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Strengthening you in finance and annual compliance

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Specialist guidance

We fill in the gap of what you can’t do in your annual accounts

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Personal service

We get to know your specific set up and requirements

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Shared vision

We've been helping further Christian causes for over 100 years

Accounts Examination

For churches and Christian charities

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions


A.

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.


A.

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.


A.

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].


A.

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.


A.

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’.


A.

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.

Get in touch

Our team are always happy to hear from you and to answer any questions that you might have

 

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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.

View Accounts Examination Fees Terms of Use
  • Fees based on income size and complexity of accounts

  • Fees quoted upfront (not open-ended)

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