About Pennies Count • Upenda Danridge, M.S.
Financial clarity starts with someone who listens.
I help nonprofit and research leaders understand their numbers, strengthen financial oversight, and see what needs attention next.
I’m Upenda Danridge, founder of Pennies Count. I bring more than 20 years in nonprofit accounting, a master’s degree in Forensic Accounting, and prior public accounting experience auditing nonprofit organizations.
Let’s Talk It Through
Why I started Pennies Count
Experience that led to a purpose.
During my work auditing nonprofits, I saw financial mistakes and process weaknesses that could be addressed. I wanted to help organizations move from identifying a concern to understanding it and making practical improvements.
Pennies Count grew from that desire: to bring experienced financial judgment closer to the leaders doing the work.
The people behind the numbers
Your purpose deserves a strong financial foundation.
Nonprofit executives, board members, research administrators, Principal Investigators, and program leaders need information they can understand and use.
My work connects attention to detail with the realities of your organization—its people, resources, responsibilities, and goals.
What forensic-minded means here
Ask the questions behind the balance.
A number can be recorded and still need explanation. I look at the activity, the accounting treatment, the supporting information, and the process that produced it.
Does the activity make sense?
Connect financial results to what is happening across your programs, awards, and operations.
Can the records support it?
Look at the documentation and explanations behind balances, transactions, and reporting.
Where does oversight need attention?
Consider responsibilities, approvals, review, and financial concerns that may be going unnoticed.
Can leadership use the information?
Translate the financial picture into plain-English observations that support decisions and meaningful questions.
What working together feels like
You don’t have to speak accounting.
Start with your concern
Bring what feels unclear, difficult, or unresolved. You don’t need a polished explanation or the right accounting term.
Understand the meaning
Expect clear explanations, thoughtful questions, and findings connected to the decisions you need to make.
Know the next step
We define the work around your needs, with clear scope and responsibilities before an engagement begins.
Support for your organization
A starting point that fits your needs.
Nonprofit organizations
Financial leadership, specialized reviews, internal controls support, and education for leaders navigating organizational growth and complexity.
Explore Pennies Count services →Research organizations & foundations
Support connecting awards, financial operations, PI reporting, personnel agreements, and the wider financial picture.
Explore Research Finance →