Specialist guidance
We fill in the gap of what you can’t do in your annual accounts
Personal service
We get to know your specific set up and requirements
Shared vision
We've been helping further Christian causes for over 100 years
Handling the finances of your church or charity can feel daunting. We're here to give you the confidence you need to stop second guessing, with advice and support from our team of Christian specialists.
We’ll really get to know you and your financial set up, not just to ensure compliance but to strengthen your processes and systems. Working exclusively with churches and Christian charities, and being treasurers and trustees ourselves, we understand the specific issues you face and partner with you to ensure your annual accounts examinations are a success.
Giving you confidence in your accounts
Whether you're new to finance, a part-time treasurer, or an experienced accountant, we'll help you understand your accounts and set up a system with a solid foundation. We'll be on hand to guide you through your annual accounts and help you grow in your role.
Peace of mind
Sometimes you need an outside voice to affirm that you're doing the right things. Our team of Christian specialists take the burden off your shoulders and make sure your accounts are compliant and in good condition.
Personal to you
You'll get a service taking your specific needs into account. Through ongoing partnership with us, we'll be able to help equip you and your finance team. We understand biblical issues around finance, not just regulatory ones.
Make better decisions
It's important for churches and charities to have a clear view of their finances. We'll help you fine-tune your processes and get to grips with financial management and governance, so you'll find it easier to get clear information and make good decisions.
Shared values and vision
Stewardship has been helping churches and Christian charities since 1906. Our team are all Christians and we understand the nuances of ministry finance. We will support you, whether it's in sharing knowledge, understanding your difficulties, or providing the additional specialist support your charity needs.
Preparing your accounts
In addition to performing independent examinations, we can also prepare your accounts for you - perfect for when you need an extra hand.
Thank you so very much for being so gracious with me. You have always talked with me at the level I was at but sought to level me up again and again.
Eddie Rich One Church, Gloucester
The professional and detailed approach in our examination helps us to be confident that we are operating as expected and acts as a sort of annual review of our practices.
Paul Turner River of Life Community Church
It is a real joy to be able to work with someone who shows a real care for the Kingdom and the church at the same time as being very resourceful and having great knowledge!
Jonny Tuck The Gateway Church, Newcastle
Prompt, professional and friendly communications. I always felt I was a valued customer.
Vicky Tyce Relational Mission
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Accounts Examination service is for churches and Christian charities with an annual income of up to £1 million (and if your income is over £250,000, you have assets of up to £3.26m). If you are looking for a professional partner in Christian finance and not just an accountant, then this is for you.
Charity law for England and Wales requires charities with a gross income of between £25,000 and £1m to have an independent examination of their accounts, or an audit (if your income is over £250,000 AND you have assets of more than £3.26m - or your income is more than £1m). For England and Wales see the Charity Commission [Northern Ireland, Scotland]. For Anglican churches, please refer to your Diocese for additional guidance.
Non-company charities with a gross income below £250,000 may prepare more simple receipts and payments accounts rather than accruals accounts which comply with SORP. Company charities must prepare accruals accounts that comply with SORP. To check which type of accounts preparation is appropriate for you, refer to the Charity Commission [England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland].
Your report helps the reader of the accounts to understand what your charity does; explaining the vision and values behind why you do what you do. For more information see the Charity Commission guidance [Northern Ireland, Scotland] and also our information for trustees regarding annual accounts and the impact of Covid-19.
All registered charities must have a reserves policy and disclose this in the trustees’ report or disclose the reason why the trustees do not have a policy. For more information see the Charity Commission guidance and our briefing papers ‘How to think about reserves’ and ‘Looking after reserves and investments’.
It is important that trustees understand their finances, especially which funds are restricted and how these are to be used. We have produced a briefing paper to help you understand this area a bit better.
Our fees
Stewardship is a not-for-profit organisation and our costs are always kept as low as possible. Any surplus is reinvested into supporting charitable activities such as training, events and resources.
-
Fees based on income size and complexity of accounts
-
Fees quoted upfront (not open-ended)
Our services - The numbers
400+
Over 400 churches and Christian charities gain peace of mind from our independent examination service for their accounts
You might be interested in ...
Other services for churches and charities
Resource your mission
Grow your supporter base and inspire them to give more
Save precious time
Free up your team to do what matters most to your cause
Free to you
It's free of charge for churches and charities - all the benefits, at no cost
Expert support
We'll work alongside you, giving you confidence you're on the right path
Partnership
We will administer your payroll so you can focus on your mission
Shared vision
We've been helping further Christian causes for over 100 years
Expert guidance
Experienced professionals to help you find the right answers
Quick response
Drop us an email or call and we'll aim to get back to you within two working days
Great value
Pay one low annual fee and get access to a team of experts
Easy giving
Control all your giving in one, easy to manage place
Discover
Discover and connect with more causes
Flexible
Make discreet one-off and regular financial gifts
Raise money
Activate your supporters' generosity and raise money online
Profile pages
Customise your profile page with your logo, information and images
Save time
We'll handle donations and claim Gift Aid (where applicable), so you don't have to
Save money
A loan with no penalties for early repayments
Accessible funding
We won’t exclude you because you rely on giving rather than commercial income
Shared vision
We've been helping Christian causes secure funding for almost 100 years
Financial Health Check for Churches
Take our free assessment tool to evaluate the financial health of your church.
Designed specifically for church leaders, trustees and treasurers, the Financial Health Check for Churches involves a comprehensive questionnaire to help identify areas that may need further attention and stimulate conversations that will strengthen your church.
