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Just a reminder that for all the schools that we prepare the budget templates for, a copy of that template can be found in Google Drive. Please let us know if there are any other staff / BOT members that require access to this Sheet (view only or editing access).
Details about the budget setting process can be found within our 2024 Budget Chalkboard special (link to the 2024 Budget Chalkboard) which provides further information and guidance about how to complete the budget templates. Please let us know if you have any questions about the process.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss the budget in more detail. We will however be checking in over the next few weeks around the 2024 budget preparation.
If you are not one of the schools we generally assist around the annual budget, but would like us to prepare a Budget Template report for your School, please contact Allison Henderson via admin@afsl.nz. |
2023 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS & AUDIT PROCESS - PREPARATION |
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As Term 4 draws to a close, and we approach the end of the year audit season, it's a good idea to start getting your documents in order.
While we understand that preparing for your audit may seem daunting, starting the process early will not only save you time later on but also highlight areas where information is missing, allowing time to address these issues.
You will likely find that much of the required information has already been uploaded to Google Drive or Xero during the year. |
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We've set up a folder in Google Drive called "Audit Information & Checklists"; and we would appreciate it if you could please upload the auditor checklist, fraud risk assessment, and any additional questionnaires to this folder.
Soon, we'll be reviewing the Google Drive folders to ensure we have all the information necessary for preparing the 2023 annual accounts. To assist with this, can you please check if the following have been uploaded to Google Drive: - Audit confirmation report from your bank (once this has been received in January)
- Notices for term deposits that will mature in 2024
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All 2023 Ministry Funding Notices including Operational Grants, ORS, ESOL, etc (unless these are already attached to transactions in Xero)
- Copies of any new Lease Agreements that started in 2023
- Audit Engagement letter for 2021 - 2023 (unless this was provided last year)
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Copies of all 5YA documentation, including project approval emails, payment summaries and Occupancy Use Certificates for any completed projects
- Copy of the current 10YPP
- Copy of the current cyclical maintenance (painting) plan
- All Board Minutes for 2023
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List of all Board Members that held or hold office during 2023 (including those no longer on the Board)
- KiwiSport Statement for 2023
- Copy of the approved 2023 budget
- Acceptance letters for any community grants received in 2023
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Notional Lease information for integrated schools (once this has been received in February)
We have been advised that the 2023 payroll reports will be available from early February. Once they have been received, can you please upload the following reports from Edpay: - School Annual Accrual (SAAR) report
- Leave liability reports
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Construction Contracts Amendment (Retention Money) Act 2023
You may have received information about this new legislation recently. This introduces changes in how retentions must be handled and imposes stricter enforcement measures alongside penalties for non-compliance. We understand the Ministry is still working through the details of the new requirements and are likely to provide more information in the future.
To ensure compliance with the new requirements, the school could set up a separate bank account for Ministry-funded projects to ensure that funds are always available for any retentions required.
The new Act only applies to future contracts so there is no need to move any current funds. |
While we've previously discussed eInvoicing in our February 2023 Chalkboard, we realise that some of our schools may not have had the chance to set this up. Therefore, we're revisiting the topic once again.
eInvoicing is a new way of invoicing that offers a more efficient and streamlined way to manage invoices with less manual handling and processing.
For the complete guide on how to unleash the power of eInvoicing, check out our feature in the February Chalkboard:https://public2.bomamarketing.com/email/9mWG |
ACCELERATING LEARNING IN LITERACY AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAMMES FOR STUDENTS |
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The Ministry of Education is currently accepting expressions of interest for the 2024/25 Accelerating Learning in Literacy (ALL) and Accelerating Learning in Mathematics (ALiM) programmes for students.
These programs offer accelerative support for students in years 1-10 who would benefit from targeted assistance in literacy and/or mathematics. Participating teachers receive mentorship from experts to enhance their teaching practices through intensive upskilling in accelerative pedagogies. They also share their learnings to integrate these accelerative practices throughout the school. |
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The Ministry of Education provides $4,000 per year for kaiako involved in the program, allowing for release time for planning, meetings, evaluation, and mentoring. Applications will close Monday 21 November 2023. Application information and expression of interest forms can be found by clicking the button below. |
XERO TIP OF THE MONTH: RETRIEVE DELETED OR VOIDED BILLS
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Have you accidentally deleted a bill or voided a transaction and now need to retrieve the information? No problem! Just follow the simple steps below, and you'll be able to quickly locate your transaction within a matter of seconds. - In the “Business” menu, select “Bills to pay”
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In the search bar, type the specific invoice details, which may include the company name, amount, or reference.
- Click on the "Filter" icon on the right-hand side next to "Columns."
- Under the "Deleted & Voided" section, select "Show" from the drop-down menu and then click on the bill to open it.
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To retrieve the information, go to the right-hand side of the bill, click on "Bill Options," and then select "Copy."
- This can now be saved as a new bill
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WELCOME TO THE TEAM: JODY & SUNIL
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Originally from sunny California, Jody has made Wellington her home for the past twelve years. With an extensive background in various accounting and finance roles, she brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Recently, Jody completed a Master in Professional Accounting at Victoria University of Wellington and plans to continue her professional studies to become a Chartered Accountant.
As our new Business Services Accountant, Jody will be working with you to prepare monthly reports and provide crucial financial information as well as insightful strategic advice to support your school.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with her children and friends, and exploring the great outdoors. |
| Born and raised in India, Sunil moved to New Zealand just over a year ago to pursue new opportunities in Accounting and Finance-related roles.
After initially settling in Hamilton, he recently completed a Master in Professional Accounting at the University of Waikato before making the move to Wellington. Bringing over 5 years of experience in accounting and finance across various industries, from smaller startups to medium-sized companies, Sunil joins us as our new Business Services Accountant. Sunil will be responsible for preparing monthly reports and providing you with essential financial and accounting services to support your school.
In his spare time, Sunil enjoys tending to his garden, exploring culinary endeavors, and staying active through a game of badminton. |
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271 Willis Street, Wellington 6011 |
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