Sector
Internal audit for charities and not-for-profit organisations
Proportionate internal audit, controls and fraud prevention for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
The challenges
What charities and not-for-profit organisations tell us
Trustees are responsible for safeguarding a charity’s assets, and the Charity Commission publishes guidance on internal financial controls. Donors and funders expect funds to be managed carefully and used for their intended purpose.
Trustees remain responsible for safeguarding charity assets, whatever the charity’s size. A proportionate review of income, expenditure, grants, payroll and cash handling gives trustees assurance and helps protect the charity’s reputation with donors and funders.
- Trustee oversightGiving trustees assurance that controls work.
- Restricted and grant fundsShowing funds are used as donors and funders intended.
- Fraud riskVolunteers, cash handling and limited segregation of duties.
- Limited resourcesAssurance that is proportionate to the charity’s size.
How we help
Services for charities and not-for-profit organisations
Internal Controls Reviews
Reviews of internal financial controls for trustees.
View service →Fraud Risk Management
Fraud risk assessments and whistleblowing arrangements.
View service →Policies, Procedures & SOPs
Finance policies and procedures that suit small teams.
View service →Governance & Risk Management
Governance and risk management support for boards of trustees.
View service →Where internal audit focuses
Typical audit plan areas
Every plan is built from your own risk register, but these areas come up most often in this sector.
- Income and donations
- Expenditure and payments
- Grants and restricted funds
- Payroll
- Cash handling
- Fraud and whistleblowing arrangements
Frequently asked questions
Do small charities need internal audit?
There is no general legal requirement, but many charities use periodic internal reviews to give trustees assurance over financial controls, especially as income and staff numbers grow.
Is internal audit proportionate for a smaller charity?
Yes, when it is scoped well. We focus on the areas of highest risk so trustees get meaningful assurance for a sensible cost.
Can you help after a suspected fraud?
Yes. We carry out independent investigations and help strengthen controls afterwards.
Talk to us about your organisation
Book a free 20-minute call to discuss your priorities.