The early childhood sector continues to evolve, with providers facing increasing expectations around governance, financial sustainability, workforce capability, regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality educational outcomes.
At the same time, approved providers, boards, committees and service leaders remain focused on what matters most: creating safe, inclusive and engaging environments where children can learn, grow and thrive.
We understand the unique challenges facing early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers. From changing regulatory requirements and funding arrangements to workforce pressures, occupancy management and financial sustainability, service leaders are required to balance operational demands while maintaining quality outcomes for children and families.
Our Early Childhood specialists work alongside providers to deliver practical advice, independent assurance and strategic insights that support sustainable growth and continuous improvement.
Saward Dawson supports a broad range of early childhood organisations, including:
Our team understands the governance, funding, operational and regulatory requirements that apply across the early childhood sector.
The team at Saward Dawson are knowledgeable, approachable and well organised. They work collaboratively with our finance team and consistently deliver an efficient audit process with clear communication throughout.
Ally Long – CFO, Bestchance
Our experienced audit team provides independent assurance to boards, management and stakeholders.
We conduct audits using advanced electronic audit methodologies and data analytics to deliver meaningful insights into financial reporting, internal controls and governance processes.
Our goal is to provide confidence that your organisation’s financial reporting is accurate, compliant and fit for purpose.
Strong governance is essential in today’s education environment. We assist boards and leadership teams with:
By identifying risks and opportunities early, we help organisations strengthen decision-making and improve accountability.
Education providers need access to reliable financial information to support strategic planning and sustainable growth. Our advisory services include:
Many government departments and other funders require an independent audit of funding provided. We provide tailored grant acquittal services to meet the funder’s requirements. These acquittals include recurring government funding, tutor initiative funding, capital funding (BGA) and other government funding acquittals.
Our taxations specialists can help with:
Murray Nicholls leads our Remuneration Services team. Murray is a specialist in various areas of remuneration, including fringe benefits, salary packaging and taxation planning, and provides advice to a number of clients in the education sector.
We have extensive experience working with organisations across the not-for-profit, education and community services sectors and understand the unique challenges facing early childhood providers.
Our specialists combine technical expertise with practical advice to help providers strengthen governance, maintain compliance, improve operational performance and achieve long-term sustainability.
Whether you require audit and assurance services, governance support, financial modelling, business advisory assistance or strategic guidance, our Early Childhood team can help.
Contact our specialists today to discuss how Saward Dawson can support your organisation through every stage of its journey.
Matt and David lead our Early Childhood Provider sector. If you have questions about audit, remuneration, or business advisory support for your organisation, contact Matt or David for a confidential conversation about how we can help.
Saward Dawson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Level 1, 20 Albert Street, Blackburn VIC 3130
PO Box 1212, Blackburn North VIC 3130
contact@sawarddawson.com.au | +61 3 9894 2500
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
