The education sector is constantly evolving. Schools, colleges, training organisations and other educational institutions face increasing expectations around governance, compliance, financial sustainability, funding accountability and risk management.
At the same time, education leaders are focused on delivering quality learning outcomes for students, staff and the broader community.
We understand the challenges education organisations face. From changing regulatory requirements and financial reporting obligations to strategic planning and operational performance, there is growing pressure on leadership teams and boards to make well-informed decisions.
Our education specialists work alongside your organisation to provide practical advice, independent assurance and financial insights that support long-term success.
Saward Dawson supports a broad range of education organisations, including:
Our team understands the unique regulatory, governance and financial requirements that apply across the sector.
“We have worked with Saward Dawson as our auditors for over five years and the experience has been consistently excellent. They know our School well and bring a strong understanding of how an independent school operates which makes the audit process far more effective and less stressful for my finance team.”
Tania Parkyn – Director of Business Operations
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.
The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) requires all schools in Victoria to have a 5-year financial plan certified every 5 years.
Our Education Sector Team understand the VRQA’s requirements and can provide a thorough, independent review of school’s 5-year financial plan and advice in relation to key focus areas for VRQA reviews.
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 education sector and understand the challenges facing administrators, business managers, boards and executive teams.
Our specialists combine technical expertise with practical advice to help education organisations remain compliant, financially sustainable and focused on achieving their educational mission.
Whether you require audit and assurance services, governance support, business advisory assistance or financial modelling expertise, our Education Sector team can help. Contact our Education specialists today to discuss how we can support your organisation’s future success.
Matt and David lead our Education sector. If you have questions about audit, remuneration, or business advisory support for your school, 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.
Commonwealth Department of Education Funding Acquittals and Reporting Deadline Extended
Funding acquittals reporting deadlines have been extended, providing welcome relief for organisations managing grant compliance. The change offers additional time to finalise financial reporting and meet funding obligations. Understanding the updated timeline and requirements is essential to avoid delays, maintain compliance, and ensure continued eligibility for future funding opportunities.
Proposed Updates to the VRQA Guidelines: What Independent Schools Need to Know
The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has released updated draft guidelines aimed at improving clarity, structure, and usability of school registration requirements. While core standards remain unchanged, the updates provide more practical compliance guidance, clearer expectations, and enhanced governance, financial, and operational transparency to support schools in meeting regulatory obligations.
NESA Not-for-Profit Guidelines for NSW Schools
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has released the NSW Non-government Schools Not‑for‑Profit Guidelines – April 2026 (the guidelines), providing expanded clarity on how non‑government schools must operate to remain eligible for NSW Government funding.