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.

Speak to an expert
young people discussing work at table

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.

True words
Real clients

Charlotte Matthewson and Lucy Lawson said: “We chose Clive Owen as our group auditors after a thorough and competitive tender process.  A combination of experience, technical ability, personable team and value and influenced our decision.  Their local presence is also an advantage.

Having recently completed the first year audit, we are delighted with the Clive Owen team.  The timeliness of completion and their ability to grasp a new business with multiple acquisitions and group reorganisations in the year, and their pragmatic approach to the process, including the opening balance audit were excellent.  The process was a positive one.

James and his team are great to work with and we look forward to working with them going forward.”
Anglotechgroup

Anglotech Group

“Clive Owen was recommended to me by a friend and business associate. Naturally, you are hesitant when it comes to accounting, finance and taxation.  Especially for established businesses with long-standing service providers. However, the transition to Clive Owen has been the most Enlightening and beneficial decision I’ve made as a business owner.  I cannot be more appreciative to every team member within the organisation I’ve dealt with. Looking forward to a long-standing partnership”.

Daniel Carter – Bcs-group

Bcs-group

Clive Owen LLP supported me with my self-assessment tax return.

I was changing jobs at the time and for the first few months in my new role, I was unfortunately taxed at the wrong level. It got quite complicated and HMRC were giving me different codes weekly at one point!

I dealt with Lee Watson who was always available and happy to advise regarding any questions I had. He then did my self-assessment tax return to tie up the move of companies and help me get the correct tax code.

The flexibility to be able to contact Lee and get a reply the same day was just exceptional and gave me peace of mind and the confidence that I was following HMRC tax requirements correctly.

I would highly recommend Clive Owen LLP.  They offer excellent service, a quick response and I felt they were very reasonably priced.

Hendrik

I have worked with Clive Owen LLP since 2011. Throughout this time, Chris Beaumont and his team have consistently delivered exceptional service and support. Their expertise in managing my year-end accounts and handling ad hoc accounting needs has been invaluable to my business.
They proactively identify potential business issues. Chris and Clive Owen provide insightful advice that helps me navigate my financial landscape with confidence.
The entire team is personable and professional. They remain approachable, respond quickly, and always make time to answer my questions—no matter how big or small. They listen carefully, explain complex matters clearly, and make me feel like a valued partner rather than just another client.
They complete work promptly and meet deadlines consistently. I rely on them to deliver accurate and thorough financial reports, which lets me focus on my business with peace of mind knowing my finances are in capable hands.

Zig Zag Cars