Selecting an Academy auditor: what to look for

For Academy trusts, tender season is an important opportunity to review audit arrangements and ensure the right support is in place for the year ahead. Once the Annual accounts returns are filed, at the end of January annually, trusts can reflect on the audit experience and consider what went well and what could be improved for the coming audit season. 

While compliance will always be a key consideration, choosing an External Auditor is about much more than meeting regulatory requirements.

A strong audit partner understands the unique challenges faced by academies and works alongside finance teams, trustees and senior leaders to deliver clarity, assurance, and confidence.

What trusts need to look for when choosing an external auditor?

In-depth understanding of the education sector:

Academies operate within a distinct regulatory and governance framework and an effective external auditor must have a thorough understanding of the education sector.

The Academies Trust Handbook and Annual Accounts Direction provide specific financial reporting requirements for academies. It is recommended that re-tendering should occur at least every 5 years. This is not a requirement to change external auditor but to review are re-evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the auditor. This reassessment may lead to reappointment, dismissal or retendering.

A high-quality audit will support good governance and risk management, where sector knowledge underpins the ability to provide that high‑quality audit. An auditor with proven experience dealing with academies can anticipate challenges, provide relevant insight and ensure audits are carried out efficiently and effectively.

For trusts, this sector‑specific expertise can make a tangible difference — reducing pressure on internal teams and supporting informed decision‑making at board level.

Clear, open communication

Transparent communication is one of the most important qualities of a good Auditor.

Finance teams and trustees should feel confident that they understand the audit process from planning through to key audit findings and recommendations made. Auditors should communicate clearly throughout the engagement, not just at year end, ensuring expectations are aligned and any issues are identified and discussed early.

A supportive audit relationship is built on openness, collaboration and timely communication — helping academies feel informed and reassured rather than overwhelmed.

A supportive and practical approach 

An audit should never feel like a compliance exercise undertaken in isolation. The most effective auditors work collaboratively with their clients, taking time to understand each trust’s structure, challenges, and priorities.

This practical approach allows audit work to be tailored, proportionate and focused on what matters most. It also creates space for constructive discussions that support continuous improvement, good governance, and strong financial management.

For busy education teams, having an auditor who is approachable and responsive can significantly reduce the burden associated with audit delivery.

Proven experience working with academy trusts

Experience across a range of education settings- from single academies to large multi‑academy trusts- brings valuable perspective.

Auditors with a broad portfolio of education clients are well placed to share insights, benchmark practices and offer reassurance grounded in real‑world experience. This depth of knowledge enables them to adapt their approach to trusts of different sizes and levels of complexity, while maintaining consistently high standards.

When reviewing your audit provision and considering retendering, demonstrated experience in the education sector can provide important reassurance to trustees and the senior leadership team.