Member Article

Mitchell Charlesworth appointed by Michael Carrick Foundation and British American Football Association

Manchester accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has been appointed by Michael Carrick Foundation and the British American Football Association (BAFA) to provide a range of financial and business support services.

Michael Carrick, currently assistant coach at Manchester United FC, launched his charitable foundation in 2017 as part of his testimonial, which celebrated his 11 years as a player at the club.

Funds from the Foundation are used to create empowering opportunities where disadvantaged young people from across Greater Manchester and Tyne and Wear feel safe, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Last year, the Foundation engaged with more than 3000 people and delivered more than 20,000 contact hours through programme delivery, Carrick’s Boot Room campaign, and volunteering and training opportunities. Things have been a little different for the charity recently as they’ve faced these difficult and uncertain times, but this hasn’t stopped them from reaching those who need it most.

Since March 2020, in addition to online sessions, Michael Carrick Foundation has delivered more than 900 food parcels to families in need, 250 educational packs to youngsters being home-schooled, and regularly contacted children identified as at risk, to ensure they have the support they need to navigate this unprecedented situation.

Mitchell Charlesworth will carry out an independent examination of the charity’s accounts and support the Foundation in a number of key areas, including the preparation of accounts and guidance on the trustees’ annual report.

Lisa Carrick, Michael Carrick Foundation, Vice Chair said: “Mitchell Charlesworth is a well-regarded, regional firm known for its charity sector expertise which will be of great benefit to our Foundation and strengthen our financial processes. We are looking forward to working with them.”

BAFA is the national governing body for the sport of American football in Great Britain and is responsible for all regulatory, competition, performance and development aspects of the game.

The not for profit organisation is below the audit threshold but has chosen to voluntarily have a review engagement of its accounts by Mitchell Charlesworth as well as the implementation of cloud-based accounting software Xero, which the firm will provide training, business advice and follow-up support on.

Pete Ackerley, BAFA Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted with the work Mitchell Charlesworth has done so far. The implementation of Xero will enable us to access our financial information in real time and this will be invaluable as part of our 10-year vision to professionalise British American football.”

Speaking of the appointments, Mitchell Charlesworth associate Jamielee Johnston said: “These appointments further underline both our expertise in sport and experience of advising charities and not for profit organisations.”

Jamielee continues: “A review engagement isn’t as detailed as an audit, but it offers a greater level of assurance than an accounts preparation assignment. This type of engagement provides a limited form of assurance that a company’s financial statements comply with the applicable financial reporting framework. It gives an enhanced level of credibility to the accounts and is a cost effective and value-adding alternative when an audit is not required.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anne Griffiths .