Account Preparation

Periodically (normally annually), a full set of accounts to date are prepared in accordance with the governing document of the organisation. The governing document will normally be the Constitution or Articles of Association. These accounts should give a clear picture of the finances of the organisation, showing what monies have been received/raised and how they were spent or what they are being held for. They should also contain comparable figures for the previous year which help to reflect any changes within the organisation.

If you are a charity, you will need to prepare these accounts to the highest required level depending on what type of organisation you are, what level of income you have and what is stated in your governing document. Accounts also need to contain a TAR (Trustees Annual Report). The type of Independent Examination your charity requires will depend on the above criteria.

Once the accounts are prepared, they need to be examined by an Independent Examiner.

Independent – A person who is not associated with the organisation or any of its board members.

Suitably Qualified –This depends on the level of accounts required.

More detailed guidance on account preparation and Independent Examination can be found on the OSCR website

VABS offers a chargeable service to help in the preparation of the accounts and has staff who are suitably qualified to independently examine most charities. Accounts staff are all members of ACIE (Association of Charity Independent Examiners).

Contact us for more information or please email the VABS office.