Qualified Independent Examiners

Independent Examination for Charities

Professional, thorough and compliant independent examination services for UK charities with income between £25,000 and £1 million. Expert charity examiners ensuring your accounts meet Charity Commission requirements.

ACCA Qualified
Fully Insured
Charity Specialists
Independent Examination for charities - calculator, account statement and business report with financial budget portfolio show on screen laptop computer. accounting business concept.
15+
Years Experience
100%
Compliance Rate

What is an Independent Examination for Charities?

Understanding your charity's examination requirements and how we can help you meet them

Independent Examination Explained

An independent examination for charities is a legal requirement for UK charities with gross income between £25,000 and £1 million (or £250,000 for charities not registered in England and Wales). It provides an independent review of your charity's accounts to ensure they are accurate, complete, and comply with Charity Commission regulations.

Unlike a full audit, an independent examination is less intensive and more cost-effective whilst still providing trustees, donors, and stakeholders with confidence that your charity's financial affairs are properly managed and reported.

When is Independent Examination Required?

  • Charity gross income between £25,000 and £1 million
  • Total assets exceeding £3.26 million require audit
  • Annual requirement for registered charities
  • Must be completed before annual return submission

Who Can Conduct an Independent Examination?

  • Qualified accountants (ACCA, ICAEW, AAT)
  • Independent person with relevant experience
  • Must be independent of the charity and trustees
  • Professional indemnity insurance required

Benefits of Independent Examination for Charities

Cost-Effective

More affordable than a full audit whilst meeting legal requirements

Builds Trust

Assures donors and stakeholders that finances are properly managed

Ensures Compliance

Confirms accounts meet Charity Commission standards

Identifies Issues

Highlights potential problems before they become serious

Expert Guidance

Professional advice on financial reporting and controls

Time-Saving

Less time-consuming than a full audit process

Our Independent Examination Services

Comprehensive independent examination services tailored to your charity's needs

Annual Accounts Examination

Complete independent examination of your charity's annual accounts, including balance sheet, statement of financial activities, and notes to the accounts. We ensure full compliance with the Charities SORP and relevant accounting standards.

  • Review of accounting records
  • Verification of transactions
  • Compliance assessment

Receipts & Payments Examination

Independent examination of receipts and payments accounts for smaller charities. We verify all income and expenditure, ensuring accurate recording and proper documentation of all financial transactions throughout the year.

  • Income verification
  • Expenditure review
  • Bank reconciliation checks

Internal Controls Review

Assessment of your charity's internal control systems and procedures. We identify weaknesses in financial controls and provide practical recommendations to strengthen governance and protect your charity's assets.

  • Financial controls assessment
  • Risk identification
  • Improvement recommendations

Examiner's Report Preparation

Professional preparation of the independent examiner's report to accompany your charity accounts. We provide a clear, compliant report that meets all Charity Commission requirements and gives confidence to stakeholders.

  • Charity Commission compliant format
  • Clear findings and conclusions
  • Professional presentation

Trustee Support & Guidance

Expert guidance and support for charity trustees throughout the independent examination process. We help you understand your responsibilities, answer questions, and ensure smooth completion of the examination.

  • Trustee responsibilities explained
  • Process guidance
  • Ongoing support available

Restricted Funds Review

Detailed examination of restricted fund accounting and reporting. We ensure restricted funds are properly tracked, reported separately, and used in accordance with donor intentions and charity law requirements.

  • Restricted fund verification
  • Compliance with donor terms
  • Proper fund accounting
Independent Examination for charities - Woman In Office Analyzing Medical Billing Codes On Spreadsheet Reports. Financier Auditor Monitoring Financial Data
Why Choose Us

Expert Independent Examiners for UK Charities

Since 2009, we've been providing independent examination services exclusively for charities. Our team of qualified accountants understands the unique challenges charities face and delivers examinations that are thorough, efficient, and compliant.

Charity Sector Expertise

Dedicated charity accountants with deep knowledge of Charities SORP, Charity Commission requirements, and sector-specific accounting standards.

Professionally Qualified

ACCA, IFA, and AAT qualified accountants with professional indemnity insurance and recognised expertise in independent examination.

Fast Turnaround

Efficient examination process with typical completion within 2-3 weeks, ensuring you meet Charity Commission deadlines without stress.

Transparent Fixed Fees

Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what your independent examination will cost before we begin.

Dedicated Support

Personal service from experienced charity accountants who are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process.

15+
Years Serving Charities
500+
Examinations Completed
100%
Compliance Rate

Our Independent Examination Process

A simple, structured approach to completing your charity's independent examination

1

Initial Consultation

We discuss your charity's requirements, income level, and accounting basis. We'll explain the independent examination process, timeline, and provide a clear fixed-fee quote for our services. This consultation is completely free with no obligation.

2

Document Collection

We provide you with a comprehensive checklist of required documents including accounting records, bank statements, trustee minutes, and supporting documentation. You can securely upload these through our online portal or send them by post.

3

Detailed Examination

Our qualified examiners conduct a thorough review of your accounts, checking accuracy, completeness, and compliance with charity accounting requirements. We verify transactions, review internal controls, and assess adherence to the Charities SORP.

4

Queries & Clarifications

If we identify any issues, discrepancies, or need additional information, we'll contact you promptly. We work collaboratively with trustees to resolve queries quickly and ensure the examination proceeds smoothly.

5

Report & Completion

We prepare the independent examiner's report in the format required by the Charity Commission. You'll receive the signed report along with any recommendations for improving financial controls or procedures. Your accounts are now ready for submission.

Typical Timeline

Most independent examinations are completed within 2-3 weeks from receipt of all required documents.

Rush services available for urgent deadline requirements

Book Your Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about independent examination for charities

Still Have Questions?

Our charity accountants are here to help. Get in touch for expert advice on your independent examination requirements.

Ready to Get Your Independent Examination Started?

Our experienced charity accountants are ready to help ensure your charity meets all compliance requirements with a thorough, professional independent examination.

Free Consultation

Fixed Fee Pricing

2-3 Week Turnaround