Accounting For Schools

2027 School Budget Template - Available Soon

2027 School Budget Template - Available Soon

Please check out our September Chalkboard - 2026
- Heads up: 2027 Annual Budget
- Important Notices
- Term 3 Finance Check-In
- Making the Most of Your Monthly Finance Reports
- Xero Pricing Increase - 1 October 2026
- Xero Tip of the Month: Use Reference Fields Consistently for Easier Searching
- Farewell to Nerissa Heyrana
- Heading to NZPF ICP 2026? Come and Say Hello!
- Looking ahead

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Monthly finance reports provide much more than a snapshot of your school’s financial position. When used effectively, they can help school leaders and boards understand how the school is tracking, identify emerging trends and make more informed decisions throughout the year.

But the real value comes from knowing what to look for and how to use the information in front of you.

In our latest blog, we share some practical ways to get more value from your monthly finance reports and better understand the story behind the numbers.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://www.afsl.nz/making-the-most-of-your-monthly-finance-reports

School finances don’t exactly come with a quiet to-do list. 😅

Budgets. Payroll. Reporting. Grants. Reserves. And everything else that seems to land on your desk at the same time.

When there’s a lot to stay on top of, a few simple habits can make the day-to-day feel much more manageable.

Here are a few ways to take some of the pressure off:

• Document key processes – fewer errors, less guesswork and an easier handover when someone else needs to step in
• Share the knowledge - avoid having important tasks and information sitting with just one person
• Plan ahead - forecasting helps you see what’s coming before it becomes urgent
• Know your priorities - focus your time on the tasks and decisions that have the biggest financial impact
• Make your systems work for you - templates, tools and checklists can save time and improve accuracy
• Keep people in the loop - clear communication with Principals and Boards helps avoid surprises
• Take a breather - even a short break can help you come back with a clearer head
• Celebrate the wins - ticked off a big report, finished the budget or made it through audit? That counts!

School finance will always have plenty of moving parts. But good systems, shared knowledge and a little forward planning can make them much easier to manage.

Budget pressures in schools rarely appear all at once. More often, they build gradually as costs increase, staffing needs change, projects evolve, or unexpected expenses arise.

Individually, these changes may not seem significant. But over time, several small variances can start to have a much bigger impact on your school's financial position.

That's where regular forecasting becomes particularly valuable. Looking beyond what's already been spent and considering what is still to come can help school leaders and boards identify potential pressure points early and understand whether changes may be needed.

At AFS, we support schools with practical forecasting and clear financial information to help them plan ahead with confidence.

If you'd like support reviewing your school's forecast or understanding what emerging pressures could mean for the months ahead, we're always happy to help.

Keeping on top of your school finances while you're out and about just got easier.

Xero has refreshed the Accounting App experience, making it simpler to access key features and complete everyday finance tasks from your mobile device.

The updated layout is designed to help you move between core areas more easily, so you can find what you need faster and stay on top of your school's finances wherever you're working.

🔑 What's new?
• Simplified bottom navigation for quicker access to key areas
• A redesigned Home screen with a clearer dashboard overview
• Invoices, bills, bank accounts and contacts are now grouped under a streamlined Menu

Whether you're approving invoices, reviewing transactions or checking account activity, the updated app makes everyday tasks quicker and easier.

Have you explored the new Xero app yet?

Thinking about expanding your school or introducing a new programme?

Careful financial planning can help ensure growth is sustainable, risks are managed, and resources are allocated effectively.

In our latest blog, we share practical considerations to help schools plan confidently for future growth.

Read it here: https://www.afsl.nz/financial-planning-for-school-expansion-or-new-programmes

A reminder that GST for the period ended 30 June 2026 is due by Tuesday 28 July 2026

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Term breaks can create cash flow challenges for schools, even when finances are well managed.

With income often slowing while key costs continue, having a plan in place can help schools maintain financial stability and avoid unnecessary pressure.

In our latest blog, we share practical guidance on managing cash flow during term breaks and preparing for upcoming expenses.

Read the full article on our website here: https://www.afsl.nz/how-to-manage-cash-flow-during-term-breaks

A quick reminder that our office will be closed this Friday, 10 July, for the Matariki public holiday.

Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is a special time in Aotearoa for remembrance, reflection, and renewal. It is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the year to come.

We hope you’re able to enjoy the day in a way that feels right for you, whether that’s spending time with whānau, resting, reflecting, or simply taking some time to slow down.

Ngā mihi nui, and we wish you a safe and happy Matariki.✨