About Us
Our mission, vision, and values drive everything we do. Meet the team behind it all and see how we can help.
Explore Our Values
Discover what drives us! Explore our core principles and see how we bring creativity, integrity, and innovation to every project.
We provide our services in an inclusive and accessible manner. We work to address systemic barriers, particularly for underinvested communities, and to cultivate teams that reflect those we serve.
We design straightforward, replicable processes that emphasize clarity and timeliness, leveraging contemporary tools to ensure enduring organizational strength.
We uphold courtesy, open communication, and reliable follow-through, expecting the same from our partners.
We act as trusted partners by communicating openly, honoring commitments, and safeguarding financial data with robust protections. Our work is grounded in honesty, confidentiality, and reliability.
We keep our services accessible by setting fair rates and leveraging philanthropic support, while ensuring the ongoing viability of our enterprise for the benefit of all.
Mission
Shared Financial Services strengthens small and midsized nonprofits by providing support to build financial literacy, make data-informed decisions, and engage in clear financial storytelling.
Vision
We envision a future where nonprofits thrive by leveraging consistent, accessible financial insights to navigate challenges, inform strategic choices, and sustain the resources needed for lasting impact. As these organizations grow stronger and more resilient, Southwestern PA will benefit from a community of vibrant, agile, and collaborative nonprofit organizations that effectively utilize financial resources and maximize their impact on the community.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Have to Say...
Even in the early stages of our partnership, Shared Financial Services has made a meaningful impact on our organization and improved our financial systems. Their team brought clarity and confidence to our financial processes—guiding us through reporting requirements and helping us strengthen our internal systems. As a small nonprofit, having a knowledgeable partner who understands what questions to ask—and when—has been invaluable. With their expertise, our team is able to stay focused on what matters most: supporting artists and communities across our region.
Sallyann Kluz
Executive Director at Shiftworks
Meet the Team
We’re a group of dedicated professionals committed to providing reliable, innovative, and client-focused financial solutions. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and expertise, we work to support your financial goals and help your business thrive.
Stewart Urist
Program Director
Stewart Urist
Program Director
Before his work at PPT, Stewart spent five years as the co-leader of Quantum Theatre, overseeing every aspect of the organization’s operations. Under his leadership, Quantum produced three of its five highest-grossing productions, launched innovative digital performances during the pandemic, and successfully raised $4 million for an Artistic Legacy Fund. Stewart is known for his ability to implement forward-thinking financial solutions that reduce administrative burden while strengthening financial decision-making.
A 2015 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Arts Management program, Stewart is passionate about helping small and midsized nonprofits leverage financial tools to enhance sustainability and maximize impact. His expertise spans financial operations, contract negotiation, collective bargaining, and organizational strategy, making him a valuable partner to nonprofit leaders navigating complex financial landscapes.
Aurora Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Aurora Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Throughout her career, Aurora has served as CFO, Director of Finance and Operations & a Shared Director of Finance, specializing in nonprofit accounting and financial infrastructure. She has been a leader in strategic planning, business development, process management, and communications, ensuring that organizations run efficiently while staying mission-focused.
Currently serving as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors at PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership), Aurora continues to advocate for the sustainability and growth of nonprofit initiatives.
Aurora’s expertise encompasses financial oversight, policy and compliance, budget and cash flow management, audit facilitation, and board reporting. With a strong track record of supervising finance and operations teams, Aurora has successfully implemented scalable financial frameworks tailored to nonprofit needs.
Driven by a lifelong commitment to community welfare and social betterment, Aurora is dedicated to supporting organizations that make a difference.
Ever Capps
Finance Manager
Ever Capps
Finance Manager
At Shared Financial Services, Ever serves as a primary point of contact for clients, aligning day-to-day transaction management with broader strategic goals. They are passionate about helping mission-driven organizations build the financial fluency and scalable frameworks necessary to maximize their program effectiveness and community impact.
With a deep commitment to community building, Ever has held key, local leadership roles, including serving as Interim Executive Director of Bach Choir, Accounting Manager for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Manager of Revenue and Analytics for the City of Pittsburgh. They have a proven track record of managing diverse financial portfolios, ranging from $300K to over $6087M in revenue streams, including navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency operations. Ever’s expertise in fostering strategic partnerships is evidenced by their success in coordinating intergovernmental efforts, including establishing regional police departments and securing millions in Federal and State grants for local infrastructure and safety projects.
As a graduate of the University of South Florida’s graduate Public Administration program with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and IT, Ever has a deep technical proficiency built on the mastery of GAAP and FASB standards, utilizing tools like QuickBooks, Excel, and Power BI to create dashboards that support long-term sustainability. Whether overseeing grant-compliant reporting for social service agencies or directing development, Ever focuses on reducing administrative burdens through systems optimization and rigorous audit preparation.
Outside of professional work, Ever is a competitive speed jigsaw puzzler and is a founding board member of the Pennsylvania affiliate of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association.
Scott Hughes
Finance Manager
Scott Hughes
Finance Manager
Scott’s broader background covers financial roles in social service agencies, community-based nonprofits, and arts organizations ranging from small teams with budgets under $250k to multisite organizations with large operations. His experience includes overseeing budgets, guiding grant and contract compliance, supporting annual audits, and improving internal controls. A consistent focus of his work has been financial storytelling, presenting complex information in ways that are accessible to staff, boards, and community stakeholders.
At Shared Financial Services, Scott brings a systems-oriented approach to helping clients build sustainable financial practices, streamline processes, and create tools that make financial management more accessible for staff and leadership alike.
Terri Harrell
Finance Associate
Terri Harrell
Finance Associate
Terri previously served as Financial Controller at JazzHR, a SaaS company, where she played a key role in improving financial reporting accuracy, implementing internal controls, and streamlining financial processes to enhance efficiency. In addition to her corporate experience, Terri has worked with nonprofits, supporting financial operations. Her ability to identify inefficiencies and implement practical solutions has made her a valuable asset to organizations seeking to strengthen their financial health.
Beyond her professional work, Terri is actively involved in her faith community and volunteers with Calvary Chapel of Westmoreland, where she supports children’s and women’s ministries and works as a teacher. She is passionate about helping organizations build strong financial foundations that allow them to focus on the work they do best. At Shared Financial Services, she brings her deep accounting knowledge and problem-solving skills to help nonprofit clients manage their financial operations with clarity and precision.
Zainab Sheriff
Finance Associate
Zainab Sheriff
Finance Associate
Zainab has supported nonprofits across a wide range of missions, including the arts, environmental initiatives, disability support, and organizations serving children, families, and women. She is recognized for her ability to align financial operations with an organization’s specific needs, helping teams operate with confidence and efficiency.
Her financial expertise is further strengthened by a professional background in administrative and operational management. Having previously managed internal systems, donor coordination, and operational workflows, she possesses a unique perspective on how financial health and organizational efficiency work together. This experience allows her to identify inefficiencies and implement practical financial solutions that allow teams to operate more effectively.
Outside of her professional work, Zainab enjoys the simple pleasures of a good book, a classic movie, or the satisfaction of a well-organized home. A lover of music and travel, she can often be found at live concerts or exploring new destinations with her close friends and family. Through Shared Financial Services, Zainab is committed to helping nonprofit organizations build strong financial foundations that allow them to focus on their mission and the people they serve.
Meet Our Sponsor
New Sun Rising works to improve the health and effectiveness of nonprofits, social enterprises, and collaboratives through three primary services: capacity building, accessible funding, and data advocacy.
