Charity Accounts Preparation in Kent

Accounts that meet charity rules

Charity accounts are not the same as ordinary business accounts. They show how money raised for particular purposes has been used, separate restricted and unrestricted funds, and follow rules set by charity law and, for accruals accounts, the Charities SORP. Getting them right matters for your public record, your funders and the trust of the people who support you.

Receipts and payments or accruals?

Smaller unincorporated charities can often choose simple receipts and payments accounts, which record money in and out during the year plus a statement of assets and liabilities. Larger charities, and all charitable companies whatever their size, must prepare accruals accounts following the SORP, which include a statement of financial activities, balance sheet and notes. The income limits that decide which you can use are set by charity law and can change, so we confirm the right basis for your charity each year before we start.

What we prepare

• Annual accounts on the correct basis, with funds properly analysed between restricted, unrestricted and endowment where relevant.
• Trustees' annual report support. The trustees write and approve the report, but we help with the financial review, reserves policy wording and the information the SORP expects.
• Charity Commission annual return. We prepare the financial information and can help upload the return, which must be submitted within 10 months of your financial year end. The trustees review and approve it before submission.
• Companies House filing for charitable companies, alongside their company accounts obligations.
• Gift Aid and grant records. We check that donations, grants and Gift Aid claims are recorded so restricted funds can be tracked.

How the process works

1. We agree the accounts basis, timetable and who our main contact is, usually the treasurer.
2. You send bank statements, records of income and spending, grant letters and details of any restricted funds.
3. We prepare draft accounts and raise any questions.
4. Trustees review the draft and approve the final accounts and report.
5. Where your charity needs one, the accounts go to the examiner for independent examination. We do not carry out statutory audits.
6. We help with filing the annual return and, for charitable companies, the Companies House accounts.

What we'll need from your treasurer

Your governing document, last year's accounts, bank statements for every account, your cash book or bookkeeping records, grant agreements, Gift Aid claim details and a list of trustees. If the records are behind, our bookkeeping support can help bring them up to date first.

Supporting Kent charities

We work with village hall committees, sports clubs, community groups, faith organisations and local charities across Kent. Treasurers change, and handovers can leave gaps, so we keep clear working papers that make next year easier for whoever takes the role on. If you run a social enterprise rather than a charity, our CIC accounts page may be more relevant. Get in touch and tell us about your charity.