Education accountants

We provide specialist accounting, audit and advisory services to the education sector, including standalone academy trusts (SATs), multi-academy trusts (MATs) and independent schools across the North.

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Education accountants and academy finance specialists in the UK

We provide specialist accounting, audit and advisory services to the education sector, including standalone academy trusts (SATs), multi-academy trusts (MATs) and independent schools across the North.

We understand the increasing financial and regulatory pressures education providers face. Our role is to provide clear, practical support that helps you manage compliance, improve financial performance and focus on delivering high-quality education.

Over time, we have seen our relationships with education clients evolve. Schools and trusts are now more commercially aware and proactive, which means they are looking for deeper insight and more value from their finance partner. We help you achieve exactly that.

 

Education organisations need more than just year-end compliance. They need ongoing support to manage budgets, control costs and ensure financial sustainability.

We support SATs, MATs and schools with:

  • Year-end accounts and financial reporting
  • External audit of financial statements and the Academy Accounts Return (AAR)
  • Internal audit
  • Teachers’ pension scheme audits (TPS)
  • Annex G and other grant audits
  • Budget setting and monitoring
  • Cash flow management
  • Cost control and efficiency reviews
  • Tax and VAT compliance
  • Strategic financial planning

Our aim is to give you clarity, confidence and control over your finances throughout the year, not just at year end.

Education sector support services

We provide a full range of services designed specifically for education providers:

  • Year-end accounts preparation
  • Academy trust financial statements
  • Charity SORP compliance
  • DfE reporting support

 

Support for independent schools

We also work with independent schools to improve financial sustainability, strengthen governance and manage compliance.

Our support includes:

  • Financial reporting and budgeting
  • VAT and tax advice
  • Cash flow and cost management
  • Strategic planning and growth support
  • Risk and governance reviews

VAT support for education providers

VAT is a complex area for independent schools, academy trusts.

We provide clear, practical VAT advice to help you stay compliant and recover VAT where possible.

We support with:

  • VAT on academy and school expenditure
  • Partial exemption calculations
  • Trading company VAT issues
  • Capital project VAT planning

A long-term partner for education finance

We build long-term relationships with education providers, supporting you through every stage, from academy conversion to expansion and ongoing financial management.

Whether you need day-to-day support or strategic advice, we help you make confident financial decisions that support educational outcomes.

Speak to our education specialists

If you are looking for experienced education accountants for SATs, MATs or independent schools in the UK, we are here to help.

Contact us today to find out how we can support your organisation with expert financial advice, compliance support and long-term strategic planning.

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Real clients

At Syselek, we develop innovative technology and toolchain solutions for transport decarbonisation and automation. We have been very fortunate to receive grant funding from Innovate UK. This has helped develop several of our innovative solutions.
One recent project was Fleet AI Recharging (“FAIR”). It explored new AI-based algorithms to accurately predict the energy consumption of electric HGVs. This enables live decisions about smart charging. These decisions help reduce operating costs and accelerate decarbonisation of the freight and logistics sector.
We began working with Clive Owen LLP two years ago. Since then, they have supported all our grant funding audit requirements. Their approach to the audit process is very smooth and intuitive. Their guidance has been easy to follow. Their quick responses to our questions have ensured our full compliance in all grant funding claims. This has enabled us to close out all our projects promptly.
We have been really impressed with the support from the grants team over these last two years. We are fully confident in their support going forward. We would certainly recommend Clive Owen’s grants team to anyone seeking Innovate UK grant funding audit services.

Syselek

Sims Suzuki

Stephen A Sims (Cars) Limited is a Suzuki dealership based on McMullen Road in Darlington. I appointed Clive Owen LLP to undertake the audit and related corporation tax matters of the Stephen A Sims (Cars) Limited group (7 companies).

Since that date they have assisted proactively with corporate and personal tax matters. In addition they have provided strategic direction on various matters including directors’ loan accounts and shareholdings. I would be pleased to recommend Clive Owen LLP to other motor traders looking for professional proactive advice.

Stephen A Sims (Cars) Limited, S A Sims

We’ve enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Clive Owen LLP since early 2022 in the key areas of audit & accounts, tax planning and payroll processing services. 

The co-owners and directors of 22 Yards greatly appreciate the work of Jonathan Doyle and Shirley Lamb, along with their colleagues in the York and Darlington offices.

Both teams have a very collaborative approach to looking after us and are very thorough, efficient, professional and knowledgeable. Likewise, always available to answer queries or provide support when needed in timely manner.

Needless to say, we are in safe hands with Clive Owen and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the firm to any business, big or small, looking for great service.

22 Yards Wine Bar & Merchants

I have worked overseas for a number of years in Australasia and had concerns with my UK tax situation.

I felt daunted in dealing with multiple jurisdictions and, on recommendation, contacted Lee Watson for help and advice.

Lee’s calm manner and pragmatic, open, sensible approach helped me thought the whole process and has resolved the situation – giving me immense peace of mind.

This ethos extends to the whole team at Clive Owen who answered my questions and queries promptly, clearly, and with professionalism. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the team if you need assistance with international tax affairs – they made it very easy and straightforward.

GS