Company registration number: 07999264 Charity registration number: 1147929
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service
(A company limited by guarantee.) Annual Report and Unaudited but Independently Examined Accounts
for the year ended 31 January 2025
Dick Maule FCA The Cross House South Woodchester GL5 5EL
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details………………………………….…………1 | Reference and Administrative Details………………………………….…………1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report…….………………………………………………….………… | 2 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report…......................................................................... | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities….......................................................................... |
6 |
| Balance Sheet….................................................................................................. | 7 |
| Notes to financial statements…............................................................................ | 8 to 16 |
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Reference and Administrative Details
Charity name Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Charity registration number 1147929 Company registration number 07999264 Registered in England & Wales Registered office The Elms 61 Green Lane Redruth Cornwall TR15 1LS Trustees John Acornley (Resigned 19 September 25) Chris Dennis Joanne Fisher Key management personnel Debbie Risborough Chief Executive Officer Independent Examiner Dick Maule FCA The Cross House South Woodchester GL5 5EL
Page 1
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2025
Objectives and activities
The objects of the charity are:
• to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of charities, social enterprises and other voluntary and community organisations and the effective use of their resources for the benefit of the public by developing, promoting, co-ordinating and supporting community accountancy services and through the provision of support, information and training for financial management and control.
• To provide support in the form of cost effective accountancy services and financial capacity building for vulnerable individuals and their families in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
In particular but not exclusively in Cornwall and the surrounding areas.
In brief we want to help charities meet their statutory obligations and understand their financial requirements easily so that they can concentrate on their true charitable activities. Feedback from our clients confirms that once the finances are in order and understood the impact of their charitable activities can increase.
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in preparing this report and have ensured that in planning activities year on year that identifiable benefits are attained for our clients and beneficiaries.
Achievements and performance
The reduction of available funding has had a major impact on our client base of small charities and community interest companies. This means that we have been helping clients to either work in a much reduced way or to close down.
In addition the changes to companies house rules and regulations are starting to affect both our workload and our clients. This year fees have been increased for confirmation statements by 161%. With other major changes expected in the next 2 years. The main one affecting charities will be the move to fully online filing by April 2027. At present charity accounts can only be filed manually at companies house so further information is needed as soon as possible so that we can prepare for this change.
Another upcoming change is the revised Charity SORP which will come into effect for accounting periods commencing on or after 1st January 2026.
These changes are fundamental for us as we need to ensure that we are up to date on our training in order to introduce them and also need to review our IT systems to ensure they are fit for purpose with the new requirements. All of which takes time and effort in the background.
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Trustees' Report
Continuing on the theme of major changes, our CEO Debbie Risborough (FCCA), who was involved in founding the charity, has made the decision to step down from her role. Although she is intending to remain in the background to support the team moving forwards. We are pleased to have found a replacement in Andrew Harry (CGMA) who was appointed on 1st January 25. The handover period is anticipated to be up to 15months allowing for sufficient time to handover all client activities as well as look at our procedures and how we adapt to having different professional associations involved.
We updated our in house designed IT system for the production of charity accounts this year. We designed this a few years ago but had moved away to commercial software in the hope that it would be more efficient and enable easier updating. Unfortunately that didn't prove to be the case and the team have welcomed our own updated system as an improvement.
We worked with 61 clients on our usual work of independent examinations, payroll and bookkeeping (65 in 2023/24). We continue to look for ways to build the team to increase our capacity as we are conscious that there is a demand for our services that we are currently unable to meet. Our sustainability is also linked to growth. Our pricing model allows for 25% of our client income to be put towards administrative expenses. At our current level of turnover this does not cover all admin time. With the additional regulation requirements coming in the admin time will be increased meaning that we need to identify how this cost can be met.
Financial review
The income for the year has increased by 19% to £61,107 (2024 £51,501). This is due to us initiating our second price increase since we began in 2012. The last increase was in 2017 so was much needed, particularly with the recent increases in the cost of living. Expenditure has therefore also increased by 16% to £61,287 (2024 £52,660) which reflects increased team costs including the start of the CEO handover. The resulting deficit in unrestricted funds being £180 (2024 £942).
Reserves policy
The trustees feel that a reserve of 3 months running costs is appropriate to cover the needs of the organisation in the event of emergencies. Looking at the costs for 2024/5 this would be £15,322. The actual reserves of £9,599 (2024 £9,779) show that further recovery work to increase reserves is required.
Structure, governance and management
CCAS is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 21st March 2012. The governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Clause 6 of the Memorandum restricts the liability of each member, as defined by clause 7,to ten pounds in the event of the Charity being wound-up. The Charity cannot pay dividends and must utilise all its funds to further its stated charitable objectives. At 31st January 2025, there were three members.
