In a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, where schools are navigating everything from tax compliance to expansion risks, having the right financial partner is not just a benefit — it’s a necessity. At the heart of this critical support system is Swift Audit & Advisory, a firm that has carved out a specialised niche in providing financial consulting to UAE schools – a sector where governance matters most. Their expertise also spans consulting in the healthcare and fintech sectors.
Redefining Financial Consulting for UAE Schools
Arwa Naccho, Managing Partner at Swift, speaks to us about how the firm is redefining financial consulting for the the education sector in the UAE.
“One of our specialised services for the education sector is Financial Due Diligence, helping school investors, operators, and partners assess financial health, operational risks, and compliance readiness before acquisitions, expansions, or regulatory reviews,” says Arwa.
Interview with Arwa Naccho, Managing Partner at Swift Audit & Advisory
Q1: What Sets Swift Advisory Apart from the Competition in Financial Consulting for the Education Sector?
Arwa Naccho: As Managing Partner, I lead our dedicated focus on the education sector, and what really differentiates Swift is our deep understanding of the operational and regulatory complexities unique to educational institutions in the UAE — from nurseries to higher education.
We don’t just offer generic audit or tax services. Instead, we deliver tailored insights grounded in sector-specific knowledge, helping clients with compliance, financial governance, and risk management. Our team has hands-on experience working closely with education investors and operators, offering key services such as Financial Due Diligence, Internal Audit, and Corporate Tax Readiness.
Q2: What Are the Key Services You Offer to the Education Sector?
Arwa Naccho: We’ve built a focused suite of services specifically for education providers:
- Financial Due Diligence for school acquisitions and strategic partnerships
- Internal Audit to strengthen both operational and financial controls
- Corporate Tax and VAT Advisory to ensure institutions remain fully compliant
- Risk Management Reviews to support leadership in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities
- Financial Governance Training designed for school owners and boards
Q3: What Are Some Common Financial Pain Points Schools Face in This Region?
Arwa Naccho: The education sector in the UAE has some unique financial challenges. Enrolment numbers can fluctuate unpredictably, which affects revenue cycles. Fee collection delays are common, and high operating costs can strain budgets.
Now, with the introduction of corporate tax, compliance has become another significant concern. Many institutions still lack structured financial governance, which can lead to poor financial visibility or even regulatory lapses. That’s where we come in to help them build robust systems and stay ahead of these challenges.
Q4: Can You Share a Success Story Where Swift Made a Real Impact for an Education Client?
Arwa Naccho: Absolutely. One of our recent successes involved supporting a school group that was looking to expand. We conducted a comprehensive financial due diligence review of their targeted acquisition. Our report not only identified hidden financial risks but also gave the leadership team clarity on the true financial health of the acquisition target. As a result, they entered the deal fully informed and confident, avoiding costly surprises post-acquisition.
For more information on financial consulting for UAE Schools, visit the Swift Audit website below: