Academy Trust & Colleges Financial Services

Other financial services

Finance Supporting Teaching and Learning

Anti-Fraud Projects

We have conducted several special investigations following instances of whistleblowing. We will review the specific allegations and provide a report to the trustees, ensuring confidentiality at every turn. We have experienced many different forms of fraud and corruption, from misuse of purchasing cards and theft of assets to false invoicing and payroll infringements.

We will work closely with you and your HR and legal advisors, so you can be assured of the right outcome.

Due Diligence

We provide additional support to our clients in reviewing the finances of potential new academies. Although the scope of each due diligence project will be agreed with you in advance of work being undertaken, typical procedures include the following:.

Providing a report on the nature of the academy and its current financial position, and the forecast financial position based on latest forecasts provided by the transferring academy.
Review of any available internal and external audit reports, investigating and feeding back any issues.
Review of the academy’s latest available management accounts and comment on factors underlying the results which appear to be significant, identifying any points considered to be critical to the performance of the business.
Assess and report upon any evident potential liabilities found during our investigations.
Assess the need for future investment or other potential costs that may be of relevance.
Review and assessment of the curriculum plan if this is consistent with financial forecasts.
Review and assess current and forecast pupil numbers and potential impact upon financial forecasts.
Review and report upon the level of commitments to which the academy is contractually obligated (ie, leases and long-term contracts).

Business Planning and Forecasting

The mistake too many academies and trusts make is to prepare a single long-term plan and not to embed this into the decision-making process. Scenarios should be built to provide clarity as to the likely financial effect of decision making, with results being compared to ensure the best way forward is selected with due regard to available resources. We understand this and will work with your academies to ensure that forecasts are prepared, maintained and scenario planning is embedded within the decision making process.

General Consultancy

Almost all of our clients return for further advisory engagements and we often undertake the role of an on-going critical friend. Our broad range of sector experience means we are well placed to advise and assist clients, particularly during challenging periods. From selecting a new accounting package, to the development of policy or risk management frameworks, if it has anything to do with academies and finance, the chances are we can help!