Introduction to Annual Accounts and Independent Examinations

Understanding your annual accounts and reserves is a key part of running your charity.  Getting this right helps you stay compliant, make informed decisions, and clearly explain your finances to funders, trustees, and your community.

This friendly, practical session is designed for small and early-stage charities who want a clear, jargon-free introduction to annual accounts and reserves.

Together we’ll cover:

• Understanding annual accounts: what they are and why they matter
• Income & expenditure vs balance sheets: the basics explained
• Reading your accounts: what you need to know
• Charity Commission requirements: what you must prepare and file
• Introduction to reserves: what reserves are (and what they aren’t)
• Setting and explaining a reserves policy that makes sense for your charity
  Using accounts and reserves to support planning, funding, and sustainability

What can I expect?

• 3-hour online session with breaks
• Clear explanations with real-life examples
• Time to connect and reflect with others in the sector
• Plenty of space for questions
• A relaxed, non-judgemental learning environment
• A supportive peer group facing similar challenges