A Partnership for Progress: NOSC’s Journey to Operational Excellence with Clarity
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The North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC) has spent decades restoring salmon habitats on the North Olympic Peninsula. As one of 14 regional fishery enhancement groups in Washington State, NOSC is deeply committed to habitat restoration, youth and adult education, and fostering community connections to preserve these vital ecosystems.
But behind every successful nonprofit lies a critical foundation: streamlined operations, reliable financial systems, and a team that ensures everything runs smoothly. That’s where Clarity entered the picture, helping NOSC achieve the operational excellence the organization needed to scale its impact and advance its mission.
To learn more about NOSC’s journey and how Clarity has supported the nonprofit’s mission, we spoke with new executive director, Sarah Doyle, who offered valuable insights into the organization’s growth and the transformative partnership that has been built with Clarity over the years.
The Need for Expertise
Eighteen years ago, NOSC initially sought temporary accounting services from Clarity to handle its straightforward financial needs. However, as the organization grew and began receiving more grant funding, its financial management became increasingly complex. After a few years of managing finances internally, NOSC recognized the need for more specialized support.
“When we began receiving more grant funding, we knew we needed superstar accountants,” recalls NOSC’s director. This realization led the organization to partner with Clarity, trusting us to develop streamlined and verifiable accounting processes capable of passing rigorous federal audits.
From the outset, NOSC’s commitment to achieving financial health stood out. As a solution-oriented nonprofit, NOSC valued collaboration and creating a foundation of mutual respect. These values allowed the organization to find a good partner in Clarity, someone to step up and meet NOSC at its level.
“Clarity stepped in to this new role of being our accountants – they did a fabulous job,” the director shared, highlighting that NOSC didn’t just need accountants, but a team dedicated to ensuring everything was done right.
“Tina and Pam make an extra effort to understand who we are and how we operate.”
Adapting to Challenges
As the relationship grew, so did the complexity of NOSC’s financial systems. The transition from paper invoicing to a fully digital accounting system during the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point. What had once been a cumbersome, paper-based process became seamless, and the organization was able to adapt to remote work without missing a beat. Clarity wasn’t just setting up systems and walking away—we were there every step of the way, fine-tuning processes, ensuring checks and balances, and helping the team navigate new challenges as they arose.
Today, NOSC operates with robust financial systems, complete with checks and balances to maintain efficiency and accountability, especially during audits. These systems are not only helping NOSC meet its day-to-day needs but also setting the organization up for long-term success.
A True Partnership
NOSC has consistently received glowing reviews during audits, a testament to the systems Clarity has helped implement. But beyond the numbers, it was the human element that impressed NOSC. While many organizations view their accountants as mere service providers, NOSC found something deeper with Clarity—a partnership built on understanding and trust.
“Tina and Pam make an extra effort to understand who we are and how we operate,” the director explained. Clarity’s owner and founder, Tina, along with long-time employee Pam, invested time in understanding the people behind the numbers. They built relationships with the NOSC team, got to know the staff, and embraced the organization’s mission.
This dedication fostered a sense of embeddedness, even as Clarity operates as an outside organization. By cultivating trust and collaboration, Clarity has become more than just an accounting partner—we contribute to NOSC’s success, providing the confidence and reliability needed to make smart decisions.
Support for New Leadership
For Sarah, the relationship with Clarity has been especially meaningful. Stepping into a leadership role can be daunting but knowing that Tina and Pam were just a call away provided the support she needed to feel confident in her decision-making.
“When I do have questions, I know there is someone who can help answer them correctly and with confidence, helping me through any problems I might have.”
“It has been great knowing that I have a resource there,” Sarah shared. She emphasized how Tina has been a mentor, guiding her through journal entries, accounting practices, and more. “When I do have questions, I know there is someone who can help answer them correctly and with confidence, helping me through any problems I might have.”
This ongoing support has not only eased Sarah’s transition into leadership but also strengthened NOSC’s confidence in its financial practices, ensuring the organization is well-equipped to continue its mission.
With Clarity’s support, NOSC has achieved a level of financial stability and efficiency that allows the organization to focus on what matters most: restoring salmon habitats and engaging the community in conservation. The partnership has not only strengthened its operations but also prepared the nonprofit for future growth. Together, Clarity and NOSC have navigated audits, grant funding, and the ever-changing landscape of nonprofit management. Today, Clarity provides supplemental oversight to NOSC’s in-house team, supporting them through every step.
At Clarity, we’re proud to be part of NOSC’s story—and we’re ready to help more organizations streamline their financials and achieve their goals. Because when great work meets great financial management, the impact is far-reaching.
Visit nosc.org to learn more about its incredible work in salmon habitat restoration. Support NOSC by becoming a member or volunteering at one of its upcoming events!
Support The Local Non-profit
Visit nosc.org to learn more about its incredible work in salmon habitat restoration. Support NOSC by becoming a member or volunteering at one of its upcoming events!
