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Accountants for education

Whether you run the finances of a university, college or an independent school, you need strong foundations you can rely on.

Many educational institutions have large investment portfolios, but economic volatility can cause fluctuations in value and returns. Your institution exists to serve future generations, not just current ones, so every financial decision carries that weight.

Often independent schools, language schools, and further and higher education institutions are caught between rising costs and a funding model that doesn’t stretch far enough. It’s a balancing act of managing costs while maintaining a quality of education that attracts and retains staff and students.

Our education team offers a comprehensive, joined-up accounting service that connects all aspects of your finances.

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Keeping education finances
on solid ground

Across education, from universities to colleges and schools, when you work with us, you get a team that covers every stage of your financial year. This includes high-calibre accounts preparation, audit, tax and specialist advice and making sure nothing falls through the gaps.

VAT alone can be a minefield, knowing what your institution should charge, and what you can legitimately recover takes expertise. Our experts work closely alongside you, particularly on complex property matters. And if you’re looking at new income streams or working internationally, we can help you structure things correctly from the outset.

Our senior specialist team understands education finance in detail and provides a genuinely personal service.

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Kelly Bretherick, Partner in PEM's Education team

Complex finances, clear advice

Accounting.

Audit & Assurance.

Business Tax.

VAT.

Employment Tax.

FAQs

What issues do education accountants help with?

We help you manage the tax consequences of large estates, which need ongoing maintenance. We also support situations where you need to diversify income, through conferencing, corporate events or commercial activity, which creates tax exposure and a complex regulatory framework.

When you’re also dealing with pension scheme liabilities, cyber risks and economic uncertainty, you need to ensure your finances are taken care of.

What accountancy approach best supports universities, colleges and schools?

We know you care deeply about your institution and take your role as stewards of a charitable fund seriously. We offer face-to-face engagement and challenge. The approach that works well is for us to work on-site for audits where possible, getting to really know you, establishing a robust process, and ensuring continuity across the whole team. We use technology thoughtfully; data analytics drives efficiency and rigour, and our education specialists are there to personally interrogate outputs.

How have changes to the accountancy framework affected my educational institution?