Academy Schools

We have a personable and dedicated academies team. We have worked with over 20 academies across South and West Yorkshire, including a number of multiacademy trusts, led by Ian Bragger.

We use our insight, skills and experience to guide you through the seemingly complex issues of becoming an academy, supporting you through the significant first year learning curve and beyond in a straightforward way.

We add value, rather than just dealing with your regulatory responsibilities, including advising on sector and governance issues.

Our academy clients tell us they really like working with us – we are approachable, supportive, professional and are a key part of their team.

Compliance

Year-end Accounts and Audit, including Regularity Audit

We will prepare and audit your year-end accounts to ensure that you meet your financial reporting requirements in accordance with the Funding Agreement and the Academies Accounts Direction. We will work with you to ensure that your Trustees’ Report and Governance Statement meet your responsibilities as trustees and governors.

Annual Accounts Return

Following the submission of the annual accounts in December, the Education and Skills Funding Agency requires trusts to file the annual accounts return in January. We will take this significant administrative burden from you and prepare the trust return in a timely manner. We will also deal with any subsequent queries that the Education and Skills Funding Agency may have following its submission.

Budget Forecast Return

The Summer term sees the deadline for the Budget Forecast Return for every trust. We can support the School Business Manager to populate the Budget Forecast Return using your approved budgets to assist making an accurate and meaningful submission to the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Teachers' Pension Scheme Audit

The End of Year Certificate, as produced by your payroll provider, is required to be audited and submitted to Teachers’ Pensions by the end of September. We have all the technical knowledge and skills to navigate the complex reporting rules to make sure that this deadline is met.

Advisory

VAT

We guide you through the VAT reporting requirements for academy schools. For primary schools, including smaller multi-academy trusts, the VAT 126 reclaim option is likely to be the most suitable and least onerous.

Governance and Future Plans

The school governance landscape has changed significantly over recent years and this will continue. Our team is well placed to advise and update you on governance best practice. We will help you keep abreast of sector wide issues, and regularly update you on both the financial and governance implications of new developments so that you are best placed to plan for the future.

"Harris+Co have provided accountancy and audit services to our School for some years. We particularly appreciate the personal service we receive from Harris+Co. We feel we can pick up the telephone at any time and Ian will always have time for us. He has a wealth of knowledge about school finances and is always professional and friendly. Being new to the role of School Business Manager, Ian has offered an enormous amount of support to me with processes with which I was not familiar, such as year-end accounting, DfE forms, regulations and changes. We have no hesitation in recommending Harris+Co."