Sector
Internal audit for education providers
Internal audit and internal scrutiny for academy trusts, schools, colleges and universities.
The challenges
What education providers tell us
Education providers manage public funds under close scrutiny. In England, the Academy Trust Handbook requires academy trusts to have a programme of internal scrutiny, and colleges and universities rely on audit committees for assurance over funding and controls.
Whether you are a single academy, a multi-academy trust, a college or a university, internal audit or internal scrutiny gives trustees and governors confidence that funds are used properly and controls work. We tailor the programme to your size and funder requirements.
- Internal scrutiny requirementsDelivering a programme that meets funder expectations.
- Funding complianceShowing that grants and public funds are used correctly.
- Payroll and procurementHigh-volume processes where errors and fraud can go unnoticed.
- Lean finance teamsLimited capacity to document and test controls.
How we help
Services for education providers
Outsourced, Co-Sourced & Interim Internal Audit
Internal scrutiny and internal audit programmes.
View service →Internal Controls Reviews
Testing of key financial controls, including payroll and purchasing.
View service →Policies, Procedures & SOPs
Finance policies and procedures for trusts and colleges.
View service →Governance & Risk Management
Risk registers and governance reviews for boards and trustees.
View service →Where internal audit focuses
Typical audit plan areas
Every plan is built from your own risk register, but these areas come up most often in this sector.
- Payroll
- Procurement and purchasing
- Use of grants and public funds
- Key financial controls
- Governance and risk registers
Frequently asked questions
Who can carry out internal scrutiny for an academy trust?
Trusts can use an in-house auditor, an external provider or a peer review approach, provided the work is independent and reported to the audit and risk committee. Many trusts use an external provider.
Can you deliver internal scrutiny for an academy trust?
Yes. We can plan and deliver an internal scrutiny programme and report to your audit and risk committee.
Do you work with universities and colleges?
Yes. We provide internal audit, controls reviews and governance support to further and higher education providers.
Talk to us about your organisation
Book a free 20-minute call to discuss your priorities.