Charities need the same quality of strategic, financial and operational thinking as any commercial organisation, but within a different framework of stewardship, restricted resources and accountability. MEN helps trustees and management teams build the finance and governance that framework demands.
Start a conversationRunning a charity well is a financial discipline as much as a mission. Funds often arrive with conditions attached. Restricted income must be used, recorded and reported for its stated purpose, while unrestricted reserves must be managed to keep the organisation sustainable. Trustees carry legal responsibility for stewardship, often without day-to-day finance expertise of their own.
Charities also answer to several audiences at once: trustees, funders, donors, beneficiaries and regulators. Each expects information that is accurate, timely and clearly presented. When the finance function falls behind, the effects reach governance, funding relationships and, ultimately, the organisation’s ability to deliver its objectives.
MEN works with charities and not-for-profit organisations on both sides of this challenge: the technical requirements of charity finance and reporting, and the practical realities of leading and governing a mission-led organisation.
Senior finance leadership for organisations that need experienced judgement without a full-time appointment. We provide senior oversight of financial information, controls and reporting, working alongside the chief executive, trustees and finance team.
Preparation of annual accounts and supporting reports in line with the applicable charity reporting framework, coordinated with your auditor or independent examiner so the year-end process runs smoothly.
Clear separation and tracking of restricted, unrestricted and designated funds, reporting to funders on how grants and donations have been applied, and policies that keep fund balances accurate through the year.
Financial controls, delegated authorities and management reporting designed for trustees, with board papers that give a clear picture of performance, risk and reserves.
Budgets, cash-flow forecasts and reserves planning that connect funding commitments to organisational strategy, helping trustees judge what the organisation can sustainably take on.
Support with establishing a new charity, from choosing an appropriate structure to registration alongside legal advisers where required, and ongoing administration, annual returns and routine compliance with the relevant charity regulator.
Finance systems, data and processes that reduce manual work and improve the reliability of fund and management reporting, including automation introduced with appropriate controls.
Financial and structural support when an organisation grows, merges, takes on new activities or restructures, so trustees can make decisions with a clear view of the implications.
Many charities reach a point where their finance needs outgrow day-to-day support but do not yet justify a full-time Finance Director. Others have a capable finance team but need more senior oversight, or additional leadership during growth, restructuring, recruitment gaps or other periods of change. MEN can act as an external Finance Director, Head of Finance or senior finance resource, with the role defined around the organisation’s requirements. It may involve:
Leading the finance function
Overseeing the finance team or outsourced providers, and the month-end and year-end processes.
Supporting the board
Presenting financial information to trustees and finance committees, and helping them understand performance, risk and reserves.
Strengthening controls
Reviewing policies, authorisations and procedures, and closing gaps before they become problems.
Planning and funding
Preparing budgets and forecasts, and supporting funding bids and funder reporting with reliable figures.
Managing change
Providing continuity through recruitment gaps, system changes, growth or restructuring.
The commitment can be part-time, increased at year-end or during change, and reduced as an in-house team matures. Trustees retain their responsibilities; MEN strengthens the financial information, controls and advice available to them.
Registered charities
Charitable companies
Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
Charitable trusts
Grant-making foundations
Membership bodies and other not-for-profit organisations
Social enterprises
Community interest companies (CICs)
A charity’s question is rarely just an accounting question. A growth plan may raise structural and tax questions; a new reporting requirement may expose system limitations; a governance review may lead to a change in operating model. Depending on the situation, MEN can bring together:
Outsourced finance leadership, planning and trustee reporting.
Charity accounting, fund reporting and finance operations.
Growth, mergers, new structures and organisational change.
Finance systems, data and process improvement.
Charity tax considerations, including Gift Aid, VAT and trading activities, in coordination with specialists where required.
Controls, policies and governance frameworks.
Where a charity or foundation is connected to a family, its business or its wider private interests, MEN’s work on family-office finance, reporting and governance may also be relevant.
MEN does not provide statutory audit or independent examination. Where audit, independent examination, legal or other specialist advice is required, MEN coordinates with appropriately qualified professionals. Trustees retain their legal responsibilities; MEN strengthens the financial information, controls and advice available to them.