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Trustees' Report
Recruitment and induction of trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Charity and determines policy. It is also responsible for the overall management of the Charity and for ensuring that approved policies are implemented by staff, consultants and volunteers. The Board of Trustees meets at least four times per annum. New trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees, and at any time there should not be fewer than two trustees.
Staff & Consultants
Debbie Risborough(FCCA) remains the principal accountant and Chief Executive Officer of the charity. As noted above Andrew Harry (CGMA) joined us in January 25 to take over from her. They are supported by two part time bookkeepers and 3 sub contractors.
Risk management
Trustees are kept fully informed of risks to which the charity is exposed and the steps taken to mitigate, where possible, their impact. The Charity is managed to ensure minimum risk with low cost commitments in order to achieve the charitable objectives. In addition, the principles of best practice are incorporated within all work performed.
Trustee Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and the applicable Statement of Recommended Practice. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
there is no relevant information of which the charitable company’s independent examiner is unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as trustees to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the Board on 27th November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
.........................................
Chris Dennis Trustee
Page 4
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Independent Examiner's Report
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 January 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 16.
Respective responsibilites of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section
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145 (5) (b) of the 2011 Act;
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and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
o to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
o to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met;
2) or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
....................................................... …………………………… Dick Maule FCA Date: The Cross House South Woodchester GL5 5EL
Page 5
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 January 2025
| Note Income and endowments from: Income and endowments from: 4 Charitable Activities 5 Investments 6 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 7 Other gains/(losses) Total Total Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net income/(expenditure) Reconciliation of funds: Net movement in funds Total funds brought Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 1,500 59,492 115 61,107 61,287 61,287 (180) (180) - (180) 9,779 9,599 |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,500 59,492 115 61,107 61,287 61,287 (180) (180) - (180) 9,779 9,599 |
Prior year funds 2024 £ - 51,430 71 51,501 52,660 52,660 (1,159) (1,159) - (1,159) 10,938 9,779 |
|---|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities
Page 6
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Balance Sheet
As at 31 January 2025
| Note Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 11 Current Assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets The funds of the charity: Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Unrestricted income funds Total unrestricted funds Total charity funds |
£ £ - - 16,303 5,633 21,936 (12,337) 9,599 9,599 9,599 - 9,599 9,599 9,599 2025 |
£ £ 17 17 13,746 6,422 20,168 (10,405) 9,763 9,780 9,780 - 9,780 9,780 9,780 2024 |
|---|---|---|
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
For the year ended 31 January 2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
Approved by the Board on 27th November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Chris Dennis Trustee
Page 7
Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with: - Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice, applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard, applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) second edition - October 2019 (effective 1 January 2019); - the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);
-
the Companies Act 2006 and
-
the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102
1.2 Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
1.3 Fund accounting policy
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are amounts that are allocated for specific purposes by the charity itself.
Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Revaluation funds are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at their market value.
1.4 Income
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS102 SORP or FRS102.
Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met:
-
the charity has entitlement to the funds;
-
any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met or are fully
-
within the control of the charity;
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there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable; and
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the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies are voluntary income received by way of donations and gifts. It is included within the accounts when receivable and only when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the income.
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts are included in the accounts at the same time as the gift/donation to which it relates
Donated goods and services are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material.
The value of services provided by volunteers is not included within the accounts.
1.5 Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes the attributable value added tax which cannot be recovered.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs are the those costs required to support the charity in carrying out its activities and meeting its objects.
Governance costs include costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and other costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity including the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £250 are capitalised.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, which is reviewed annually. The rates used are as follows:-
Office Equipment - 33% straight line
1.7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
1.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
1.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.10 Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.11 Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
1.12 Leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
1.13 Statement of cash flows
The charity is exempt from preparing a statement of cash flows on the grounds that it is a small charity
2 Company Status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The charity is incorporated in England.
In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
The members of the charity are the trustees named on page 1.
