Accountancy services for charities and not for profits
Specialist support for organisations making a difference
Supporting charities and not-for-profits with accountancy, bookkeeping and payroll
Running a charity or not-for-profit organisation presents many unique challenges. From navigating the complexities of charity SORP to managing restricted funds and dealing with partial exemption VAT, the financial landscape for the third sector is distinctly different – and considerably more complex.
At Smethurst & Co, we’ve been supporting charities, CICs, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations for years.
We understand that your focus is on achieving your charitable objectives and making a positive impact, not wrestling with accounting regulations and compliance requirements.
Our charity and not-for-profit services
Choosing the right legal structure
There are far more options for the organisation’s legal structure in this sector, and it affects everything from your regulatory obligations to your tax position. We can help you find the right structure for your charitable organisation.
SORP compliance and FRS102 implementation
The Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for charities outlines how charitable organisations must prepare their accounts, which differs significantly from standard commercial accounting.
We ensure your charity accounts not only meet regulatory requirements but also tell the story of your organisation’s impact in a way that resonates with funders, donors, and stakeholders.
Independent examination services
Many smaller charities require an independent examination rather than a full audit. As qualified independent examiners, we provide this service with a deep understanding of what examiners should focus on in the charity context.
VAT for Charities
Charity VAT is notoriously complex, with special rules, exemptions, and reliefs that don’t apply to commercial organisations. Getting it wrong can be costly, but missing opportunities for VAT savings is equally damaging to your charitable funds.
Trading subsidiaries
Many charities need to undertake commercial activities that fall outside their charitable objects. Trading subsidiaries allow this while protecting charitable status and optimising tax efficiency.
Why charities choose Smethurst & Co?
With specialists within our team who have been working and supporting charities and not-for-profits for many years, our team understands the challenges and opportunities of this sector.
We understand that charity resources are precious, so our advice is always practical and proportionate, helping you to meet your obligations without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Our longstanding relationship with Smethurst & Co LLP has grown and strengthened over many years. They have consistently provided exceptional service across a range of areas, including monthly payroll processing, annual accounts preparation, independent examinations, and support with our annual filings to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
Their team is always just a phone call or email away, offering practical, hands-on support whenever we’ve needed help, especially with our accounting software.
Smethurst & Co LLP are more than just accountants—they are a trusted partner we rely on and highly value.
David Jones
(Trustee)
We’ve really appreciated the support from Smethurst & Co over the years. As a fairly complex charity, we’ve found their advice and input invaluable — always clear, relational, and good value. They supported us through a transition to a new Sage system, as well as bringing in a new bookkeeper, and made both processes smooth and stress-free.
The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with, and they keep their fees very reasonable, which is hugely appreciated. Highly recommend.
Anne Bickerstaffe
(CEO)
We’ve had the pleasure of working with Smethurst & Co LLP for several years and have always found their service to be consistently outstanding. They conduct our independent review to meet the Charities Commission requirements, and also manage our payroll, a vital task they handle with precision, professionalism, and care.
What really sets Smethurst & Co apart is the human side of their service: they are approachable, responsive, and genuinely supportive. No query is too small, and no deadline too tight, they always reply promptly and go out of their way to accommodate our needs, especially when we’re working towards time-sensitive deadlines like our AGM.
We deeply value their expertise and their willingness to go the extra mile. Working with them gives us real peace of mind, and we’re happy to recommend them to any organisation looking for a trustworthy, efficient, and personable accounting partner.
Caroline Isherwood
(Chair of trustees)
I have always found the service provided by Smethurst & Co to be friendly, professional and very helpful. The team are always supportive and happy to answer any questions. From my first hand experience of the company over a number of years I would highly recommend their services.
Jane Robb
(Senior Pastor)
We have used Smethurst LLP for over twenty years. We have always found them friendly, professional, highly efficient, helpful, and contactable. We have no reservations in recommending them and their services.
Alun Taylor
(Trustee)
We always find Smethurst & Co very personable, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful with all our payroll and accounting processes
Rhona Sheppard
(Core Leadership Team)
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Our pricing promise
We are fair and competitively priced. Fair in our pricing, fair throughout the work we do for you, and fair in genuinely investing time to support you and your business.