ACAT is delighted to announce that places can now be booked on our first ever online training sessions.
Our popular Being a Treasurer: The Basics will become the first course to be available via webinar from September 12.
Limited places are now available and treasurers are asked to book times and dates convenient for them at the earliest opportunity.
ACAT has split the course – which is equally relevant to new and experienced treasurers – into three two hour-long sessions.
We’re advising treasurers to book all three sessions to ensure that they’re appraised of the entire course.
Each session – costing just £10 – will be led by ACAT’s highly experienced trainer, Manny Kemp.
The first Being a Treasurer: The Basics session will cover charity law and the role of trustees and the bookkeeping and finance processes in a church.
This first session be available on:
Saturday, September 12 – between 10am and 12noon
Saturday, September 12 – between 2pm and 4pm
Tuesday, September 15 – between 6pm and 8pm
The second Being a Treasurer: The Basics session will cover the topics of budgeting, risk and Gift Aid.
Delegates will learn about the planning activities of budgeting and risk management, and Gift Aid and other tax subjects
The second session will be available on:
Saturday, September 19 – between 10am and 12noon
Saturday, September 19 – between 2pm and 4pm
Tuesday, September 22 – between 6pm and 8pm
The third Being a Treasurer: The Basics session will delve into the topic of year-end reporting.
It will cover the year-end reporting and independent examination routines required by law.
This third session will take place on:
Saturday, September 26 – between 10am and 12noon
Saturday, September 26 – between 2pm and 4pm
Tuesday, September 29 – between 6pm and 8pm
ACAT Executive Officer Ashley Ellis said: “We’ve listened to feedback from ACAT members and are now launching our Basics course online for the first time.
“It will enable church treasurers to train in the comfort of their own home or office regardless of where they live in the country.
“Once a booking has been made, a member of ACAT’s team will be in touch with details of how to log-in.”
The training will be provided by Zoom.
If delegates don’t have an existing Zoom account, you will be prompted to download the free software once you’ve clicked on the link that we’ll provide you with.
Ashley adds: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Manny Kemp for his outstanding work developing these sessions in conjunction with ACAT’s team.
“We hope to launch even more online courses in the near future.”
To book a session either click on the dates above or go to ACAT’s training page here.
ACAT is urging church treasurers to book places for our 2020 Virtual Conference “at the earliest opportunity” to avoid disappointment following the great success of our first online courses.
These online courses are now practically fully booked – a little over a fortnight after they were launched.
ACAT’s Executive Officer Ashley Ellis is calling on members to book places on those webinars that form part of this year’s conference, entitled: “The Challenge of Change – Securing Your Church’s Financial Future” as early as possible due to limited spaces being available.
The event will take place entirely online between Monday, October 5, and Thursday, October 15.
Ashley explained: “The entire ACAT team has been absolutely delighted that so many of you have booked a place on our first ever online training courses.
“We’re now asking you to book your places at this year’s virtual conference at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we’re only able to make limited places available.
“We’ve arranged for a host of truly outstanding speakers from the worlds of faith, finance, law and digital to lend church treasurers their expertise – and we don’t want you to miss out.”
The events which form part of this year’s conference are:
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 7.30pm – The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR): “Money Makes Change – How do we connect our faith and finances to create a fairer, more sustainable world?“ Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 7.30pm – Diocese of York Generous Giving Team: “Communication – Top Tips for Encouraging Generosity.” Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 7.30pm – The Association of Charity Independent Examiners (ACIE): “Independent Examination – The Independent Examiner Calls” Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 4pm – easyfundraising: “A guide to generating free income online using easyfundraising” Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 7.30pm – Giving in Grace: “The Heart and the How of a Stewardship Programme” Monday, October 12, 2020 at 7.30pm – CCLA: “Investing, before during and after a pandemic – CCLA’s Response to Covid-19” Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 7.30pm – The Charity Commission: “Treasurers – Making a Difference“ Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 7.30pm – Data Developments: “Re-defining accounts and giving in a digital world” Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 4pm – Creative Stream: “WWW: Which Websites Work – A snapshot of what works for Churches today“ Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 7.30pm – Anthony Collins: “Employment Law, the Treasurer and the post-pandemic environment“ To discover more – or to book places – please click on the above links. Alternatively, if you wish to book all 10 webinars at the reduced price of £75 please click here.ACAT is truly delighted that CCLA has returned as our headline sponsor for this year’s conference. CCLA is the UK’s leading fund manager for Christian churches and charities with 60 years’ experience providing competitive and attractive investment management services.”