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
3 Statement of Financial Activities - prior year
| Income Income and endowments from: Charitable activities Investments Expenditure Expenditure on: Charitable activities Other gains/(losses) Reconciliation of funds: 4 Donations and Legacies Total Total Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 51,430 71 51,501 52,443 52,443 (942) (942) (942) 10,721 9,779 |
Restricted income funds 2024 £ - - - 217 217 (217) (217) (217) 217 - |
Total funds 2024 £ 51,430 71 51,501 52,660 52,660 (1,159) (1,159) - (1,159) 10,938 9,779 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donated services | Unrestricted funds £ 1,500 1,500 |
Restricted income funds £ - - |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,500 1,500 |
Prior year funds 2024 £ - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
5 Incoming resources from charitable activities
| Primary Purpose Trading: Accountancy services Other income related to charitable activities 6 Investment income Interest on cash deposits |
Unrestricted funds £ 52,895 6,597 59,492 Unrestricted funds £ 115 115 |
Restricted income funds £ - - - Restricted income funds £ - - |
Total funds 2025 £ 52,895 6,597 59,492 Total funds 2025 £ 115 115 |
Prior year funds 2024 £ 45,728 5,702 51,430 Prior year funds 2024 £ 71 71 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
7 Expenditure on charitable activities
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Prior year|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Direct costs|
|Client companies house fees|446|-|446|341|
|446|-|446|341|
|Support costs|
|-|
|Wages and salaries|9,027|9,027|8,507|
|Pensions|236|-|236|187|
|Staff Welfare|559|-|559|350|
|Rent and rates|2,043|-|2,043|2,478|
|Insurance|364|-|364|363|
|Telephone and fax|317|-|317|352|
|-|
|IT expenses|7,437|7,437|4,446|
|Printing, postage and|135|-|135|91|
|stationery|
|Subscriptions|187|-|187|242|
|Advertising & Marketing|576|-|576|612|
|-|
|Consultancy fees|39,390|39,390|33,524|
|Legal and professional fees|13|-|13|13|
|Bank charges|60|-|60|60|
|Depreciation|17|-|17|554|
|-|
|Total Support Costs|60,361|60,361|51,779|
|Governance Costs|
|The audit or independent|
|examination of the charity's|480|-|480|540|
|accounts|
|Total Governance Costs|480|-|480|540|
|-|
|Total Charitable Expenditure|61,287|61,287|52,660|
----- End of picture text -----
8 Net income/ expenditure
Net income/expenditure is stated after charging:
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Auditors' / Independent Examiners'|
|480|540|
|remuneration|
|Depreciation of tangible fixed assets|17|554|
----- End of picture text -----
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
9 Staff costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Staff in charitable activities The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: Wages and salaries Pensions Total remuneration received by key management personnel which is partly included within the wages and salaries figures above and parly in consultancy fees shown in note 7 |
2025 Number 1 2025 £ 9,027 236 9,263 36,689 |
2024 Number 2 2024 £ 8,507 187 8,694 31,856 |
|---|---|---|
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 in either the current or the prior year.
The charity operates a defined contributions scheme with NEST. The pension cost shown represents the contributions payable by the charity to the scheme for the period.
The outstanding contributions at the end of the financial period were:
49 -
10 Trustees' remuneration and expenses
Trustees received no remuneration , benefits in kind or expenses during the current or prior year.
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost As at 1 February 2024 As at 31 January 2025 Depreciation As at 1 February 2024 Charge for the year As at 31 January 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 January 2025 As at 31 January 2024 |
Office Equipment £ 3,810 3,810 3,793 17 3,810 - 17 |
Total £ 3,810 3,810 3,793 17 3,810 - 17 |
|---|---|---|
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
12 Debtors
| Trade Debtors Accrued income Prepayments Trade creditors Taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income Other creditors Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year |
2025 £ 11,878 4,387 38 16,303 2025 £ 9,955 203 2,130 48 12,336 |
2024 £ 6,600 7,146 - 13,746 2024 £ 5,588 68 4,750 - 10,406 |
|---|---|---|
13 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
14 Analysis of funds
| General Funds Unrestricted funds Total Unrestricted funds Total funds |
As at 1 February 2024 £ 9,779 9,779 9,779 |
Incoming Resources £ 61,107 61,107 61,107 |
Resources Expended £ (61,287) (61,287) (61,287) |
Transfers £ - - - |
As at 31 January 2025 £ 9,599 9,599 9,599 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 Net assets by fund
| Tangible assets Current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net Assets |
Unrestricted funds - 21,936 (12,337) 9,599 |
Restricted income funds - - - - |
Total funds - 21,936 (12,337) 9,599 |
Prior year funds 17 20,168 (10,405) 9,780 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cornwall Community Accountancy Service Notes to the Accounts
16 Contingent Liability
During the 2014/15 year a substantial amount of client work was undertaken by the Chief Executive and Principle Accountant Debbie Risborough that has not yet been invoiced. The reason for this being due to the requirement to develop the team prior to staff being able to take over the client commitments. The time incurred was a total of 477.75 hours valued at £14,333. The current value outstanding is £12,833. Ms Risborough has agreed that work will only be invoiced in the future when the charity has built a sufficient surplus to enable payment or when the charity has a sufficient client base to support payment of a salary to Ms Risborough from which the flexi-time balance will be deducted as time off in lieu. Remuneration arrangements have now been revised to ensure there is no further liability that can arise.
Page 16