Thomas R. Ittelson

Thomas R. Ittelson is an expert at translating complicated financial topics in an accessible way for non-financial audiences. He is a natural scientist by training (Harvard University in biochemistry) and an entrepreneur. His successes and challenges in for-profit business helped him develop his own accounting acumen and style. He shared that knowledge with others in a book for non-financial managers that has sold over 200,000 copies (Financial Statements: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Creating Financial Reports, Second Edition, Career Press). Tom’s recent work with nonprofits led him to recognize that non-financial nonprofit board members, managers and staff all require a simple working knowledge of accounting and financial statements to do their job. With his new book, Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Statements: An Overview for Board, Management, and Staff, Tom’s audacious nonprofit “mission” is to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. public charities by improving financial literacy within those organizations.