Charities & social enterprise

Regulation has greatly increased in recent years and accounts have to be produced in standard formats.  The Government's Charities Act legislation and the charity Commissioners guidance have to be followed and changes are ongoing.  Audit or review needs can vary with the size and type of charity, and trustees have to be seen to be 'doing the right thing'.

Enterprise Accountancy Services have been 'doing the right things' for charities for many years - different sizes and different requirements; drug treatment programmes, Royal British Legion Branches, Churches and advisory centres.  We know how to make sure charities comply with accounts legislation while talking in plain English.  We act as professional advisers to the trustees to guide you in best practice, and as Registered Auditors and Independent Examiners, as required.

Charities often do not have the in-house expertise to look after the accounts like commercial business and trustees generally like the comfort of an independent examination of the finances. We can provide input throughout the year, including advice on accounting records, attendance at trustee meetings, briefing on new developments and generally looking after the interests of the charity.  We look after areas of corporate governance and challenge the trustees in an open and proactive way to ensure that the charity remains on course to deliver its stated aims.

Recent developments in funding and Government policy mean that Social Enterprises or Community Interest Companies may be more appropriate to your way of working.  This decision is not always clear cut as with these new entities and structures come with requirements for VAT and in some cases Corporation Tax.

Our key questions for trustees are:

• Do you need an Auditor or an Independent Examiner?
• Are you aware of current legislation?
• Are you aware of how Social Enterprises differ from charities?
• What are the Tax and VAT issues that need planning and mitigating?
• What accounting records should you keep?
• What do you need in the annual Trustees Report?
• Would you like the comfort of Enterprise Accountancy Services experience?

If you would like to discuss your charity’s requirements with us further then please contact Jon Lister.