Independent Examination of Charity Accounts
Professional Independent Examiners | Fixed Fees | Fast Turnaround
At Walden Way & Company, we provide professional Independent Examination services for charities, charitable companies, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) and other not-for-profit organisations throughout England and Wales. Our experienced team helps trustees meet their statutory reporting obligations under the Charities Act 2011 by carrying out independent examinations in accordance with Charity Commission guidance and professional standards.
Whether your charity is preparing its annual accounts for the first time or is changing its existing Independent Examiner, we provide a responsive, cost-effective and professional service from planning through to completion.
Speak to our charity specialists today for a fixed-fee quotation.
Charity
Audit
Our Independent Examination Services
A thorough, structured review carried out to Charity Commission standards, covering every area trustees are required to evidence.
Accounting Records Review
We start with a thorough review of your charity’s accounting records and underlying bookkeeping, checking that transactions are properly recorded, correctly classified and fully supported by evidence. This confirms your records meet the standard required under the Charities Act 2011 and give a reliable foundation for your annual accounts.
Annual Accounts Examination
Our examiners carry out a detailed review of your annual accounts, including an analytical review of income and expenditure against prior years to identify any unusual trends, discrepancies or areas requiring further explanation. This helps trustees understand their charity’s financial position with confidence before accounts are filed.
Funds & Reserves Review
We review restricted and unrestricted funds to confirm they’ve been correctly allocated and reported, alongside bank reconciliations and supporting documentation. We also consider trustee approvals for key transactions, ensuring fund movements are properly authorised and accurately reflected in the accounts.
Statutory Disclosures Check
We check that all statutory disclosures required under the Charities SORP and Charity Commission reporting requirements have been correctly included in your accounts. Any gaps, inconsistencies or points needing clarification are raised directly with trustees, so nothing is missed before submission.
Governance Recommendations
Beyond the statutory requirement, we look for opportunities to strengthen your charity’s financial controls and trustee governance. Where relevant, we provide clear, practical, jargon-free recommendations trustees can act on — helping build stronger financial management for the year ahead.
Independent Examiner's Report
Once our review is complete, we prepare and issue the formal Independent Examiner’s Report, setting out our findings clearly and in line with Charity Commission requirements. This report is ready for trustees to file alongside the annual accounts, meeting your statutory reporting deadline with confidence.
How
We Work
Our Simple Accounting Process
01
Send Your Records
02
We Review & Examine
03
Queries & Discussion
04
Report Issued
What Is an Independent Examination?
An Independent Examination is a form of external scrutiny for charity accounts that is less onerous than a statutory audit. Rather than expressing an audit opinion, an Independent Examiner reviews a charity’s accounting records and annual accounts and reports on whether anything has come to their attention to suggest that:
- Proper accounting records have not been kept;
- The accounts do not comply with the applicable accounting requirements; or
- Other matters should be brought to the attention of the trustees or the Charity Commission.
For many small and medium-sized charities, an Independent Examination strikes the right balance between transparency, accountability and cost — providing trustees and funders with independent assurance without the time and expense of a full statutory audit.
Does My Charity Need an Independent Examination or a Statutory Audit?
Whether your charity requires an Independent Examination or a full statutory audit depends on several factors, including:
- annual gross income;
- total assets held by the charity;
- requirements set out in the charity’s governing document;
- conditions attached to grants or funding agreements; and
- specific Charity Commission or regulatory rules that apply to your charity structure.
Many charities with income below the statutory audit threshold can appoint an Independent Examiner instead of commissioning a full audit — often saving significant cost while still meeting their legal reporting duties. If your charity’s income or assets are approaching the audit threshold, or your governing document has its own requirements, our team will assess your position and advise on the correct level of external scrutiny before you commit to either service. Read more about our Charity Audit Services.
UK-Certified & Fully Regulated
Walden Way & Co is a fully qualified and certified chartered accountancy firm, regulated by recognised UK authorities.
Independent Examination vs Statutory Audit: What's the Difference?
Independent Examination
- Lower cost
- Less intrusive review
- Suitable for many small and
- medium charities
- Results in an Independent
- Examiner’s Report
- Provides limited assurance
- Faster completion
Statutory Audit
- Higher cost
- More detailed, evidence-based testing
- Required for larger charities and certain organisations
- Results in an Independent Auditor’s Report
Provides reasonable assurance - Longer timetable
Why Choose Walden Way & Co As Your Charity Independent Examiner?
Our team has years of experience working with charities of all sizes, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely examinations. We combine sector knowledge with a genuinely responsive service:
- Charity Sector Specialists — We act for charities across a wide range of sectors, including religious organisations, educational charities, community organisations, grant-funded charities, social welfare charities and membership organisations.
- Qualified Professionals — Your examination is carried out by experienced Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) with in-depth knowledge of charity accounting and reporting requirements.
- Fixed Fees, No Surprises — We provide clear, fixed-fee quotations before any work begins, so trustees can budget with confidence.
- Responsive & On-Time — We understand Charity Commission filing deadlines and work efficiently to minimise disruption to trustees and finance staff.
- Practical, Forward-Looking Advice — We go beyond box-ticking compliance, helping trustees strengthen financial reporting and governance for the future.
Who
We Serve?
Industries We Serve
Accounting expertise designed for your industry, your challenges, and your growth.
Client
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Top-rated accounting services trusted by our clients.
Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Independent Examination cost?
Fees depend on the size and complexity of your charity, but we always provide a fixed-fee quotation before any work begins — so there are no surprises.
What is the process for getting started with Walden Way & Co's Independent Examination service?
Simply request a fixed-fee quote, send us your draft accounts and records, and our examiners will review, query and report — typically within 7–10 working days.
How does Walden Way & Co handle sensitive financial information?
Absolutely. We understand that every business is unique, and we tailor our bookkeeping services to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you require basic bookkeeping support or more comprehensive financial management solutions, we can customize our services to suit your requirements.
Can I switch to Walden Way & Co from my current Independent Examiner?
At Walden Way & Co, we take data security and confidentiality seriously. We use secure systems and protocols to safeguard your financial information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Our team is trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
Is an Independent Examination the same as an audit?
No. An Independent Examination is less extensive than a statutory audit and does not provide an audit opinion — it offers limited, rather than reasonable, assurance.
How long does an Independent Examination take?
Most examinations are completed within 7–10 working days once we’ve received complete accounting records and draft accounts.
How do I know if my charity needs an Independent Examination or a full audit?
It depends on your charity’s annual income, total assets, governing document and any funding conditions. Our team can confirm which applies to you in a free initial consultation — see our Charity Audit Services page for full audit threshold details.
Where is Walden Way & Co located?
Can Walden Way & Co prepare the charity accounts as well as carry out the examination?
Yes, in many cases. We can prepare statutory accounts before carrying out the Independent Examination where independence requirements permit. Where we’re unable to act as Independent Examiner for independence reasons, we’ll explain your options clearly. See our Charity Accounts page for more on our accounts preparation service.