Running a CIC or charity is about passion and purpose – but without the right financial setup, even the best-run organisation can end up in a tangle. In this one-hour lunch-and-learn, Penelope Allard will share the most common mistakes she sees and how to fix them before they become expensive headaches.

You’ll learn:

• Payroll essentials – why directors can’t invoice their own CIC, and how to set up payroll correctly.
• Restricted funds – what they are, why they matter, and how to manage them properly.
• Deferred income – how to handle grants that span more than one financial year.
• Software & systems – moving away from spreadsheets and setting up tools that save time and stress.
• Annual reporting – understanding your CIC report and year-end requirements.

This practical, jargon-free session is ideal for new and established CICs and charities – and anyone considering setting one up. You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to get your finances in order and keep them that way.

Penelope Allard’s Bio

Penelope Allard is the founder of Wild Bookkeeping Ltd, a multi-award-winning practice working with small businesses, charities, and CICs to bring financial clarity and confidence. Starting bookkeeping for her dad’s business at the age of 13, Penelope went on to teach accounts at Southend College before building her own team of five. A finalist in the prestigious Accounting Excellence Awards ESG category for 2025, she’s also a committed community volunteer – from helping to set up Waterwatch UK to holding charities to account and supporting local causes. With decades of experience, Penelope specialises in untangling messy accounts and setting up solid systems that help organisations thrive.