Thursday 29 September 2016

Updated WYCAS cashbook

We’ve recently issued an enhanced version of our popular free Microsoft Excel cashbook. The new extended cashbook version - also free - can now cater for up to 25 different funds. In addition to generating reports it produces a year end set of accounts which will be adequate for charities and groups that don't need accruals accounts, and don't require an independent examination. This should help reduce or eliminate bookkeeping and accountancy fees! Full instructions are included in the spreadsheet and you can download it from the tools section on our website. If you need help to get started using it please get in touch.

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Charities at risk of financial distress

The Charity Commission has recently published the results of a review it has carried out into specific charities that appear to be at risk due to financial difficulties. This involved pro-active scrutiny of individual charity accounts. Although the Commission’s work focused on charities with income above £1m the reports contain wider lessons for trustees of other charities and links to relevant guidance and support materials. Locally we have several relevant good practice guides available and can also provide access to advice via a free consultation with a specialist provider.

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Ransomware – a warning

Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of computer malicious software (malware) or virus which is growing rapidly. It installs itself and runs on a victim's computer, often locking or encrypting the user’s files which can only be recovered or decrypted by paying a ransom. A WYCAS client recently suffered a ransomware attack (after clicking on a realistic reply to their recruitment email inbox) and unfortunately lost all their data. In this case a precaution is to retain a back-up of your key data which is independent from your computer. The Take 5 to stop fraud initiative offers practical and impartial advice to help individuals and organisations protect themselves from both online and offline financial fraud.

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Accredited E-learning course - update

It has been a long development phase but we are delighted to report that our on-line NVQ Level 3 accredited course on Financial Practice and Procedures is currently in the final stages of testing and trialling.  We are anticipating launching the course in November and will be contacting people who have registered an interest shortly with further details.

The course covers the core elements of good financial management and is suitable for trustees, finance workers, volunteer treasurers and anyone else in the third sector interested in developing their financial management knowledge and skills. There is a dedicated page on our website if you would like to know more details.

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Boldness in times of Change

Over the summer NPC released a free report as part of their State of the Sector programme. Boldness in times of Change is aimed at injecting new thinking and ideas about charities can respond to the changing environment. It sets out what in their view are the critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing charities and the sector in 2016 and beyond. It might be helpful contextual reading for those charities which are developing or reviewing strategies and associated plans. More generally, NPC produces a range of free research reports which share practical insights and learning on governance related issues and also explore how charities and funders are tackling the UK’s social problems.

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Could you be a WYCAS trustee?

Would you enjoy the opportunity to contribute your experience to help ensure WYCAS operates successfully and continues to deliver relevant support in the future? We are looking to recruit trustees from the community and voluntary sector organisations we work with.  No specialist skills or experience is needed but we would love to hear from you if you have used any of our services at any time, and wish to help us continue supporting the community and voluntary sector in West Yorkshire. For further information please see our governance web page or recent news item. If you'd like to find our more please contact Miranda on 0113 2706291 or email to request our Trustee pack.

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New leaflets and bags!

WYCAS is always trying to promote awareness of and access to our services to all who might need them. We have recently developed a new range of information leaflets about our existing and new services we are offering. This includes our new accredited e-learning course and our independent examination service for larger charities. These are currently being distributed to our partner organisations throughout West Yorkshire. You can take a sneak look at the e-versions on our website.

If you use our accounts service, look out also for our new bags which are designed to help make transporting your accounting records easier and more secure!

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Award nomination!

We are delighted to have been nominated for the award of ‘Partner of the Year’ at the Leeds City Council Citizens and Communities Awards for Excellence Ceremony 2016. This is a reflection of our longstanding partnership with Leeds City Council and support of communities in the Leeds area. The Ceremony takes place on the evening of 14 October – we’ll let you know how we get on!

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E-bulletin

Our e-bulletin is issued on a monthly basis and sent directly to registered subscribers. It is also available from our website. Please note that information and resources contained in the e-bulletin are general in nature and not intended as specific advice or recommendations. We welcome any feedback on the content and format so that we can improve it and make sure it meets your needs. Please let us know  if you have any comments or suggestions.

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Our services

WYCAS provides a range of specialist services designed to meet the needs of the third sector:

• One to one support and training
• Preparation of year-end accounts
• Independent examination
• Financial training courses and workshops
• Computerising accounts
• Bookkeeping and management accounts
• Advice and information
• Bespoke consultancy projects

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