Introduction to Charity Finance

Delivered in association with:

Introduction to Charity Finance - Foundation
This course is designed as a one-day introduction to many aspects of charity finance, and is designed to give participants an initial grounding in the basics. It especially focuses on how charity finance differs from other sectors.

Who it is for:
* those new to charities but have some previous commercial or financial experience
* those who have worked in charities for a while but have no formal finance training
* treasurers, finance staff or chief executives who want an overview of charity finance

This course is designed as a one-day introduction to many aspects of charity finance, and is designed to give participants an initial grounding in the basics. It especially focuses on how charity finance differs from other sectors.

* The financial and regulatory framework
* Sorp 2005
* Audits and examinations
* Gift aid and tax exemption
* VAT
* Investment management
* Financial management issues

The presenters: All the presenters are from the BDO charities team

What others have said:
“Clear, concise and delivered at just the right pace. I never knew accounts could be so interesting”
“I particularly appreciated the non technical way in which material was presented…thank you very much!”

NB: please bring your charity’s latest annual report and accounts with you for your own reference.
This has been one of the most popular courses run by CFDG, and for good reason. In one day it manages to introduce people to all the big issues in charity finance, and provides an excellent base of knowledge. The presenters are all experts and can illustrate their subjects with relevant case histories. Supporting handouts and good refreshments, all in a West End venue, make this an ideal way to get to grips with some of the trickier issues.

Introduction to Charity Finance - Advanced
This course can be treated as a natural follow-on to the introductory course. The topics are the more difficult and contentious areas of charity finance, and its format is different. It deliberately uses more case studies and allows participants more time to interact and contribute. Attendees should come ready to argue!

Who its for:
* those who are new to charities but want to tackle some difficult issues straightaway
* those who have worked in charities for a while and need to develop their knowledge of finance issues
* treasurers, finance staff or chief executives who want more in depth training on charity finance

Contents:
* Problems with trading – how to avoid tax and insolvency!
* Restricted funds, contracts, and performance related grants – so what?
* Derivatives, hedge funds and overseas equities – OK for charities?
* Gift aid – using the exemptions
* VAT – planning for recovery
* Governance – when trustees go bonkers!
* Question time – every session leaves time to pick the experts brains

The presenters:
All the presenters are drawn from the BDO charities team.

What others have said:
“This was a useful opportunity to get into more depth on fund accounting and restrictions”
“Great to be able to share thoughts with other finance people – I’m not the only one who struggles with VAT!”

NB: please bring your charity’s latest annual report and accounts with you for your own reference.
This course has originally developed as a follow up to the introductory course, but many people attend it as a stand-alone event. Like the introductory course it use experts from BDO and runs in their Baker Street office – but it does allow more time for discussion and shared ideas. It’s an even where everyone’s contributions help!

Please note that CFDG training courses can count towards your Continuing Professional Development, for details please discuss the courses suitability for your personal goals with your professional body.

To book and for a full list of CFDG training courses & events please see the CFDG Events Calendar.