This book is aimed particularly at the majority of the PCCs of the Church of England whose gross income is below £100,000 and who therefore have the option of preparing their financial statements on a Receipts and Payments basis.

As charitable bodies, PCCs, whatever their level of incoming and outgoing resources, are required to adhere to the requirements of the Charities Act 1993, its associated regulations and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for Charities. This book will help parishes meet the requirements of the law and follow best practice.

Guidance is provided on:

• preparing financial statements on a Receipts and Payments basis;
• selection and appointment of an independent examiner;
• conduct of an examination of accounts;
• preparation of the Annual Report;
• compliance with SORP 2005.

This book contains comprehensive examples and provides a complete resource for PCC treasurers, independent examiners, and all those concerned with the preparation of parish financial statements on the Receipts and Payments basis. It may be particularly helpful to the person who is acting as treasurer for the first time.

Those readers interested in the full guidance are referred to The Charities Act 1993 and the PCC 3rd edition: A guide to the SORP 2005 revisions.