transactions are recorded when they occur, not just when cash is received or paid.
2️⃣ Standardized Financial Statements – NPOs must prepare:
- Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
- Statement of Income & Expenditure
- Statement of Changes in Reserves
- Statement of Cash Flows
- Statement of Accounting Policies and Notes to Financial statements
NPOs shall prepare the following two statements for the externally funded projects as Project Level Reporting as required by the agreement;
- Fund Accountability Statement
- Statement of Budget Variance (Budgeted vs Actual Expenditure Report)
3️⃣ Classification of Funds – Funds must be classified as restricted (for specific projects) or unrestricted (general operating funds) to provide a clear financial picture.
4️⃣ Recognition of Grants & Donations – Contributions must be recognized based on specific conditions (restricted/unrestricted) rather than just cash receipt timing.
5️⃣ Disclosure Requirements – NGOs must provide detailed financial disclosures, including notes to financial statements, to enhance financial clarity.
Mandatory Compliance Deadlines
The Accounting Standards Board (ASB) Nepal has set the following deadlines for compliance:
📌 INGOs – Mandatory implementation from 16 July 2023 (FY 2023/24 onwards)
📌 NGOs – Mandatory implementation from 16 July 2024 (applicable for financial statements of FY 2024/25)
This means NGOs must update their accounting policies from mid-July 2024 to ensure compliance with NAS for NPOs in their upcoming financial statements.
How Will NAS for NPOs Impact NGOs in Nepal?
✔️ Increased Donor Confidence – Standardized financial reporting improves donor trust and funding opportunities.
✔️ Better Financial Management – NGOs will gain better control over fund allocation and project expenditures.
✔️ Regulatory Compliance – Avoid penalties and maintain good standing with government authorities.
✔️ Simplified Audit Process – Auditors can assess financial statements more efficiently, reducing compliance risks.
Final Thoughts
The implementation of NAS for NPOs marks a significant step toward strengthening financial governance in Nepal’s nonprofit sector. With the mandatory compliance deadline approaching for NGOs, it is crucial for organizations to prepare early, train their accounting teams, and update their financial reporting systems.
By adopting NAS for NPOs, NGOs can enhance financial transparency, build stronger relationships with donors, and contribute to Nepal’s development sector with improved accountability.
🚀 Is your NGO ready for NAS for NPOs?
If you need help with compliance, financial reporting, or audit preparation, feel free to reach out to Saralbooks for expert guidance!