Specialist Charity Accountants Who Understand Trustees

Yes, most charities benefit from working with an experienced charity accountant. A good one makes sure the accounts are prepared correctly, regulatory requirements are met, trustees receive clear financial information, and risks are identified and managed early. For growing charities, or those with more complex operations, that specialist experience matters even more.

An independent examination is a form of external scrutiny of a charity’s accounts. An independent professional reviews the financial records to confirm that proper accounting records have been kept, that the accounts are consistent with those records, and that the relevant rules and regulations have been followed. Depending on their size and structure, many UK charities are required to have either an audit or an independent examination.

A charity typically needs an independent examination once its annual income passes certain thresholds. Even where it isn’t required, many trustees choose to have one anyway, to give assurance to stakeholders, strengthen governance, and build trust with funders and donors.

The key difference is the level of scrutiny. An audit is more detailed and formal, giving an opinion on whether the accounts are true and fair. An independent examination is less intensive, focused on checking that the accounts are consistent and compliant. For smaller charities, an independent examination is often more cost effective while still providing real reassurance.

Yes. Our team is experienced in carrying out independent examinations for charities. Our Director, Shahed Alam FCPFA, has extensive experience in charity accounting and auditing and is responsible for signing independent examiner reports, giving charities reliable, compliant external scrutiny.

Yes. While many of our charity clients are based in Oldham, we also act for charities across St Helens and Rainford, Liverpool, Rochdale and Greater Manchester, and London and other parts of the UK. You get strong local knowledge combined with wider sector experience.

Yes. We provide outsourced finance team support for charities, which can include bookkeeping and financial management, preparing accounts and reports, credit control and cash flow monitoring, and support for trustees and leadership teams. It gives charities experienced financial support without the cost of employing an in house team.

We work closely with trustees so they have clear, understandable financial reports, confidence in their compliance and governance, support with decision making, and practical advice tailored to their organisation. Because our Director is also an experienced trustee, we genuinely understand the responsibilities and pressures trustees carry.

Yes. We take an advisory led approach, which means we go beyond compliance to help charities improve financial efficiency, plan for growth, strengthen sustainability and make informed strategic decisions.

Look for a qualified accountant with genuine experience in the charity sector, a clear understanding of charity regulations, the ability to communicate clearly with trustees, and a proactive, advisory approach. The right charity accountant should not only keep you compliant, but help your organisation run more effectively.

Getting started is straightforward. Contact us to arrange an initial conversation, where we’ll understand your charity’s needs, identify how we can support you, and give you clear, practical next steps.