Charity Accountants UK – Specialist Accounting for Charities, CICs, and Not-for-Profits
At Halliday Styan, we provide specialist accounting, compliance, and financial support for charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and not-for-profit organisations across the UK. We act as dedicated charity accountants for UK organisations, supporting compliance, reporting, and financial governance for charities and social enterprises.
We work with organisations that exist to make a difference, and we believe charities and social enterprises deserve the same quality of financial expertise and strategic support as the commercial sector. We work with charities and not-for-profits including:
Small and medium-sized charities
Grant-funded organisations
Charitable companies limited by guarantee
CICs and social enterprises
Community and membership organisations
Whether you are a small charity, a CIC delivering community benefit, or a charitable company managing restricted funding, our team ensures your finances are compliant, transparent, and built to support long-term impact. Trusted by charities, CICs, and community organisations across the UK.
Book a free consultation today using our online enquiry form.
For more information about Halliday Styan, read more about us here:
Specialist Charity Accountants with over 25 Years’ Combined Experience
Charity accounting is fundamentally different from standard business accounting. It comes with unique regulatory obligations, reporting structures, and trustee responsibilities.
Our team has over 25 years of combined experience and support:
Registered charities
Charitable companies limited by guarantee
Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Grant-funded and community-led organisations
Our partner, Christopher Styan currently serves as a charity Trustee, giving us first-hand insight into board governance, Charity Commission expectations, and funder accountability.
We are passionate about helping organisations that deliver real human benefit. We take pride in being trusted financial partners to those working for the public good.
Read more about our values and mission here:
Accounting and Finance Services for Charities
We offer a complete range of accounting services tailored specifically to the charity and not-for-profit sector. We specialise in supporting small and medium-sized charities under £2 million income, providing expert charity accounting without the cost of an in-house finance team. We manage both Charity Commission and Companies House filing obligations, ensuring full compliance for charitable companies and incorporated charities.
Explore our wider service offerings here:
Bookkeeping and Day-to-Day Charity Finance Support
Many smaller charities and CICs do not have an in-house finance team, yet trustees and funders increasingly expect clear financial reporting. We provide outsourced finance support, including:
Bookkeeping and accounting system management
VAT return preparation (where applicable)
Monthly or quarterly management accounts
Board-ready financial reporting packs
Budget preparation and cash flow forecasting
Our goal is to give trustees and leadership teams clarity, confidence, and control over their finances.
Charity Accounts Preparation (SORP / FRS 102 Compliance)
Charities preparing accrual accounts must follow the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) under FRS 102. We specialise in preparing compliant charity accounts, including:
Statutory financial statements
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)
Trustees’ Annual Reports
Fund disclosure notes and reserves reporting
Full SORP-compliant disclosures
We ensure your accounts meet both Charity Commission expectations and funder requirements, while keeping reporting as clear and accessible as possible.
Independent Examinations for Charities
Many charities are legally required to have their accounts externally reviewed each year through an independent examination, depending on their income, structure, and governing documents. Independent examinations are commonly required for charities above the Charity Commission income threshold, where a full audit is not mandatory. An independent examination provides trustees, funders, and regulators with assurance that the charity’s financial statements have been properly prepared and comply with the relevant reporting framework.
At Halliday Styan, we offer independent examination services for charities across the UK, including support with:
Independent examination reports in line with Charity Commission requirements
SORP (FRS 102) compliant accounts preparation and review
Advice on whether an independent examination or statutory audit is required
Support for trustees in meeting governance and reporting obligations
Submission-ready documentation for Charity Commission filing
Independent examinations are a vital part of charity compliance for organisations under the statutory audit threshold, and we help ensure your reporting remains robust and regulator-ready. We understand the importance of producing accounts that are accurate, transparent, and aligned with both regulatory expectations and stakeholder confidence.
Whether your charity is approaching the independent examination threshold for the first time, or you require ongoing annual scrutiny support, our team ensures the process is efficient, compliant, and clearly explained.
