Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

Description

Brooke Weston Trust has a requirement to recruit an independent accountant and auditor to ensure the Trust and schools within its remit, have the necessary financial processes and checks in place to meet the requirements laid out in the Academies Financial Handbook and Academies Account Directive. It is important that the selected organisation has experience of working with Multi Academy Trusts, and would be able to provide comprehensive audit and accountancy support, for preparation of accounts, pensions, VAT and Tax. Brooke Weston Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust of 10 schools; see section Business Overview & Background. The schools are located in the Corby, Kettering and Wisbech areas. Should other Academies be added to Brooke Weston Trust, these would also be included in the scope of work. It is planned that the Auditors will be appointed to commence work during quarter one of 2017/18. As a Multi Academy Trust our financial year commences in September in line with the academic year. Bidders should be able to demonstrate they hold the relevant recognised UK Chartered Accountant qualifications pertinent to this project. Specific Requirements: 1. Carry out internal audits at all schools and Trust central office to ensure internal processes are being followed. (Completed by different person to 2 & 3) — Quarterly. 2. Prepare Trust Annual Accounts (Completed by different person to 1) — Annually. 3. Carry out the external audit of The Brooke Weston Trust. (Completed by different person to 1) — Annually. 4. Extra Services Audit Teachers’ Pension Return Annually Audit Teaching School Return Annually Advice on VAT & Tax Ad-hoc Accountancy Advice Ad-hoc Contract Period: 3 years with option for additional 2 years Clarification Period: — please submit any clarification questions during this period: 14.7.2017 — 23.8.2017, — answers will be communicated back on the following dates: 26.7.2017, 4.8.2017, 23.8.2017. Evaluation: This project will be evaluated on 20 % price, 80 % non-price. Annual and Contract Costs should be broken down for the above 4 categories. Any additional fees including details of hourly rates should be supplied on a 5th line. Non-Price Evaluation will be based on bidders response to the following questions: 1. 5 % provide logistical summary of how support will be delivered, and detail availability and flexibility that we can benefit from; 2. 10 % provide details of level of support available during the internal audits, external audits, preparation of accounts, and extra services laid out in the requirements. Responses should include timescales (days) expected to carry out each activity; 3. 5 % evidence of capacity to take on new clients; 4. 5 % experience of recent experience working with a MAT, detail size, services and level of support provided; 5. 5 % provide details of experience of working with PS Financials and any relevant information; 6. 10 % provide references. Does the company have a good reputation within the Academy Sector, for reliability and knowledge? 7. 10 % provide details of qualification levels of staff carrying out required activities, and size of the team within the firm; 8. 10 % present company, staff and proposed solution to BWT Panel; 9. 5 % provide a sample management letter; 10. 10 % provide a sample audit plan; 11. 5 % provide an annual schedule of delivery. Documents are published to add responses, also see Tender Pack.