External Audit including Regularity Audit

The key to a successful audit is communication and a commitment to the highest professional standards.  Working in partnership with you, our regular, clear communication of objectives, information requests and audit findings will ensure that your audit runs smoothly and adds significant value beyond just compliance.

• Preparation, review and audit of your financial statements to be filed with DfE by 31 December each year
• Assessment of internal controls and governance
• Compliance with funding agreements and DfE requirements
• Bespoke, robust & efficient risk-based audit approach
• On-going communication and support throughout the audit, ensuring no last-minute surprises
• Management letter for trustees, detailing audit findings and practical, actionable recommendations

Our audit process:

• Planning & Risk Assessment:  understanding your trust, its strategic risks, and key processes. Our risk-based audit approach is tailored specifically to address your key risks.
• Fieldwork & Testing: Efficient, evidence‑based testing carried out with minimal disruption. We can work remotely on site or a mix of the two, to best suit your preferences.
• Draft Findings & Discussion: Clear, balanced feedback to finance teams and trustees both throughout and on completion of our fieldwork. Preparation of our audit management letter, outlining our audit findings and recommendations.
• Final Reports & Submission: Delivery of your audited financial statements and regularity report in line with ESFA deadlines. Presentation of your accounts and audit management letter to the audit committee or board of trustees.
• Post‑Audit Review: Supporting the implementation of our recommendations and improving systems for the year ahead.
• Preparation and audit of your accounts return: Timely completion and audit of your accounts return for submission to the DfE prior to the January deadline.

Regularity audit

Demonstrating appropriate use of public funds:

Review of financial transactions

• Assessment of propriety, regularity, and compliance
• Preparation of the Regularity Assurance Report for ESFA submission