Community Roots

Community Accounts Service

For the last 10 years we’ve had C360 doing our payroll and it has been great. They have always been there for us if we had any queries.

AFI UK, CIC African families in The UK

In 2024 the Community Accounts Team supplied financial services to 162 groups in Essex.

The services are cost effective and thoroughly professional, the service we receive is exceptional.

Creative Waldon

The accounts team are always so helpful and support us by being such good value for money.

Chelmsford Group

Established in 1996, the Community Accounts Service (CAS) provides specialist accountancy support for CIOs, CICs, charities, non-profits, and small businesses. Our aim is simple: to give your organisation peace of mind with clear, reliable financial reporting and expert guidance.

Accounts preparation
Payroll bureau
Bookkeeping
Independent examinations
Financial health checks
Budgets for funding applications
Training courses and workshops
1:1 support sessions
Secondments and general financial queries

We are now offering a comprehensive Personal Tax Service, designed to take the stress out of your annual Self-Assessment. This includes the full completion and filing of tax returns for sole traders, company directors, and landlords. For clients submitting ahead of the 31st January deadline, the fee will be £250 + VAT. All quotes are bespoke, ensuring our service remains accessible and affordable to your individual needs. We also offer a free phone consultation to help you understand your next steps.

Who benefits from Personal Tax Services:

Individuals who are self‑employed or operate as sole traders
Company directors required to file annual Self-Assessment returns
Landlords with rental income
Anyone with additional income not taxed at source
High‑income earners who fall within Self-Assessment
Individuals seeking peace of mind and full compliance

Payroll expertise

CAS provides a comprehensive payroll service to over 60 organisations across Essex and beyond.

Our HMRC-compliant software ensures everything runs smoothly, with full support for statutory requirements.

Our payroll service covers:

Payslips and payment summaries

PAYE and National Insurance calculations

Statutory pay and pensions

Payslips and payment summaries

HMRC submissions and documentation

Attachment of Earnings Orders

Electronic bank submissions (if required)

Auto-Enrolment guidance

As accredited QuickBooks ProAdvisers and trainers, we’re here to support your organisation with practical tools, training, and trusted financial expertise.

AS ACCREDITED

We’re here to support your organisation with practical tools, training, and trusted financial expertise.

Would you like us to work with you at your office?

We offer a bespoke cost-effective service to organisations who wish to outsource their financial reporting.

We can offer:

Drafting of your annual budget
Assistance in analysing performance across different elements of the organisation
Splitting transactions between multiple restricted and unrestricted funds
Bookkeeping preparation
Monitor actual vs. Budget trends throughout the year
Preparation of financial reports for Trustee meetings
Attendance at management meetings and AGM’s if required
Preparation of audit packs
Completion and submission of VAT returns

Please note that as this is a bespoke service, you will be charged on an individual basis.

Independent Examinations for Charities

Clear, accurate and compliant accounts are essential for every charity. An Independent Examination provides assurance that your accounts meet legal standards and demonstrate strong financial governance.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CHARITIES

Registered charities with income over £25,000 and under £1,000,000 must have an Independent Examination.
Charities with income over £1,000,000 require a full statutory audit.
For charities with income under £25,000, an Independent Examination is considered best practice and shows funders you take accountability seriously.

Independent Examination service includes

One-to-one consultation
Final production of accounts
Comprehensive certificate to accompany bound accounts
Optional management information pages
Advice and guidance for Trustees

Our experienced team has extensive knowledge of charity accounts, funding, and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). All staff are members of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

Starting February, we will also be offering Making Tax Digital (MTD) Services, this will include:

Supporting clients with the transition to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, helping you stay compliant with the new HMRC requirements. We will set you up with a fully online digital tax system and provide quarterly support to ensure your submissions are accurate and stress‑free. For clients onboarding after January, we are offering a special promotion of “no onboarding fees.” As with all our services, quotes are tailored to each client to keep the process affordable and accessible. A free phone consultation is included to guide you through your next steps in becoming MTD‑ready.

Key rules & requirements for Making Tax Digital (based on GOV.UK guidance):

You must use MTD if:
You are a sole trader or landlord registered for Self-Assessment
You receive income from self‑employment or property
- Your qualifying income meets HMRC’s MTD thresholds which is currently earning over £50,000 for up to April 2026 but will be decreased to £20,000 by April 2028

You must:

Keep digital records of income and expenses using recognised software
Send quarterly updates to HMRC through this software
Submit a final declaration by 31 January each year (replacing the traditional annual return)

MTD represents the biggest change to Self-Assessment in over 30 years, shifting from one annual return to year‑round digital reporting, but we’re here to support you through the transition and the next steps of your business.