Specialist Support for Charities and Not-for-Profits: A Q&A with Darren Owen
‍At Bernard Rogers & Co, we’re proud to support a wide range of clients across Warwickshire and beyond. One sector especially close to our hearts is the not-for-profit community – from local charities and churches to social enterprises and community interest companies.

To shed light on the unique financial needs of this sector, we sat down with our Client Manager, Darren Owen, who works with charities and not-for-profit organisations. Darren brings a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and a genuine passion for helping organisations make the biggest possible impact.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to specialise in working with charities and not-for-profit organisations?
‍I’ve been a qualified accountant for many years, and overtime I developed a particular interest in the charity and not-for-profit sector. My work has included supporting a wide variety of organisations, from small local charities run entirely by volunteers, through to larger organisations and churches of all denominations. What drew me to this sector is that success isn’t measured by profit, but by the difference these organisations make in people’s lives. Helping them stay compliant, sustainable, and transparent means they can continue to focus on their mission.

How is working with a charity or not-for-profit different from working with a traditional for-profit business?
‍The fundamentals of good accounting apply everywhere, but for charities the focus shifts. Instead of maximising profit, the emphasis is on stewardship – demonstrating that funds are being used responsibly and inline with the organisation’s purpose. This means there are unique reporting and governance requirements, and often greater scrutiny around transparency. For example, a community interest company (CIC) must demonstrate a public benefit, while a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) has specific reporting rules with the Charity Commission. Understanding these differences is crucial to keeping organisations on track.

What are some of the biggest financial challenges you see charities and not-for-profits facing right now?
‍The sector is under real pressure at the moment. Many charities are experiencing rising demand for their services while funding streams remain tight. Add to that the challenges of inflation, increasing operating costs, and the reliance on volunteers or small finance teams, and it’s easy to see how financial management can become a burden. The risk is that governance or compliance slips through the cracks, which is where specialist support can make a huge difference.

Many smaller charities rely heavily on volunteers or part-time finance teams. What kind of support can Bernard Rogers & Co offer to help them manage the load?
‍We step in to provide the expertise and consistency that smaller charities often lack in-house. That might be preparing statutory accounts, advising on regulatory compliance, or setting up processes so trustees can easily understand their financial position. For volunteer-led organisations, having professional support in place provides peace of mind. It means they can stay compliant while freeing up time to focus on delivering their mission.

How important is transparency in financial reporting for not-for-profits, and what does that look like in practice?
‍Transparency is absolutely essential in this sector. Donors, grant funders, and the general public want to know their money is being used wisely. For trustees, transparent reporting means they can make informed decisions and demonstrate good governance. In practice, this means clear, accessible accounts, tailored reporting for funders, and strong internal controls. It’s not just about meeting statutory obligations – it’s about building trust, which is fundamental for long-term sustainability.

What sets Bernard Rogers & Co apart when it comes to working with this sector?
‍What makes us different is our genuine commitment to the local community and our specialist knowledge of this sector. We understand that not-for-profits need more than year-end compliance – they need an advisor who understands their unique challenges, from restricted funds through to the nuances of SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) reporting. Through our dedicated expertise, we help organisations achieve financial clarity, strengthen governance, and focus their energy where it matters most: delivering impact.

Final Thoughts
‍Working with an accountancy firm who truly understands the charity and not-for-profit landscape isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. At Bernard Rogers & Co, we’re proud to stand alongside organisations making a difference in Warwickshire and beyond, providing the financial support that enables them to keep serving their communities with confidence.

If your charity or social enterprise is looking for tailored advice or simply wants to understand how we can help, we’d be delighted to start a conversation. Get in touch with Darren at darrenowen@bernard-rogers.co.uk or call us on 01926 8581 516.

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