External Audit Services

Descriptions

SRUC is a distinctive tertiary education institution with a national mission to support Scotland’s rural economy and address global challenges in food, nutrition , and environmental sustainability. Operating across education, research, and consultancy, SRUC plays a unique role at the intersection of academic excellence, applied research, and industry engagement.

SRUC seek to appoint a service provider to deliver external audit services to SRUC which will include:

1. Provide an opinion on the financial statements of the SRUC group of companies, in line with Company Law, Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102), The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) relating to Higher Education Institutions;

2. Provide an opinion, where required, to be included in the independent auditor’s report to the SRUC Board regarding SRUC’s various funding streams and their use (including, but not limited to funds received from the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Funding Council). The wording of this opinion must meet any requirements of Financial Memoranda or contracts;

3. Provide reports (including the auditor’s report to those charged with governance and management letter) to senior management and the SRUC Audit and Risk Committee. This requirement includes attendance and presentation of reports and findings at Committee meetings.

Prior to the issue of the Invitation to Tender for this opportunity, SRUC shall be holding an on-line "Meet the Buyer" event on 11 February 2026 from 10.00 - 10.30. At this meeting we will provide an overview of SRUC and the procurement process. If you are interested in attending this event please email procurement@sruc.ac.uk and quote "External Audit Ref.27301" in the title of your email. Please provide the email address of the representative(s) who you wish to attend, and an invite shall be issued.

Due to time constraints, this shall be the only pre-tender meeting that SRUC will be hosting.

It is anticipated that any resulting contract will operate for an initial period of 36 months, with the possibility of two extensions of 12 months, by mutual agreement.