Accountants for Charities & Not-for-Profits
Charities sit under pressure from two directions.
Regulatory requirements on one side. Public expectation on the other.
The finances need to stand up to both.
For many small and medium-sized charities, internal resources are limited. You need support that is proportionate, practical and focused on getting things right – not generating unnecessary work.
Who this is for
We work with charities and not-for-profits across the UK, including:
- Registered charities and charitable trusts
- Community organisations and not-for-profit companies
- Trustee boards that want clearer financial information
Most of our clients are active organisations with ongoing work – not dormant or one-off projects.
They want a calm, reliable adviser they can turn to, without the cost and complexity of a large firm.
If you are responsible for a charity’s finances, you are in the right place.
What we do
Charity accounts prepared properly
Charity accounts are not the same as company accounts.
The format, disclosures and emphasis are different – and so are the people reading them.
We:
- Prepare year-end accounts in the correct charity format
- Classify income and expenditure clearly
- Present restricted and unrestricted funds properly
- Highlight anything trustees should be aware of
The result is a set of accounts that meets requirements and can actually be understood.
Independent examinations
Many charities require an independent examination rather than an audit.
The work still needs to be done properly.
We:
- Carry out independent examinations in line with current guidance
- Review whether accounting records are adequate
- Check accounts are consistent with those records
- Raise practical recommendations where needed
This provides appropriate assurance without unnecessary complexity.
Practical support for trustees
Trustees are rarely all financially trained.
That is normal.
We:
- Explain the accounts in plain language
- Highlight what matters in the numbers
- Clarify what regulators and funders are likely to focus on
- Support you when something changes or feels unclear
So trustees can fulfil their responsibilities with confidence.
Getting the basics stable
Most issues in charities come from small inconsistencies over time.
We help you:
- Put in place simple, workable systems
- Track restricted and unrestricted funds properly
- Tidy up historic issues where possible
- Create a stable base for future reporting
This reduces risk and makes everything easier to manage.
A real example – when structure and reporting need to catch up
We worked with two charities in Greater Manchester that supported families in difficult circumstances.
Both were doing valuable work.
But both were operating separately, with overlapping activities and increasing pressure on resources.
A merger was proposed.
On paper, it made sense.
In practice, it required careful handling.
We were involved throughout.
We:
- Reviewed the financial position of both organisations
- Helped clarify how the merged structure would work
- Supported the process from a financial and reporting perspective
- Worked alongside legal advisers to ensure alignment
After the merger, the focus shifted.
We:
- Helped implement a clear financial system
- Provided training so the leadership team could use it properly
- Established a simple monthly reporting framework
The result was not just a larger organisation.
It was a more stable one.
Clearer reporting. Better oversight. More confidence in decision-making.
That is often where the real benefit sits.
How we work with you
Our approach is steady and proportionate:
- We agree what is required and at what level
- We gather information in a focused way
- We prepare the work and explain it clearly
- We remain available when needed
Most of this is handled remotely, which suits charities across the UK.
You get experienced support without unnecessary cost or complexity.
A quick word from the team
In charities, the technical side matters – but so does how it is communicated.
As Matthew puts it:
For most trustees, the challenge isn’t willingness – it’s clarity.
Once the accounts and reporting are presented properly, people can see what’s going on and make better decisions.
Our role is to make sure the numbers are right, and that they are understood.
That is where good support makes a difference.
FAQ
Yes. Even smaller charities need proper accounts and reporting to meet regulatory requirements and support trustees.
An independent examination is a review of a charity’s accounts and records to confirm they are consistent and properly maintained.
No. Many smaller charities fall below audit thresholds and require an independent examination instead.
Yes. We explain the figures in plain language and highlight what matters.
Yes. We support charities across the UK, including organisations in London and other regions.
Yes. We can support the financial and reporting aspects and work alongside legal advisers where needed.
If you are responsible for a charity and want the finances and reporting handled properly – in a clear and proportionate way – we should talk.
Carter Collins & Myer
Accountants & Tax Advisors
Chichester House, 2 Chichester Street, Rochdale OL16 2AX
01706 868010
www.uk-ccm.com