Smith Marion & Co., Inc.

05/19/2026

At Smith Marion, we don’t just “do the books.” We provide year-round, subscription-based accounting partnerships with upfront pricing — so you always know what to expect and always have access to guidance.

Your financials shouldn’t just be accurate. They should be actionable.

✔ Clear, decision-ready reporting
✔ Proactive advisory — not just after-the-fact cleanup
✔ Integrated tax + accounting strategy
✔ A relationship, not a transaction

If you’re looking for more than data entry — if you want insight, accountability, and a team who knows your business — let’s talk. https://smcocpa.com/bookkeeping-services/

05/19/2026

Launching a Balanced Scorecard is not just a performance management decision—it’s an implementation decision.

Organizations rarely struggle with the concept. They struggle with how it was introduced.

Before building metrics or tying performance to incentives, leadership should align on a few key decisions:

• Timing and rollout approach
• Incentive structure and payout frequency
• Budgeting for incentive pay
• Roles in goal setting
• Company-wide vs. department-specific priorities

Clarity in these areas drives stronger adoption, better goal design, and more consistent ex*****on.

Without it, even well-designed scorecards can stall.

If your organization is considering a Balanced Scorecard—or refining an existing one—taking time to address these decisions upfront can significantly improve outcomes.

We’re always available to discuss how to structure a rollout that works in practice.

05/15/2026

Internal controls aren’t the most exciting part of running a nonprofit—but they’re one of the most important.

In our recent webinar, The Boring Stuff That Saves the Mission, we broke down how weak processes—not just missing controls—create risk, inefficiency, and exposure across organizations.

A few key takeaways:
- Most control issues start as process issues
- Lack of visibility creates opportunity for errors and fraud
- Simple, consistent controls are more effective than complex ones

If your organization feels like it’s constantly fixing issues after the fact, it’s usually a sign the process needs attention—not just the people.

Read the recap: https://mailchi.mp/smco/the-boring-thing-thats-probably-slowing-your-organization-down

Want the full webinar?
• Clients: email us for the recording
• Non-clients: available for purchase

If you’re not sure where your gaps are, let’s talk:
https://calendly.com/hbaldwin-smco/60min

05/14/2026

We’re heading to Philadelphia.

Our next Connection Meeting for Housing Authorities will be held October 21st-22nd—and if you’ve been part of Connection before, you know this isn’t a typical event.

This is time set aside for real conversations—working through challenges, sharing ideas, and learning from peers who are facing the same issues.

More details coming soon, but for now… save the date.

Learn more about Connection: www.smconnection.cpa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZzUuoaT4o0

05/12/2026

Who is Smith Marion?

For over 40 years, we’ve provided trusted accounting, auditing, and CFO services to nonprofits and public housing authorities navigating complex regulations and reporting requirements.

Guided by our core values—grow with your team, challenge yourself, foster innovation, build expertise, lead by example, and fulfill commitments—we deliver reliable guidance and tailored financial solutions you can count on.

Expertise you can rely on. Partner with confidence.
https://smcocpa.com/

05/12/2026

One of the most common challenges we hear from clients:

One-time tax invoices are hard to plan for.

That’s exactly why we’re introducing subscription-based billing.

✔ Predictable monthly payments
✔ Better cash flow planning

This isn’t about changing what you pay—it’s about improving how you pay.

If you’re looking for a more structured and predictable approach to tax services, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to talk through what that could look like visit our website at

Smith Marion & Co. is a medium-sized accounting firm operating around the U.S. Our main goal is to focus all of our resources on providing quality service to our clients. Smith Marion & Company, CPAs, offers traditional accounting and tax services including tax preparation, payroll...

05/08/2026

We’re introducing a new way to pay for tax return preparation.

Starting July 1, 2026, clients will have the option to move to monthly subscription billing—spreading tax preparation fees into predictable monthly payments instead of a single invoice.

Just a more predictable way to pay.

If you’re a client, check your inbox for details and a short survey to select your preference.

If you’re not currently working with us and prefer a more predictable approach to tax planning and billing, we’re always open to connecting go to www.smco.cpa to reach out.

Smith Marion & Co. is a medium-sized accounting firm operating around the U.S. Our main goal is to focus all of our resources on providing quality service to our clients. Smith Marion & Company, CPAs, offers traditional accounting and tax services including tax preparation, payroll...

05/07/2026

📋 Are your business records working FOR you?

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a team, good recordkeeping is the backbone of a successful business. It helps you track growth, prep financials, and stay ready at tax time.

A few things to keep in mind:
- Keep records for at least 3–4 years (4 years for California taxpayers!)
- Employment tax records? Hold those for a minimum of 4 years
- Your system doesn't have to be fancy — it just needs to clearly show income and expenses

Not sure where to start? Smith Marion & Co. is here to help you build a recordkeeping system that fits your business. Let’s connect visit our website www.smco.cpa.

05/05/2026

How soon should you set up a Power of Attorney in California?

Many people wait until the “sunset stage” of life—but the best time to plan is before a crisis happens. A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial, medical, or legal affairs if you become incapacitated.

From durable and medical POAs to tax and limited authority, choosing the right type—and setting it up correctly—matters.

Learn when and why you should put a POA in place in our latest article:
https://smcocpa.com/how-soon-should-i-set-up-power-of-attorney-in-california/

Need guidance? Connect with us at 909-825-6600.

05/05/2026

What happens if someone passes away without a will or trust?

In California, their estate enters probate and is distributed according to intestate succession laws — not personal wishes. This process can be complex, time-consuming, and may produce outcomes families never intended.

State law determines who inherits, how assets are divided, and what portion goes to a surviving spouse versus children or other relatives.

Understanding these rules highlights why planning ahead is so important.

👉 Read how the probate process works without a will or trust:
https://smcocpa.com/what-is-the-probate-process-if-you-die-without-a-will-or-trust/

If you want to ensure your wishes are honored and reduce stress for your family, our team can help you navigate the financial and tax considerations of estate planning.

Learn what happens in the probate process without a will or trust in California and how intestate succession determines who inherits your estate.