Data Developments has launched a new Independent Examination service.
The company, which specialises in administrative software for churches and charities, has made this service available to its Finance Co-ordinator and MyFundAccounting users only.
The firm’s new service includes:
• Independent examination of your year-end accounts
• Writing a report to be included in your annual accounts
• Sharing feedback, if necessary, that could help simplify the work of the treasurer or improve the reporting for trustees
Stephen Hendy, Data Developments’ Managing Director, told ACAT: “If you decide to use our Independent Examination service, we will send you a letter of engagement and then a list of the information we need together with a backup of Finance Co-ordinator or details of your MyFundAccounting account.
“In these current times these documents can be scanned and emailed to us and any meetings, if required, can be done online via Microsoft Teams.
“We would examine the information and compare it to the software and if needed ask for further information and if you had any queries you could speak directly to the person at Data Developments carrying out the examination.
“Once completed we would need your Trustees Annual Report to ensure the figures match the accounts and also so that we could add our section to it and sign them off.
“Afterwards we could give feedback on matters that weren’t relevant to be included in the examination report but may be useful going forward.”
The costs are 0.5% of your annual income or £250 plus vat whichever is the greater.
For further information click HERE.
The December “Issue of the month” included a gentle reminder, where relevant, to begin thinking about preparing for the end of the financial year. Key to that is the appointment of the Independent Examiner / Auditor.
The importance of this appointment cannot be underestimated for several reasons. What follows are the key issues to consider when maximising the benefit of what is sometimes thought of as a necessary evil.
Independent examination of the financial statements is important for the following reasons;
The question may arise whether an independent examination is sufficient or whether a full audit is required. There is a fundamental difference between the two.
| Gross Income | Total Assets | |
| (£/year) | Up to £3.26m | Over £3.26m |
| Up to £25k | Nothing (I.E. if a CIO) | Nothing (I.E. if a CIO) |
| £25k – £250k | I.E. | IE |
| £250k – £1m | I.E. | Audit |
| Over £1m | Audit | Audit |
These notes are not exhaustive. The relevant charity commission guidance notes, together with the ACAT website, should be consulted if necessary.
SEVERAL chapters of ACAT’s handbook have been updated to ensure that church treasurers of all denominations remain fully briefed.
The handbook is written to provide guidance for treasurers and others concerned with the financial and legislative affairs of their church, on a wide range of financial matters.
The updating has been overseen by ACAT’s Treasurer Greyham Dawes.
The new chapters include:
– Chapter Six: Basic Accruals Accounts
– Chapter Nine: Reserves
– Chapter Ten: Annual Report
– Chapter Eleven: Independent Examination
– Chapter Twenty Five: Charities in Scotland
ACAT Executive Officer Ashley Ellis said: “We recognise that our Handbook is a truly essential resource for members and we’re constantly checking to ensure that it is as up to date as possible.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Greyham for his outstanding work on this project.
“Earlier this year, we also worked with data protection specialist Kate Grimley Evans to update Chapter 21 on Data Protection.
“We will always let you know when these updates occur.”
The Handbook section on ACAT’s website – which is only accessible to members – can be accessed by clicking HERE.
How confident are you that your accounting records are accurate and ready for the Independent Examiner?
Understanding the type of activity that is generating church income and how the church funds are being spent can assist the church trustees to accurately record and report where its funds are coming from and how the church is using those funds to further its charitable purposes, this course will give confidence in this understanding.
