Accountant for Not-For-Profit and Charities
At Bevan Buckland LLP, we offer tailored accounting services to charities and not-for-profit organisations in South Wales and beyond. Over the years, we have supported charities of all sizes and remain committed to assisting supported charities with their evolving needs. With over 50 years of experience supporting charities, we have developed a comprehensive range of services to support these organisations.
Introduction to the Charity Sector
The charity sector stands as the backbone of stronger communities, tackling social challenges head-on with unwavering dedication. We’re talking about an expansive network of not-for-profit organisations, community interest companies, and social enterprises, all committed to creating real, measurable impact in people’s lives.
These organisations don’t just face challenges; they navigate a complex maze of specialist accounting requirements, demanding risk management protocols, and the constant pressure of effective fundraising. That’s where expert charity accountants make all the difference, bringing years of hands on experience and deep sector knowledge that you simply can’t get elsewhere.
We deliver targeted financial management and guidance that’s specifically crafted for charity needs and not generic solutions that miss the mark. By partnering with charity teams and working shoulder to shoulder with organisations, professional accountants cut through the sector’s complexities, ensuring bulletproof compliance while empowering charities to smash their mission goals with complete confidence.
Our approach to Charity Accounting
Our commitment to best practices in charity accounting is unwavering. We provide highly detailed and technical advice and support, ensuring that your organisation’s financial practices are compliant and exemplary. Based in our Swansea office, our technical team is at the forefront of making all key technical decisions, ensuring that our guidance is current and practical. Our team’s technical expertise in charity accounting enables us to deliver specialist solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by charities.
At Bevan Buckland LLP, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of services designed to support charities and not-for-profit organisations that go beyond providing audit and accounts support. We offer advisory services tailored to the needs of charities and not-for-profit organisations, helping you achieve your goals, strengthen governance, and ensure compliance. Our dedicated not-for-profit team ensures that your additional service needs are met with professionalism and independence. We also support and enhance the finance function for charities, streamlining financial processes and adding value through expert financial management. By deploying separate teams for various services, we maintain objectivity while providing exceptional technical support to our clients.
Our experience in the charity and not-for-profit sector
We are proud of our long-standing commitment to the charity and not-for-profit sector at Bevan Buckland LLP. Since 1975, we have supported these organisations with our comprehensive and specialised accounting services.
We have extensive experience working with social enterprises of various legal forms. This allows us to provide informed advice on the benefits and challenges associated with different structures, helping you navigate any issues that may arise and ensuring that your organisation remains compliant and effective.
Our Team and Services
We currently act for over 150 not-for-profit organisations, leveraging the extensive qualifications and experience of our dedicated NFP team. Each team member brings sector-specific expertise, with many actively involved in charity governance and trusteeship, further strengthening our understanding of the sector. Our professionals are adept at offering detailed technical advice, ensuring that our clients receive the highest standard of service tailored to their unique needs.
Our charity clients range from organisations with incomes of £20,000 to £50,000,000, demonstrating our ability to support entities of all sizes. We have significant experience supporting charities operating in the education sector, in addition to a wide variety of other causes. Whether you are a small community group or a large national charity, our expertise is at your service.
Our team includes:
- Three Partners: Providing strategic oversight and personalised client engagement.
- One Director (RI): Specialising in auditing charities, charitable groups, trading subsidiaries, and other not-for-profit entities.
- One Consultant: Offering specialised insights and guidance within the sector.
These leaders are supported by a robust team of qualified accountants, auditors, and additional audit staff, ensuring we deliver comprehensive and practical solutions.
Our services are designed to support the ongoing development and growth of our clients’ organisations, helping them achieve their objectives and adapt to sector changes.
Our team specialises in:
- Trading subsidiaries
- Tax advice on group structures
- EMI schemes
- Capital allowances
- Restructuring
- Acquisitions & disposals
Benefits of Outsourcing to a Charity Team
For not-for-profit organisations, outsourcing your financial management to our dedicated charity team delivers exceptional value and peace of mind. Our charity accountants provide cost-effective solutions that we’ve specifically tailored to meet your sector’s unique needs, ensuring your financial statements are accurate and fully compliant with all regulatory standards, giving you the confidence that everything is handled properly.
Our independent examinations offer you that crucial objective review of your charity’s finances, providing your trustees and supporters with complete reassurance. What’s more, our expert charity teams deliver the guidance you need on best practice, strategic planning, and risk management, helping your organisation operate efficiently while you focus on what matters most to you. By partnering with our proven charity expertise, your organisation can concentrate entirely on your core mission whilst we maintain robust financial management and compliance that you can rely on.
Accountancy Services for Charities
- Detailed Tax and VAT Advice – Provided in-depth tax and VAT consultations and completed annual tax trust returns.
- Tax Planning for Group Structures – Conducted detailed tax planning to evaluate the appropriateness of group structures and recharges.
- Due Diligence on Acquisitions – Performed comprehensive due diligence for potential acquisitions.
- Cash Flow Forecasts – Prepared cash flow forecasts to secure loan finance.
- Corporate Finance Partnerships – Collaborated with corporate finance partners to identify potential business acquisitions.
- Tax-Efficient Cash Extraction – Developed and implemented strategies for tax-efficient cash extraction from businesses.
- Lease Accounting Guidance – Provided expert guidance on lease accounting.
