NEWAutumn 2026 batches now enrolling. Limited places each month.
Charity finance staff show how money is raised and used. Trustees, funders and donors need clear records, so accuracy and transparency matter as much as speed.
Entry-level roles
Typical full-time UK figures
Money given for a specific purpose may need to be tracked separately from general funds. That makes charity bookkeeping different from a typical business.
Charity reporting rules also changed in 2026, with new thresholds and a new SORP. Finance teams need to follow the rules that apply to their charity.
Typical full-time UK figures, rounded. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Sources: National Careers Service, AAT, PayScale and Prospects, checked November 2026.
£27k
Also called Finance Administrator
Records income, processes payments and supports reports.
£28k
Often part-time in smaller charities
Keeps a small charity's records up to date.
£27k
Also called Finance Officer in small teams
Handles ledgers, reconciliations and fund coding.
£26k
Also called Finance Administrator
Processes supplier invoices and expense claims.
Common requirements in UK charities & non-profits adverts. They vary by employer.
Systems differ, but the accounting tasks carry across.
Sage 50
Xero
QuickBooks
ExcelA short introduction, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, so check the sources below.
Charities and community amateur sports clubs can usually claim 25p for every £1 donated by an eligible taxpayer. Donors must make a declaration, with limited exceptions.
For years ending on or after 30 September 2026 in England and Wales, the receipts and payments limit rises to £500,000 for eligible charities, and independent examination starts above £40,000.
SORP 2026 applies to accounting years starting on or after 1 January 2026 for charities preparing accruals accounts under it.
Our bookkeeping and accounts courses build the core skills charity teams need, on real client data. We can introduce fund tracking and Gift Aid so you know the language. Detailed charity reporting is usually learned in the role or through further study.
Later on: With experience, people can move into finance officer, management accounts and charity finance manager roles. Senior roles often ask for a qualification or strong charity experience.
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Develop practical skills in bookkeeping, VAT, financial transactions and record management, giving you the knowledge and confidence to support day-to-day accounting and finance operations.
XeroQuickBooksSage 50
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Build practical accounts skills covering financial records, invoices, payments, reconciliations and essential accounting processes for the workplace.
XeroSage 50QuickBooksWe offer group bookings and can tailor training to your team.
Can't find your answer? Our consultants usually reply on WhatsApp within an hour, Monday to Saturday.
Restricted funds are money given for a specific purpose, so a charity must track and spend them for that purpose.
Charities can usually claim 25p for every £1 donated by an eligible UK taxpayer, if the conditions are met.
Not always. Adverts vary, but bookkeeping, Sage and Excel skills are strong foundations. Learning restricted funds and Gift Aid helps.
Checked November 2026. Job advert requirements are based on a sample of UK adverts and vary by employer.
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