Bookkeeping Essentials

Charity Fund Accounting Made Simple

Welcome to the School of Charity Finance! 

Managing your charity’s finances shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle. This is your chance to fill the knowledge gap, gain clarity on important processes, and build the confidence you need to help your organisation thrive. Ready to see how? Let’s take a look…

 

What if understanding your charity’s fund accounting and balance sheets felt easy?

 

For too long, charity bookkeepers have been expected to “figure it out” on their own when it comes to these key areas. While doing your best is admirable, it often leads to unnecessary stress or uncertainty.

But what if that didn’t have to be the case?

Imagine having the essential knowledge and tools you need to confidently navigate fund accounting and balance sheets.

But what if that didn’t have to be the case?

It’s possible, and I’m here to show you how! 

Here’s the Plan:

This autumn, I’m inviting charity bookkeepers and finance team members to join me for a clear, no-nonsense introduction to fund accounting and balance sheets.

Across a few short on demand video sessions, we’ll break down the essentials so you can better understand how these core areas fit into your day-to-day bookkeeping.

With straightforward video lessons and practical resources, you can learn at your own pace and start building confidence in how charity finances really work.

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About me

Hi, I'm Pete...

Almost a decade ago, I found myself responsible for a charity’s accounts without the proper training. It was overwhelming. As the charity grew, so did the financial complexity, and I felt like I was way out of my depth.

Thankfully, that charity invested thousands of pounds in accredited bookkeeping qualifications for me. But that’s not an option for many organisations. Over the years, I realised how many others in the charity sector were struggling in silence, wishing for affordable, charity-specific finance training.

That’s why I started this school. I want to give you the tools and confidence I wish I’d had when I started.

Why You’re Stuck—and How We’ll Change That

The truth? Charity finance isn’t something most people are trained for.

There are not that many accessible, affordable courses designed specifically for teaching charity finance. And when you don’t know where to start, it’s easy to feel stuck.

But here’s the thing: once you’ve got the right knowledge and support, managing your charity’s finances becomes not just achievable but enjoyable.

What's Included In This Course...

Lesson 1: Master the Basics

Get clarity on the core accounting principles every charity bookkeeper needs:

  • Balance Sheet Fundamentals — what they show and why they matter
  • Debits and Credits — explained simply with practical examples
  • Trial Balance - what it is, why you need it

Lesson 2: The Secrets of Fund Accounting 

How to manage money with purpose — and stay compliant:

  • Understand fund types — what restricted and unrestricted income really means, and how to track them — what they show and why they matter
  • Fund Compliance Checklist — a simple tool to help you stay within the rules for restricted grants
  • Real-life examples — see what good (and not-so-good) fund management looks like in practice

What Others Are Saying ...

I would highly recommend this course

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Being new to charity accounts I found Pete's course a great help. The lessons are well structured, easy to follow and of the right duration. 
I would highly recommend this course.

Rob Brown
Treasurer
The Family History Society of Cheshire

The course was incredibly useful...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The School of Charity Finance course was incredibly useful, covering all the essentials in a clear and accessible way. Pete was so supportive and his individualised approach made a big difference to me. He was genuinely helpful every step of the way.

Katy Isaac
Charity Manager, Jacari

I only wish I’d taken this course sooner!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently completed this course and found it incredibly valuable—even after six years of doing charity bookkeeping. It delivered helpful, engaging content that built a strong foundation and clarified areas I’d been unsure about. Pete was an excellent instructor—knowledgeable, approachable, and always happy to answer any question. I only wish I’d taken this course sooner!

Christina Almstadt
Bookkeeper
Croydon Vineyard

Got Questions?

Worried this won’t work for you? Maybe you’re thinking:

 

“I’m not great with numbers.”

(Don’t worry—this course is designed for non-accountants.)

"I don't have time."

(This course is designed with busy people in mind. With short practical lessons, you can work through at your own pace.)  

Look Ahead...

By the end of this mini course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how fund accounting and balance sheets work — and how they fit into your role as a charity bookkeeper.

I’m willing to bet you’ll even enjoy doing the numbers more than before! Gaining knowledge always makes things more enjoyable.

Bookkeeping Essentials: Charity Fund Accounting Made Simple

ÂŁ49

⌿ 2 lessons delivered via on-demand video

⌿ Practical resources included

⌿  Option to upgrade to the full Stress Free Charity Accounts course if needed

Register Now