For churches preparing accruals accounts (under Charities SORP (FRS102)) and Independent Examiners reviewing Fully Accrued church accounts.
For Receipts and Payments, please see our other training HERE.
Who is it for? For all those involved in preparing accruals accounts (under Charities SORP (FRS102)) for their church and Independent Examiners reviewing Fully Accrued church accounts.
What will be achieved: By the end of this course you will have delved into accounting for different types of church income from offerings and donations to legacies and grants. Exploration of church expenditure related to the types of income and accounting for different fund types will also be covered.
All of which will give clear direction on recording and understanding the income different activities in church generate, giving confidence in your reporting.
Other information: The course comprises practical and theoretical information, delivered by a knowledgeable and experienced trainer, who has firsthand experience as a church treasurer and independent examiner. The trainer will be happy to answer your questions and concerns, enabling you to record and report your church finances with greater confidence.
The course is typically delivered through a live Zoom webinar. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the speakers and get answers to your specific questions. Each delegate will be sent pre-course materials in advance of the sessions.
It may be helpful to have some knowledge of the financial recording and reporting in your own context, but it is not essential to have any specific knowledge to take the course.
How confident are you that your accounting records are accurate and ready for the Independent Examiner?
Understanding the type of activity that is generating church receipts and how the church funds are being spent, can assist the church trustees to accurately record and report where its funds are coming from and how the church is using those funds to further its charitable purposes, this course will give confidence in this understanding.
For churches preparing Receipts and Payments accounts and Independent Examiners reviewing church Receipts and Payments accounts.
For accruals accounting, please see our other training HERE.
Who is it for? For all those involved in preparing Receipts and Payments accounts for their churches, and Independent Examiners reviewing church Receipts and Payments accounts.
What will be achieved: By the end of this course you will have delved into accounting for different types of church receipts from offerings and donations to legacies and grants. Exploration of church payments related to the types of receipts and accounting for different fund types will also be covered.
All of which will give clear direction on recording and understanding the receipts different activities in church generate, giving confidence in your reporting.
Other information: The course comprises practical and theoretical information, delivered by a knowledgeable and experienced trainer, who has firsthand experience as a church treasurer and independent examiner. The trainer will be happy to answer your questions and concerns, enabling you to record and report your church finances with greater confidence.
The course is typically delivered through a live Zoom webinar. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the speakers and get answers to your specific questions. Each delegate will be sent pre-course materials in advance of the sessions.
It may be helpful to have some knowledge of the financial recording and reporting in your own context, but it is not essential to have any specific knowledge to take the course.
How confident are you that you are prepared for your next Independent Examination?
Preparing for an Independent Examination of your church’s accounts can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure of what’s required or how best to get ready. This course is designed to give you clear, practical guidance so you can approach the process with confidence, understand what examiners are looking for, and ensure your church’s records are in good order.
For all those involved in preparing for the independent examination of their church’s accounts.
It is important that every church that is a charity (registered or not) that requires an Independent Examination, should understand:
This course will give confidence in understanding these elements.
By the end of this course, you will have explored these aspects of preparing for an Independent examination and should understand the nature of an Independent Examination, the need to choose your independent examiner carefully, what happens during and after the review itself.
The course comprises practical and theoretical information, delivered by a knowledgeable and experienced trainer, who has firsthand experience as a church treasurer and independent examiner. The trainer will be happy to answer your questions and concerns giving you confidence in your preparations for your next Independent Examination.
The course is typically delivered through a live Zoom webinar or meeting depending on numbers. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the speakers and get answers to your specific questions. Course slides are sent after the session.
It may be helpful to have some knowledge of the financial recording and reporting in your own context, but it is not essential to have any specific knowledge to take the course.
This session looks at the requirements of the Charity Commission for an independent examination, the steps to undertaking the work and reaching a conclusion.
Ideal for individuals looking to provide IE services to churches but equally useful for trustees to understand what the IE covers and what they can do to ensure that information is available.
