Not-for-Profit Services

Other organisations that the Myers Clark charity and not-for-profit team work with include:

• Grant making trusts
• Schools, academies and other educational and training institutions, including independent schools
• Livery companies
• Care providers
• Housing associations
• Local community groups
• Churches and religious groups
• Arts organisations
• Advice and information providers
• Overseas aid and relief
• Registered social housing.

See the sections below to learn about our not-for-profit services; software for charities; financial reporting and accounting; audit and independent examination; risk management, compliance and governance; and informing our clients.

Not-for-profit services

Our team provides a full range of services to the charity sector including:

• Preparation of charity accounts in accordance with the current SORP and The Charities Act legislation
• Charity audits and independent examinations
• Advising on risk management policies, internal controls, governance issues, strategic planning, tax and VAT issues
• Financial management and budgets
• Advising on the selection of the best suited accounting software followed by configuration, implementation and training.

Software for charities

Myers Clark has been involved in the development and creation of charity accounts formats for a leading software supplier, providing accounts production software to other firms of accountants.

Don’t miss our seminars and events which include reviews of all the latest features of Sage software, including the new package specifically designed to fit the needs of the not-for-profit sector. Click here for details and to register your interest.

Financial reporting and accounting

As a not-for-profit organisation, whether you are registered as a charity or not, incorporated or not, international, national or local, you need to ensure that your bookkeeping, accounts, tax, VAT and audit or independent examination reflect due diligence, proper governance and comply with law and regulation.

In order to be sure of meeting these requirements you need to work with a professional, independent firm of chartered accountants with a proper understanding of the sector in which you work – a firm such as Myers Clark. Our charity and not-for-profit team keeps up-to-date with changes in law and regulation and we pass this on to clients through regular bulletins and events. At Myers Clark we recognise that not all charities and not-for-profit organisations are the same and so we also work with each of our clients to ensure that they are aware of how any changes in law and regulation affect them individually.

You are guaranteed to receive straightforward advice and assistance from Myers Clark. You are offered practical, workable solutions which represent excellent value for money, so that your budget stretches further than you thought possible. Your queries will be dealt with promptly, and our high-quality service is legendary. Many of our clients have been with us for decades, not just years, and are more than happy to provide references and testimonials when asked.

Myers Clark is located right next to Watford Junction Railway Station, providing easy access and plenty of parking. Drop in for a coffee and tap into 90 years specialist experience of providing financial advice for the many organisations that make up the charity and not-for-profit sector.

Your report and accounts are one of the most effective ways for you to communicate with your wider audience. This includes stakeholders such as private individuals and corporate sponsors, donors, volunteers and suppliers, as well as, of course, beneficiaries. As well as being a communication tool, the Annual Report and Accounts have to comply with law, regulation and best practice such as the SORP Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

The Trustee Report and Accounts is increasingly becoming the tool through which charities are monitored by the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies. With our specialist knowledge and experience we are able to assist you in meeting both these needs whilst ensuring that the accounts still make sense.

Audit and independent examination

Most charity and not-for-profit organisations require some sort of external scrutiny, be it a full audit or an independent examination, and it is important that this is undertaken by a firm with experience and expertise in the sector. Myers Clark has over 100 charity and not-for-profit clients supported by a specialist team. As well as undertaking statutory work, we use the audit or independent examination as an opportunity to provide support to our clients by reporting back on any weaknesses in their internal control and accounting systems and we undertake an annual VAT and tax review. Of course, we also suggest practical solutions.

Risk management, compliance and governance

Trustees need to have effective processes in place to support a flexible and robust risk management system to ensure effective governance.

Myers Clark can advise you on every aspect of this, from a risk audit and action plan to an internal control systems review. You won’t just be told what is wrong; you will be given practical solutions that are ranked in terms of priority.

Informing our clients

Whilst all charities and not-for-profit organisations are different, they also share many similarities. Myers Clark keeps you up-to-date on general issues affecting your sector through regular e-bulletins and seminars. Our specialist charity and not-for-profit team picks up issues likely to affect clients and tailors workshops just for them. Click on the links below for details of forthcoming seminars and to read our charity factsheets covering a range of frequently asked questions.

• Seminars
• Factsheet: Charity FAQ - Incorporation
• Factsheet: Charity FAQ - Independent Examination
• Factsheet: Charity FAQ - Public Benefit

If you have any queries on the not-for-profit sector please call Myers Clark, Chartered Accountants in Watford, on 01923 224411 or click here to email us. Key members of the not-for-profit team are Paul Windmill and Nicola Ferriday.