Registered Social Landlords

Our clients benefit from the expertise and resources of a significantly sized firm, complemented by the delivery of a personal service, local knowledge, independence and a close working relationship normally associated with a smaller business. - A unique feature among the regional accountancy practices who work with the voluntary housing movement.

Mitchell Charlesworth Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors provides both external and internal audit and accountancy services to over 40 Registered Social Landlords, and we would be delighted to work with you too.

Standards

The Registered Social Landlords Team headed by partner Paul Wainwright, offer a prompt and efficient service to a high standard. We spend considerable time in keeping up-to-date with housing legislation, practice and methods of funding as well as accounting and audit standards, taxation, business methods and modern technology. All partners are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Services to the Housing Movement

Since the impact of the 1988 and 1996 Housing Acts, the services both required and expected from auditors to Registered Landlords has continued to expand. Due to our commitment to the provision of services to the housing movement we have continued to develop our services in a proactive way and include :-

External Audit
The backbone of our service to the housing movement provides our clients with a comprehensive audit to ensure compliance with the standards and guidelines issued by the various accountancy and housing bodies.

We believe in establishing a sound relationship at the outset, and see a partnership approach between the client and ourselves as the basis of a successful audit.

Internal Audit
Experience has shown us that one of the more recent needs of Registered Social Landlords is help and advice on Internal Audit and governance matters, particularly following the Housing Corporation's guidance notes.

We can provide the specialist knowledge that is needed in this area, tailoring our service to suit the client's size and individual requirements and helping them avoid the costly need to employ new staff, through our Business Assurance Services department.

Accountancy
The training we provide for our own staff has given us the experience to train yours. We are able to assist in setting up your books and records and to aid in the preparation of Statutory Accounts. If required, we can second experienced staff to assist in the accounting or development finance function in periods of extended leave or ill health, or whilst you recruit new staff.

Grants
We have the knowledge to help you claim the maximum grants available. We shall also be pleased to pursue discussions with the Housing Corporation on your behalf.

Recycled Capital Grant Fund

We can help you make the most of your revenue income, enabling you to take the best advantage of the RCGP provisions and to assist in the allocation of retained surpluses in accordance with the regulations.

Taxation

Our comprehensive service to businesses gives us the necessary expertise to advise and deal with any difficulties relating to PAYE, NIC, Corporation Tax and VAT. The extended services which housing associations are now able to offer and the increasing prevalence of group structures mean that sound experience in this field is essential to a growing number of associations.

Budgets and systems

We can help you prepare your annual budget, but this is only the first step. Regular accurate monitoring and the production of management accounts are essential to efficiency and control. You will appreciate the need for performance checks and systems audit and will realise that independent accountants are the best people to provide such a service.

Specialist Report & Investigation services

Should the worst occur, and you suspect that mismanagement or fraud exist in your association, we may be called upon to investigate and report on the situation. Partner Geoffrey Weisgard and his team, will provide the specialist support that clients require for work in this field, ensuring we are able to provide an efficient and responsive service in this most sensitive of areas.

Finance Raising

With the ever increasing need for private finance and corporate identity, more and more clients are requesting help to prepare and validate their business plans. We are able to provide a comprehensive service in preparing a finance proposal, tendering the requirements, reporting to the committee for a decision and finally dealing with the lender and solicitor to ensure that the finance is brought into place in the right manner and at the right time.

The Secretarial function

We have assisted many small associations and co-operatives in the provision of secretarial services and in complying with the various registration regulations and the requirements of the Industrial and Provident Society Act.

Your next step

The future may see only the most efficient Registered Social Landlords successfully building on their past experience in providing and caring for those in housing need. Reduced development allocations, increased compliance needs and the undertaking of consortium deals mean that your association will need specialist advice in these areas.

If you would like to discuss any of the above or require further information please e-mail Paul Wainwright at our Liverpool office.