Compliance and Regulatory Support

We support schools and trusts in meeting statutory and regulatory obligations through proactive compliance oversight and robust audit preparation. Our structured approach minimises financial and governance risk while ensuring reporting remains accurate, transparent and fully aligned with local authority and academy trust requirements.

Policy & Controls Review

Assess finance policies (schemes of delegation, financial regulations, purchasing thresholds).
Map key internal controls: segregation of duties, approvals, reconciliations, and audit trails.
Identify gaps and recommend updates to ensure robust compliance.

Compliance Calendar & Assurance

Build an annual compliance calendar covering budget approvals, local authority returns, VAT submissions, payroll deadlines, and trustee/governor reporting.
Monthly assurance checks on bank reconciliations, payroll, purchasing, and income management.
Monitor remedial actions with RAG (Red/Amber/Green) status tracking.

Pre‑Audit Preparation

Compile and validate audit schedules (trial balance, fixed assets, accruals/prepayments, debtor/creditor listings).
Prepare supporting evidence: contracts, invoices, grant conditions, payroll reports, procurement documentation.
Test samples against policies and funding conditions prior to External Auditor reviews.

External Audit Liaison

Coordinate timelines with auditors; manage the audit request list and data room.
Provide explanations for variances, accounting treatments, and control design.
Support audit fieldwork and close‑out meetings; track and finalise management letter actions.

Regulatory & Funding Compliance

Ensure adherence to grant terms, restricted/unrestricted funds treatment, and reporting obligations.
Review VAT treatment, payroll compliance (pensions, statutory deductions), and procurement frameworks.
Align reporting to governors/trustees with statutory requirements and best practice.

Training & Capacity Building

Practical workshops for school leaders, business managers, and finance teams on audit readiness and internal controls.
Templates, checklists, and “how‑to” guides embedded into day‑to‑day processes.