“I have four young girls of my own, and I’ve enjoyed a close affiliation with their school having been the Home and School Treasurer for four years. I’ve come to understand the trials, difficulties, and challenges that schools face, and the lack of funds they have to provide the resources they want for their students. That’s where we can really help – stretching that dollar a little bit further, so Kiwi kids can get the best education possible.”
– Ben Duflou - Director, Accounting For Schools
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Xero has just launched a powerful new feature called JAX (Just Ask Xero), an AI-powered assistant designed to make navigating and using Xero even easier. Whether you’re trying to find a specific report, understand a transaction, or get help with settings, simply type your question into the JAX assistant. It will provide quick, relevant answers or guide you directly to the section you need, saving you time and reducing the need to search through help articles. What can you ask JAX? Here are just a few examples: “How do I reconcile a bank transaction?” “Where can I find my aged receivables report?” “How do I add a new user to my Xero account?” JAX is currently being rolled out across Xero, so if you don’t see it yet, it’s on the way. Look for the JAX icon or search bar in your Xero dashboard and give it a try - it’s a smart, fast way to get the most out of Xero with no digging required. If you need help with JAX or the new navigation changes mentioned in our previous Chalkboard, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 04 909 7729 . We’re here to help!
View our Chalkboard - October 2025: - 2026 Annual Budget - Budget Webinar for Schools - Thank You - Important Notices - Xero Tip of the Month: Introducing Xero’s New AI Assistant - Jax - Welcome to the Team: AJ & Zack - Update of Current Resources Available and How to Utilise Them - Looking ahead https://public2.bomamarketing.com/email/QyLP
With budgeting season underway, now is the perfect time to set your school up for financial success. A well-crafted budget not only keeps your finances on track but also supports your school’s strategic goals and daily operations. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the budgeting process effectively: 1. Start Early and Plan Ahead Give yourself enough time to gather information from all departments and review last year’s financial results. Early planning allows for thoughtful discussions and smoother approvals. 2. Use Actual Spending as Your Baseline Last year’s actual expenses are your best guide. Compare forecasts to real numbers to avoid surprises and create realistic budgets. 3. Account for Staffing and Wage Changes Remember to include any salary increases, additional staff, or changes to relief teacher costs - these often have a big impact on your budget. 4. Build in a Contingency Fund Unexpected costs can arise at any time. Setting aside around 1–2% of your total budget for contingencies provides a financial cushion. 5. Involve Your Team Engage department heads and key staff in budgeting discussions. Their insights can improve accuracy and encourage shared ownership of financial goals. 6. Monitor and Adjust Regularly Budgeting isn’t a “set and forget” task. Review your budget monthly or quarterly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track throughout the year. Turn Plans Into Action: Your Budget Timeline Once you've laid the groundwork with early planning, realistic forecasting, and team collaboration, it’s time to put your budget process into motion. A clear timeline helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks and keeps everyone aligned across key stages. Here’s a suggested budget timeline to guide your school through a smooth and efficient budgeting process: Budget Timeline
