Education Accounting Services
Supporting schools, academies, colleges and education providers with expert financial guidance. Our experienced team works closely with educational bodies across the UK, offering specialist advice, tailored accounting support and sector-specific insight to help your institution stay financially robust, compliant and efficient.
Who We Work With
We know that the education sector operates in a complex regulatory environment. We proudly support a wide range of education providers, including:
- Academy trusts and single academies
- Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
- Independent schools
- Further and higher education institutions
- Free schools and specialist providers
Auditing and Assurance
Robust auditing and assurance are essential in meeting regulatory obligations and maintaining stakeholder confidence. HB&O offers auditing and expertise specifically designed for the education sector. We provide statutory audit services tailored to the needs of academy trusts, independent schools, and education providers, ensuring full compliance with ESFA and charity regulations.
We also support organisations with internal controls reviews, risk assessments, and funding and grant compliance to help build resilience, transparency and financial stability.
Accounting and Compliance
Our accounting and compliance services ensure that your financial operations are accurate, efficient and fully aligned with sector regulations. From preparing accounts and managing payroll to assisting with academy conversions and tax and VAT planning, we offer a holistic approach that supports day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
Our in-house VAT department provides expert advice, giving clarity in one of the most complex areas of education finance. We also offer outsourced solutions such as bookkeeping, accounts management and payroll, freeing up your internal resources and providing real-time insight into your financial position.
Governance and Strategy
At HB&O, we support schools, colleges and trusts in strengthening their governance arrangements through independent reviews. We conduct External Reviews of Governance (ERG) in line with the Department for Education’s guidance, helping boards to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement and meet best practice standards.
Our reviews typically cover:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Board composition and succession planning
- Decision-making and risk oversight
- Financial stewardship
- Governance culture and impact
Post-review, we provide a clear, actionable report and are available to support implementation and training where needed, guiding you through the process with care and discretion. Working closely with senior leaders, we also support long-term strategic and financial planning, helping you navigate uncertainty, prioritise investment and deliver sustainable outcomes for your students and community.
Specialist VAT Expertise
Education VAT is a notoriously complex area, and missteps can be costly. Our in-house specialist VAT department provides expert advice tailored to the education sector’s unique challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a one-off transaction or need ongoing VAT support, we ensure your organisation remains compliant and maximises efficiency.
Our Partnership With Validera
In 2025, HB&O joined forces with Validera, one of the UK’s leading audit specialists in the education sector, to form Validera HB&O Ltd, a joint venture created to meet growing demand for high-quality external audit provision.
Together, we offer a powerful blend of experience and sector insight. With over 25 years of audit, governance and risk management expertise across the public and private sectors, Validera offers a deep-rooted understanding of the education landscape.
Through this partnership, we are enhancing our capacity to deliver high-quality audits while keeping at the forefront of regulatory developments. Together, our teams provide a responsive, reliable and efficient service to education sector clients.
Contact Us
Want to find out more about us or enquire about working together? We’d love to hear from you. Head over to our enquiry page, fill in the form and we will be in touch!
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