As specialists in the sector, Champion Accountants brings decades of experience in providing comprehensive accounting packages for charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Charity

As a leading charity accountant, our team has extensive experience of charity accounts, as well as a deep understanding of the legal and accounting framework for the charity sector, meaning we can guide you through what can sometimes seem like a minefield of obligations.

Our services include charity audits, accounts preparation, IT support, payroll and tax advice.

Our approach

With several members of the team acting as trustees of local charities, we’re able to provide an empathetic, knowledgeable, and hands-on approach, which our clients value. By taking the time to get to know your charity, we provide effective support, identifying areas for improvement.

Once your charity audit is completed, we’ll continue to work closely with your team or finance committee, following up on any observations or recommendations. And because we take a proactive approach, we’ll keep up-to-date with the relevant regulatory changes, ensuring you’re kept in the loop too.

Our experience

We’ve worked with hundreds of charities across the region, spanning Manchester, Preston, Chester, Blackpool and more; acting for clients in the following areas:

  • Schools and education
  • Religious and contemplative orders
  • Charities providing services in the field of learning disabilities
  • Registered social landlords
  • Not for profit organisations, including Community Interest Companies (CIC’s)
  • Grant making charities
  • Charities working in the theatre and the arts

Over the years, we’ve supported charities with little to no formal reporting, implementing a more structured process, leading to increased transparency for the charity. Our team is also able to provide in-house support for those organisations needing extra assistance with their finance function.

Adding value to the charity sector

As well as ensuring you meet your financial and legal obligations, we work hard to strengthen your financial position. By taking a hands-on approach, we’ll help to place you in a better position to support your charity’s aims.

Accounting software for charities

We work alongside your finance team to ensure your software meets your charity’s needs. We’ll make software recommendations, implement systems and provide training and ongoing support to your team.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Mark Turner
Mark Turner
Audit Partner
Sue Harris
Sue Harris
Audit Partner
Debbie Thorn
Debbie Thorn
Audit Partner
Peter Buck
Peter Buck
Partner

Case Studies

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“Champion are streets ahead of our previous accountants – very thorough and very charity friendly.”

Dr Andrew Garman, Chair at Platform for Life

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“Francis House Family Trust has had a long association with Champion Accountants in their capacity as auditors to the charity.

“Our audit is always completed on a timely basis in order to meet the requirements of presenting the financial statements at the AGM, which is usually held within four months of the year-end.

“The guidance and assistance Champion has given us over the years has proved invaluable and they have always conducted themselves in a professional manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to other charitable organisations.”

Revd David Ireland, CEO, Francis House Children’s Hospice

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“Champion has continued to play a vital role in supporting any changes and developments that have taken place with the charity and a good working relationship has been established and maintained over many years.

“They have provided the trustees of the charity with crucial advice and support at key points in our development. The services and support they provide are always of the highest quality.”

Alison Sharland, Trustee at the Sharland Charitable Foundation

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“We’ve been working with Champion Accountants for a very long time and their level of service has never changed. The team have always supported us, especially during periods of growth.”

John Cronin, CEO of Fylde Coast YMCA

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“Champion is extremely helpful and if we ever have a query, they always explain it to us in a way that is easy to understand.

“Not only are they approachable and personable, Champion feel like they’re an extension of our team, which is why our relationship has continued to progress over such a long period of time.”

Jill Walker, Director of Finance at Fylde Coast YMCA

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“We appointed Champion in early 2020, and our experience with them has been really positive. We were a young charity that had grown very quickly and needed to move into the next phase of our evolution. Our previous accountants didn’t have a good understanding of the charity sector and provided a basic level of support. 

“We felt we needed an accounting team with specialist charity knowledge who could also support us as we grew. We wisely chose Champion, and they’ve gone the extra mile for us. We’ve implemented Sage with their help and also changed to a banking partner that better serves us, and further developed our financial systems.

 “The team at Champion are swift in providing help, such as assisting us in interpreting information about restricted income. They provided the boost we needed at just the right time.

“2020 was a challenging year for charities, and the sector continues to struggle. Planning has been difficult, but with Champion on board, we have had confidence and continuity in our finances, which has kept our affairs feeling simple and under control.” 

 

Ceri George, CEO at Platform for Life

For more information about how champion accountants can help,

Contact your local champion office today.