This online course with Pamela Redpath will look at annual accounting, governance and reporting within a voluntary sector organisation.

It can be studied as a standalone course or in conjunction with the other "All things financial" course Budgeting and sound financial management - book both courses, get 10% off the 2nd! (Please use voucher code ATF10 to get your 10% off) 

Overall course aim

The aim of this course is to gain a good understanding of the format and purpose of annual accounts and the trustees annual report. It will also consider reserves and to be aware of the statutory requirements for audit/independent examination, filing of accounts and other notifications to regulators.

Basic financial roles and responsibilities:

• The Board’s responsibility for good financial governance

• The financial manager’s role

• Reporting to OSCR

• Reporting to Companies House.

Financial reporting requirements:

• Statutory reporting requirements

• Audit/independent examination levels

• Format of accounts and thresholds – Receipts & Payments or SORP-compliant.

Understanding financial statements:       

• Format of the annual accounts

• Overview of set of Receipts and Payments accounts

• More detailed overview of a set of SORP-compliant accounts to explain the terminology and how the different parts link together

• What the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) shows

• What the Balance sheet and Notes to the financial statements tell us.

The Trustees Annual Report:

• Format and content

• How it links to the financial statements

• What makes a good TAR.

Reserves:

• Building up reserves

• The reserves’ policy

• What’s included in reserves

Who is the course aimed at?

This course is aimed at people requiring an introduction to the principles of annual accounting, audit/independent examinations, and the basic technical knowledge and skills to implement these principles.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements.

Cost

SCVO members £95, Non-members £135.