Working smart with new technology

Two of the most common causes of stress that we hear about for those working in schools’ finance departments are time management and tight budgets.

But are you still completing and updating spreadsheets manually, writing cheques and counting your cash – no matter how much time and effort it takes?

Sometimes we think it’s easier to do things the way we’ve always done them, especially when we look at the cost of new technologies. But the truth is, we’re living in a digital world and our everyday processes need to stay up to date with what’s happening around us. The Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced everyone to work remotely in some way, has intensified this need.

So, now is the time to review your systems and implement new technologies that will make your financial processes and procedures more resilient and effective.

Software packages that used to cost thousands of pounds and take months to learn how to navigate are becoming a thing of the past. The digital platforms of today are quick and easy to use, make you more productive and save you both time and money. 

To get you up and running in a digital finance world, here are some of the types of digital packages that you should consider investing in:

• Management information system
• Finance / accounting
• Budgeting
• HR / people
• Bacs bureau
• Single central register
• Timetabling
• Policy data
• Asset register.

Implementing new technologies has several benefits that far outweigh the short-term outlay of cash or the initial disruption to your way of working. Here are our top 10 reasons for investing in a digital platform today:

Supporting your staff in working more efficiently and effectively 

Digital solutions allow you to make data- and insight-driven decisions, because, with all the facts in one, easy-to-see place, your staff members can make quicker and better-informed decisions

Saving you time

Tasks can be automated or performed faster, for example a BACS bureau service eliminates bank visits, while sending invoices electronically reduces the need for postage

Eliminating human error and fraud

Automated processes means that there is less chance for error. They also provide transparency, allowing multiple senior leaders to see the same information 

Allowing staff to be more proactive

Digitisation improves collaboration across your entire leadership team. When everyone has access to the same relevant information, they can make joint decisions and integrate financial and curriculum planning

Accessing real time information

Technology speeds up processes and procedures, and it provides real-time data when you need it the most

Working anywhere, anytime

Your staff members and finance team can work from anywhere as long as there’s an internet connection, be it in the classroom or from the comfort of their own home

Saving you money

While you may need to invest in the short term, it will pay off in the long term. This is because your staff members will be able to work faster, smarter and harder, getting more done each day

Increasing your agility

You won’t need to rely on legacy systems or paper records, allowing you to become nimble and responsive to current financial trends

A better customer experience

There won’t be any need to search the office to see if an invoice has been paid. If an enquiry is made, you’ll have the answer immediately, at the touch of a button.

Environmentally friendly

Modernising your systems and processes will also reduce your paperwork and printing.

To find out how we can help you to implement or update your financial systems, feel free to contact us