SBS Top Tips

At Shard Business Services, we’re committed to supporting organisations with practical, easy‑to‑action guidance. That’s why we publish our Tuesday Tips short, insightful advice pieces covering business, finance, compliance, and operational efficiency.


Review staff personnel files at least annually
Update your annual budget and reforecast each month/half term.
Review premises and energy costs contracts at least termly
Maintain and test your business continuity plan
Review of your bank mandate and signatories
Review cybersecurity controls for your systems
Ensure monthly payroll reconciliation to HR data takes place
Maintain an up-to-date fixed asset register
Maintain a 12–18 month rolling cash flow forecast
Ensure fraud awareness training has taken plan for finance and admin staff
Maintain and update a Gift and Hospitality Register
Use an approved supplier list and undertake due diligence checks
Maintain and update a mileage & expenses policy
Periodic review of trustees’ financial training & induction
Termly benchmarking against similar schools
Monthly bank reconciliation signed by an independent reviewer
Termly staffing cost review (FTE & on-costs)
Run monthly budget vs actual variance reports
Review segregation of duties for finance tasks at least annually
VAT accounting checks (partial exemption where applicable)
Review your records retention schedule and secure disposal methods
Ensure Whistleblowing & financial concerns reporting process are in place
Review monthly debtor & creditor ageing reports
Undertaken contract management meetings and produce KPIs