Welcome to our Independent Examination resource page for charities! Here, you’ll find essential information to help determine whether your charity qualifies for an Independent Examination instead of a more comprehensive audit. Below are brief explanations of both options:

Independent Examination: A streamlined financial review conducted by an individual with the necessary knowledge and experience. This examination is less detailed than an audit and is suitable for smaller charities that meet specific income and asset criteria. It ensures compliance with regulatory requirements in a cost-effective manner.

Audit: A comprehensive examination of a charity’s financial records performed by a qualified auditor. This in-depth process is required for larger charities with higher incomes or assets and provides a high level of assurance about the accuracy of financial statements.

An Independent Examination offers a more cost effective way for eligible charities to meet statutory reporting requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability without the complexity of a full audit. To guide you through understanding whether your charity is eligible for an Independent Examination, we’ve developed an interactive quiz. By answering a series of Yes or No questions, you’ll gain insights into the specific criteria that determine eligibility, based on your charity’s financials and operational structure. Begin the quiz now to find out if an Independent Examination is suitable for your organisation!

Does your charity's gross income exceed £500,000 for the year?

Ensuring Integrity and Trust in Your Financial Reporting

Here at the Charity Finance Office, where our mission is to provide comprehensive Independent Examination services tailored specifically for the Scottish Charity Sector. With a deep understanding of the unique financial landscapes and regulatory frameworks governing Scottish charities, we are dedicated to offering expert guidance and support to ensure your financial transparency and compliance.

At the Charity Finance Office, we believe that the cornerstone of a successful charity is the trust it builds with its donors, stakeholders, and the communities it serves. This trust is grounded in clear, accurate, and reliable financial reporting. Our specialised Independent Examination services are designed to not only meet the legal requirements set forth for charities in Scotland but to exceed them, fostering a foundation of confidence and integrity.

With years of experience working closely with charities of all sizes, our team offers personalised attention to detail, ensuring that your financial practices are scrutiniaed thoroughly and recommendations are made to enhance your operations and financial reporting. Whether you are a small community-based charity or a larger organisation, Charity Finance Office is here to guide you through the Independent Examination process with professionalism and care.

Discover how the Charity Finance Office can help your charity navigate the complexities of financial compliance, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your mission and the communities you support.

How We Ensure Simple and Secure Independent Examinations

At the Charity Finance Office, we streamline the process of conducting an Independent Examination to ensure it is as straightforward and hassle-free as possible for your charity. Factoring in time for the collection and return of your bookkeeping records we can often turn around an Independent Examination in ten days. Here’s how we operate:

Day One

Initial Consultation

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Days Two to Four

Convenient Record Collection

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Days Five to Seven

Examination Process

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Days Seven to Ten

Reporting and Record Return

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Our fee for our service is all-inclusive, covering the tracked pick-up and return of your records as well as the Independent Examination itself. There are no hidden costs; what you see is what you pay.