Issues facing academy schools across the UK are to be tackled at a seminar staged by West accountancy firm Monahans next month.
The event, at the Stanton Manor Hotel, near Chippenham, on July 9, will look at fraud indicators and internal controls, capital maintenance funding and year-end procedures will all be up for discussion. The latest developments in VAT and HR will also be covered. 
Monahans, with 15 partners and a total staff of around 120 across its offices in Swindon Chippenham, Bath, Glastonbury, and Trowbridge, has a number of academy clients across Wiltshire and Somerset.
Its specialists have a wealth of experience in the sector and can support schools as they work to gain academy status and help them meet their regulatory requirements afterwards.
Speakers at the seminar will include:
Steve Fraser – partner, Monahans. Working with regulated clients such as academies, charities and pension schemes, Steve provides expert consultancy for compliance-led matters such as auditing, accounting and taxation. He also offers practical financial advice to organisations across all industry sectors.
Linda Boss – partner, Monahans. Linda is a charity specialist and her diverse portfolio includes academies and charities as well as family companies and individual businesses. She has served as a school governor and a trustee of a small local charity. Linda has also worked on a voluntary basis for the Prince’s Trust, interviewing applicants for funding.
Both Steve and Linda hold the ICACW Diploma in Charity Accounting which acknowledges expertise and experience in this area at the highest level.
Mike Shawyer – managing partner, Monahans. Mike is a specialist in VAT planning and advice. His areas of expertise include dealing with all property transactions including new build projects, international services provision and partial exemption issues. Mike helps Monahans' clients navigate complex tax issues and minimise their VAT liability.
Peta Fry – HR Director, Monahans. Working in a variety of sectors including charities, SMEs, international companies and the NHS, Peta has established HR strategies and teams that help businesses grow while operating within employment legislation.
The event opens at 8am for refreshments with the seminar starting at 8.30am. The event will finish at 10.30am.
Places at the event are free, but pre-booking is essential at http://monahans-online.co.uk/IZB-2J3U1-F4IYIP-142DDL-1/c.aspx.
Alternatively, phone Clare Way on 01793 818300.