- Corporation Tax Returns – Preparation and submission to HM Revenue & Customs, including electronically tagging the accounts for HMRC submission.
- Audit and Assurance – Independent audits and reviews to ensure financial transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Tax Compliance and Planning – Navigating complex tax regulations specific to the charity sector, including Gift Aid claims and VAT exemptions.
- Financial Reporting – Preparation of annual accounts in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), ensuring compliance with Charity Commission requirements for accounts and returns
- Grant Management – Assistance with grant applications, monitoring, and reporting to ensure funds are used effectively.
- Budgeting and Forecasting – Creating and managing budgets to align with your mission and financial goals.
- Governance Advice – Guidance on governance best practices, including trustee responsibilities and risk management.
- Payroll Services – Comprehensive payroll management, including pension schemes and statutory reporting.
Added-Value Services for Not-For-Profit organisations
We provide a range of training courses designed for board members, management teams, and trustees to improve their skills and knowledge. Additionally, we host a quarterly charity webinar that addresses issues impacting those working within the sector. The topics covered include cybersecurity, fraud, and risk management.
Should there be a specific area where you are keen to develop your expertise, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will arrange a tailored training session to accommodate your requirements effectively.
With significant experience in VAT and partial exemption, we work closely with Centurion VAT to resolve complex VAT issues effectively.
We provide a comprehensive digital accounting service that integrates seamlessly with online packages, allowing you to monitor your business performance in real-time.
Our highly experienced IT Manager offers expert advice and assistance on numerous software packages to streamline your operations.
Challenges the Charity and Not-for-Profit sector faces
The UK charity sector faces many challenges threatening its ability to provide essential services to those in need in the coming year. These challenges can be broadly categorised into financial, operational, technological and social elements.
- Cut to government budgets: This could result in a cut to government grant funding or no inflationary increases to funding being provided.
- Declining income: The rising cost of living has squeezed household budgets, resulting in decreased charitable donations.
- Increasing costs: Charities face rising operational costs due to inflation, minimum wage increases, service demand, and regulatory compliance.
- Managing profits and revenue streams is crucial for the sustainability of not-for-profit organisations, as income diversification and financial resilience help ensure long-term stability and support for their missions.
- Volunteer shortages: Volunteer recruitment and retention have become increasingly difficult for charities partly due to demographic shifts, as the traditional pool of older volunteers is shrinking.
- Digital transformation: Charities are under pressure to adapt to the evolving digital landscape to remain competitive and engage with younger donors.
- Measuring impact: Charities are increasingly being called upon to demonstrate the impact of their work to justify funding and attract donors.
- Remote working: We are seeing organisations downsize premises and move to hybrid working positions. Charities must ensure they have systems compatible with this working practice without a detrimental effect on the services provided.
- IT security: With changes to systems and working practices, security needs to be emphasised to ensure the charity and its data are safeguarded in accordance with GDPR.
- Threat of AI: AI continues to become more realistic, and the charity needs safeguards/procedures to ensure it does not become a victim of fake publications or fraud.
- Increased demand for services: The cost-of-living crisis and rising mental health issues have led to a surge in demand for charity services.
- Complex Social Issues: Charities often address complex social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence.
- Changing Public Expectations: The public’s expectations of charities are evolving, demanding greater transparency, accountability, and diversity. Charities must adapt to these evolving expectations to maintain public trust and support.
What Our Clients Say
5.0
“Tina from Bevan Buckland has been amazing! When changes to the employing legal entity were needed recently, she was responsive, supportive, and very efficient. We have been really impressed with the service we’ve received…We’d welcome the opportunity to work with Bevan Buckland for payroll processing again in the future as we feel we’ve been in very good hands. Bevan Buckland have provided all the knowledge and expertise we’d expect from a well-seasoned payroll provider, and more!”
Free Consultation
If you are a charity or not-for-profit organisation considering outsourcing your financial management or seeking expert advice, our free consultation is the perfect starting point and whilst we appreciate there are alternatives, we are Wales’s leading independent firm specialising in the charity sector with over 160 annual audits for organisations ranging from £20,000 to £50,000,000 income.
During this no-obligation session, our expert charity accountants will discuss your specific accounting requirements, risk management strategies, and the proven benefits of independent examinations, with no ‘extra’ charges for follow-up calls and emails. You will receive tailored guidance on best practice and strategic planning specifically designed for your organisation’s unique needs, backed by our deep understanding of the local charity landscape across South and West Wales.
By working closely with our dedicated charity team – the same individuals who will support you throughout your entire journey with us – you can gain invaluable insights into your financial obligations and develop a crystal-clear roadmap to achieve your goals, with the comfort of knowing you’re getting ‘Big 4’ level expertise delivered in a personable and friendly environment where you feel at ease asking questions.
Take advantage of this opportunity to receive professional advice and ongoing support from Wales’s most committed charity specialists, designed to help your organisation not just survive, but truly thrive and get a genuine return on your investment.
Why Choose Us
With extensive experience serving the Charity and Not-for-Profit sector since 1975, we understand your unique financial challenges. We provide specialised advice on optimising your financial management, ensuring compliance with charity regulations, and maximising tax reliefs and funding opportunities. Our focus is on helping you achieve your mission while maintaining financial transparency and accountability. With tailored support in areas like grant reporting, budgeting, and governance, we enable your organisation to focus on making a positive impact, while we handle the complexities of financial management.
