Specialist accounting for charities and CICs, with reporting your trustees can actually use.
Specialist Accounting Support for Charities & CICs
Charities have their own accounting and reporting rules, so it helps to work with charity accountants in Kent who handle them regularly. Most trustees are volunteers who never signed up to learn accountancy, but they approve the accounts.
Swift Accountancy is a Chartered Certified practice. We prepare compliant Charity Commission accounts, carry out independent examinations, and help with Gift Aid, VAT and payroll. You get numbers your trustees can follow, and someone to call when you're unsure. We explain exactly what's covered further down the page.
In the Charity Commission’s 2024 Annual Return, around two in five charities (40.55%) reported spending more than they received. Regular reporting during the year gives trustees time to act on that before it becomes a problem.
Why charities and CICs choose Swift for their accounts
- A Chartered Certified Accountancy practice, regulated by the ACCA
- Accounts, independent examinations, Gift Aid, VAT and payroll advice from one team
- Reports set out so trustees can follow them and ask questions
- Plain English answers, with no jargon
- A Kent-based team you can meet in person
Want accounts your trustees can actually use?
Book a short call and we'll talk through your charity or CIC's current accounts, reporting and upcoming deadlines.
Charity accounting explained
Charity accounts follow different rules from a standard limited company. You must track money given for a particular purpose separately from money you can spend freely. Trustees approve an annual report alongside the accounts, and depending on your income and assets, the accounts need either an independent examination or a full audit. Registered charities also file an annual return with the Charity Commission, and CICs have their own reporting on top of their Companies House filings.
Once it's set up properly, none of it is complicated, but it's easy to get wrong if your accountant mostly works with ordinary companies. We keep your records in order through the year rather than leaving everything until the accounts are due, so year-end is straightforward, and there are no surprises for your trustees.
What's included
Charity Commission Compliant Accounts
- Accounts prepared to Charity Commission requirements, following the Charities SORP where it applies
- A plain English explanation of what the figures mean for your trustees
Independent Examinations
- Independent examination where your charity's size allows it
- Advice on whether you need an examination or an audit
Fund Accounting & Reporting
- Restricted and unrestricted funds kept separate, so you can show money was spent as intended
- Reports set out for trustees and funders
Gift Aid Advice
- Help claiming Gift Aid on eligible donations
- Records set up the way HMRC expects
VAT & Payroll Advice
- Advice on how VAT applies to your income and activities
- Payroll support if you have staff
If your organisation needs help with more than charity accounts, take a look at Payroll & CIS, VAT Returns & Advice or Management Accounts & Business Insights. If your CIC is a limited company, Limited Company Accounts may also be relevant. You can see how we've helped other organisations in our case studies.
Worried about changing accountants?
It's easier than you think.
FAQs about Charity and CIC accounts
Click to expand or get in touch if you have other questions.
Will our trustees understand the reports?
Our aim is for your trustees to understand every report we produce. We explain what the numbers mean in plain English, and we're happy to talk them through with you.
What's the difference between an independent examination and an audit?
The difference between an independent examination and an audit is that an independent examination is a lighter check of your accounting records and accounts. An audit goes further and gives a formal opinion on whether the accounts give a true and fair view. Which one you need depends on your charity's income and assets. The Charity Commission has said the thresholds change for financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026, so we confirm which applies to you each year.
Do you work with CICs as well as registered charities?
Yes, we work with CICs as well as registered charities, and we'll talk you through the reporting that applies to your organisation.
Do I need an accountant who specialises in charities?
You don't need an accountant who specialises in charities by law, but charity accounts follow different rules from ordinary company accounts. A general accountant applying company rules can miss things like fund accounting. It helps to work with a team that handles charity accounts regularly.
What is fund accounting?
Fund accounting means keeping money given for a specific purpose (restricted funds) separate from money you can spend freely (unrestricted funds). Trustees need to show that restricted money was spent as the donor or funder intended.
What's involved in switching our charity's accountant to Swift?
Switching your charity's accountant to Swift involves less than most people expect, and we handle most of it for you. Our guide to changing accountants explains what's involved, and you can see indicative pricing on our pricing page.
Your next step to Accounting clarity
Book a consultation to receive a clear, fixed monthly proposal tailored to your company’s size and requirements.
No obligation. Just clarity.