Small Charity – Accounting and administrative help required.
The problem
This small charity was spending more of its time running its own office than concentrating on its core purpose for being in existence. A number of well meaning individuals had attempted to help over a number of years with the challenging accounting requirements of the Charities Act, VAT – when it should be applied and when it could not - sponsorship commitments, HR issues, compliance, correct governance, Trustee meeting administration, database problems etc etc , the list just goes on. All this time, hard work and effort and not an inconsiderable cost but still nothing was going directly for the beneficiaries of the charities main purpose. This had to stop!
The Trustees realised that it was inappropriate for a charity of their size to try and achieve everything themselves and that other charities must be in a similar position.
The research
The Trustees decided that they would outsource all the back office functions to an organisation that had both the expertise in the sector and the resources necessary for when they were required to resolve this matter. A search of the market place was made but few organisations could provide all the services required as a “one-stop-shop” or offer the depth of experience from which the Trustees would obtain comfort.
The solution
Following a tendering process a three year fixed fee contract was agreed with fees comparable with the total cost of staff, premises, software, licenses, databases etc. The big saving was where the Trustees and other senior personnel had the time to concentrate on the Charity and its good works rather than looking inwards.
An experienced management accountant attends Trustee meetings and provides a commentary on the actual expenditure and forecasts. The database is now always up to date for mailings to donors and supporters and all compliance issues completed correctly and on time. There are no longer any staff issues or any limit to resources as and when they are required.
To see how we could assist your organisation call 0800 091 3750