At Accru Melbourne, we are proud to partner with organisations that make a genuine difference in our community. One of those is RULE Prostate Cancer, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit formed through the collaboration of the Australian Prostate Centre and the E.J. Whitten Foundation. Their mission is to protect more Aussie legends in the fight against prostate cancer.
The Australian Prostate Centre began as a research facility in 2012, collaborating with institutions around the world to advance the treatment of prostate cancer. Since opening its North Melbourne clinic in 2014, RULE has treated more than 30,000 men and continues to lead important research, treatment, and awareness programs. With 62 staff and a turnover of $5.3 million, their impact is significant – but like many charities, they face ongoing funding challenges and the complexities of maintaining strong governance with limited resources.sources.
The Challenge
RULE Prostate Cancer had been operating with outdated systems and a high level of manual processes, making efficiency difficult. Limited Medicare rebates, no additional government funding, and the need to meet complex compliance and reporting requirements added further pressure on their small finance team.
They needed an auditor who understood these challenges and could provide reliable, proactive support.
WHY RULE Chose Accru Melbourne
When going out to tender for a new audit partner, RULE shortlisted Accru Melbourne and ultimately appointed us due to our:
- Experience in the not-for-profit sector
- Ability to work cohesively with a small finance team
- Understanding of complex accounting standards
Our locally based team was also a key differentiator, allowing us to work onsite and resolve queries quickly—something RULE had struggled with in the past when dealing with larger firms that offshored much of the workload.
Our Approach
Our approach to providing audit services for not-for-profit clients is tailored to address the unique operational, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements of the sector. We place significant emphasis on understanding the client’s objectives, needs, and governance framework. This enables us to gain a deeper understanding and lens in assessing areas of risk and exercising professional judgment to ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, including AASB requirements specific to NFPs. Our audit methodology combines risk-based procedures with a focus on transparency, accountability, and safeguarding of resources, providing assurance to stakeholders while supporting management with practical recommendations to enhance financial reporting and internal controls where opportunities exist.
The Accru audit team worked proactively and collaboratively with RULE, being onsite for both interim and final audits. This ensured deadlines were met, compliance standards were upheld, and the finance team felt supported throughout the process.
Communication was central to our approach. We place strong emphasis on empowering clients in decision-making and compliance matters. RULE valued the accessibility of our team and our prompt responses to queries, which enabled smoother operations and strengthened governance.
The Results
With Accru’s support, RULE Prostate Cancer achieved:
- Audits completed on time for the first time in years, meeting all ACNC reporting deadlines
- Improved compliance outcomes and financial performance due to correct application of accounting standards
- Greater confidence and accountability across the organisation and its Board
The impact was immediate: stronger governance, improved processes, and greater assurance around financial sustainability.
As a result of our audit services, financial statements are accurate and compliant, key risks are addressed, internal controls are strengthened, and the finance team is supported and empowered. Stakeholders benefit from timely, transparent reporting and enhanced governance.
What the client says
“Accru have proven themselves to be both diligent and professional, whilst remaining approachable and easy to work with. Their desire to assist RULE Prostate Cancer with all aspects of our business from operations, to fundraising, compliance and governance has been appreciated all levels of staff and management.” – CFO, RULE Prostate Cancer
Why It Matters
For RULE Prostate Cancer, these outcomes are critical to ensuring ongoing financial sustainability and growth. With fundraising and donations essential to their work, having a secure financial foundation allows them to continue providing life-saving treatment and research.
Partner with Accru
At Accru, we understand the unique challenges not-for-profits face. Our audit teams brings sector expertise, local insight, and a collaborative approach that helps organisations achieve compliance with confidence while freeing up valuable resources to focus on their mission.
If your organisation is looking for a trusted audit partner, get in contact with your local Accru office – we’d love to have a conversation.
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