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.
Key Changes to Victorian Non-Government Schools Funding Agreement (2026–2029)
Key changes to the Victorian Non‑Government Schools Funding Agreement (2026–2029) introduce earlier financial reporting deadlines, stricter rules on when funding is considered “committed,” and stronger compliance expectations. Schools must enhance financial planning, tighten spending controls, and improve governance to manage funding risks and meet regulatory obligations.
Government Launches $1B Early Education Fund to Expand Community Access
The New Education Funding System: What Schools Need to Know and Do
Australia’s education sector is entering a new era of digital transformation. The Department of Education is rolling out the Education Funding System (EFS), a centralised platform designed to modernise how schools including both public (government) schools and non-government (independent and Catholic) schools, as well as higher education institutions, approved authorities and education bodies, manage funding and reporting.
EFS will gradually replace SchoolsHUB and bring everything into one secure, streamlined system. It’s designed to make life easier for schools, improve visibility over funding and reduce administrative headaches.
“It’s great to see the government focusing on centralising the data, improving security and streamlining the process for schools,” says Matthew Crouch, Audit Partner.
What’s changing
The EFS will bring together funding management, data collection, legislation, policy, training materials and payment processes into a single online portal. It will offer:
For schools and approved authorities, this means a new log-in processes, updated data collection workflow and revised access authorisations.
Key milestones
The rollout will happen in stages between November 2025 and December 2026.
What schools and authorities should do now
Getting ready early will make the shift to EFS much smoother. Here’s where to start:
Sort out your Digital ID access
“We encourage schools to ensure they have access to it as soon as possible, to ensure any access or technical issues are sorted out. If they don’t, they need to contact the Department for assistance,” adds Matthew Crouch.
Review your current processes
Grant access
Communicate early
Talk to your advisors
Final thoughts
The EFS is designed to simplify funding management, but its success will depend on how well schools prepare. Establishing clear segregation of duties, reviewing access levels, and ensuring accurate data input will be key to maintaining integrity within the new system.
Engage your internal teams early and reach out for professional support where needed. Getting the foundations right now will save time and effort down the track.
The Department is developing some good resources and has done some recent webinars which can be found here.
Please feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions.