Exploring 'Accounting'

Crisp, orderly accounts are essential for the smooth running of any organisation - and where public money is concerned there is a real responsibility to show donors precisely how the money has been spent. Charity and voluntary organisation accounts should be a practical and useful tool for understanding and explaining the activities of your organisation:

Want to learn the basics? Get an overview of the best practices and guidelines for voluntary organisations.

	Has your organisation got what it takes? Have a look at our essentials to find out.		Have you got what it takes? Try working through the activities.
	Hungry for knowledge? In more depth gives further insight into the key issues.		Still need more? See our resources area for useful weblinks and publications.

Learning objectives

By working through this session you will discover:

• How charity accounting differs from commercial accounting.
• How receipts and payment accounts differ from full accrual accounts.
• How fund accounting works.
• How to prepare a Statement of Financial Activity (SOFA).
• How to prepare a balance sheet.