Academies Specialist Auditors in the UK
Reckoner Audit has a dedicated education-sector audit team that works closely with Academy Trusts and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). We deliver ESFA-compliant statutory audits, regularity engagements and governance assurance tailored to the needs of the sector.
Many schools and trusts choose Reckoner Audit because of our specialist knowledge and our reputation as experienced academies auditors in the UK. We also provide ongoing advisory support as accountants for academies and trusts, ensuring finance teams meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
Our specialist academies team understands the Academies Accounts Direction, the Academies Trust Handbook, DfE guidance and ESFA requirements in detail. We help trusts demonstrate strong financial management, effective governance and proper use of public funds, while supporting long-term financial resilience across all schools in the trust.
Whether you are a newly converted academy, a growing MAT or an established trust with complex structures, we offer clear communication with trustees and finance teams, sector-specific insight, and practical recommendations that add genuine value beyond the audit opinion.
Academy & MAT Audit Services
Our academy and MAT audit services are tailored to the needs of the education sector. We provide independent, detailed examinations of your trust’s financial records and operations, ensuring accuracy, reliability and compliance with ESFA and UK auditing standards.
We carry out statutory audits for Single Academy Trusts (SATs) and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), including regularity reporting, scrutiny of internal control frameworks and review of key financial systems. Our approach focuses on risk-based planning, efficient fieldwork and clear reporting, so that trustees and leadership teams have the information they need to provide robust oversight.
Internal Scrutiny & Governance
Effective internal scrutiny is a core requirement of the Academies Trust Handbook. We support trusts with independent reviews of financial controls, governance arrangements and risk management processes, helping you meet both ESFA expectations and best practice standards.
Our work is designed to give Audit & Risk Committees and Boards clear, actionable insight. We highlight strengths, identify control weaknesses and provide practical recommendations that can be implemented across your schools to improve consistency, resilience and assurance.
Regularity & ESFA Compliance
Regularity engagements are a statutory requirement for academy trusts. We assess whether public funds have been used appropriately and in line with the funding agreement, ESFA guidance and the Academies Trust Handbook.
Our team works closely with your CFO, finance staff and trustees to ensure that any issues are identified early and resolved quickly. We also provide guidance on preparing for ESFA returns, disclosures in the annual report and financial statements, and responding to changes in regulatory expectations.
Financial Reporting for Trusts
We support trusts in preparing high-quality, compliant financial statements that follow the Academies Accounts Direction and the Charities SORP. Our team ensures that your annual report and accounts clearly present the performance of the trust and each constituent academy, while meeting all ESFA reporting requirements.
From drafting statutory accounts to reviewing narrative reports, governance statements and key disclosures, we help you present a transparent and robust picture of your trust’s financial position to regulators, stakeholders and the wider school community.