Restricted and Unrestricted Fund Accounting
Fund accounting is one of the most important and complex areas of charity finance. Charities must separately report:
Restricted funds - used only for donor-specified purposes
Unrestricted funds - available for general charitable activities
Designated reserves - set aside by trustees for future plans
Misuse or misreporting of restricted funds can lead to serious regulatory consequences. We support charities with:
Restricted fund mapping and tracking
Grant reporting and funder-ready documentation
SOFA presentation and fund movement calculations
Charity Tax and Corporation Tax Exemption Reviews
While charities benefit from significant tax reliefs, they can still become liable for corporation tax in certain circumstances, such as:
Non-primary purpose trading income
Trading above HMRC small trading limits
Income not applied for charitable purposes
Certain investment or property transactions
We review your activities carefully to ensure exemptions are protected and tax risks are identified early.
Charity Commission and Statutory Filing Support
All registered charities must meet ongoing reporting obligations, including submission of:
Annual accounts
Trustees’ Annual Report
Independent examination or audit reports (where required)
New regulatory thresholds are being introduced from September 2026, increasing compliance requirements for many smaller charities. We ensure your filings are accurate, timely, and fully compliant.
Outsourced Finance Support for Charities
Many charities don’t need a full internal finance department but still require reliable reporting, trustee support, and compliance expertise. We act as an outsourced finance team, giving you access to experienced charity accountants as your organisation grows.
CIC Accounting and Compliance Services
Community Interest Companies play a vital role in delivering social impact, but CICs are taxed and regulated differently from charities. We support CICs with:
Bookkeeping and management accounts
Statutory year-end financial statements
Corporation tax registration and CT600 returns
Companies House filing obligations
Preparation and filing of the required CIC34 Community Interest Report
Asset lock compliance and disclosure support
Unlike charities, CICs do not receive charity tax exemptions or Gift Aid relief, so proactive tax planning is essential.
Support for Other Not-for-Profit Organisations
We also advise not-for-profit organisations structured as:
Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLGs)
Membership associations and clubs
Community organisations and co-operatives
Our services include:
Annual accounts and Companies House filings
Confirmation statements
Corporation tax compliance
Governance-focused financial reporting
Why clients choose Halliday Styan
Charities and social enterprises choose Halliday Styan because we offer:
Specialist charity and CIC expertise
Over 25 years’ combined experience
Trustee-level understanding of governance pressures
Clear, board-ready financial reporting
Support for smaller organisations without finance teams
UK-wide service with partners based in London, Surrey, Devon, and Cornwall
Most importantly, we care deeply about supporting organisations that exist to improve lives and communities.
For more information about our local presence or location-specific services, click the below links.
Book a Free Consultation
If you are a charity, CIC, or not-for-profit organisation looking for expert accounting support, we would love to help.
Book a free consultation today using our online enquiry form, and discover how Halliday Styan can support your mission with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Charity Accounting FAQs
Do charities need to follow SORP?
Yes, most charities preparing accrual accounts must comply with the Charities SORP (and usually FRS 102, i.e. UK GAAP).
Do CICs get the same tax exemptions as charities?
No, CICs are fully subject to corporation tax and do not qualify for Gift Aid relief.
Do you work with charities across the UK?
Yes, Halliday Styan supports charities nationwide, with partners based in London, Surrey, Devon and Cornwall.
Do charities need an independent examination or an audit?
Most charities must obtain external scrutiny of their accounts, either through an independent examination or a statutory audit, depending on income and asset thresholds. We can advise on the correct requirement and provide independent examination services where applicable.
Can you help trustees understand their financial responsibilities?
Yes. Trustees carry legal responsibility for charity finances, governance, and reporting. We provide clear, board-ready financial reports and guidance to help trustees meet their obligations and make informed decisions with confidence.
Do you support charities with grant and funder reporting?
Absolutely. Many charities need accurate restricted fund tracking, budgeting, and financial evidence for grant applications and funder reviews. We help ensure your reporting is robust, compliant, and aligned with funder expectations.
What accounting software is best for charities and CICs?
The right accounting software depends on your organisation’s size, funding structure, and reporting needs. We support charities and CICs using systems such as Xero, QuickBooks, and specialist fund accounting solutions, ensuring accurate reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds.