Budget Time: More Than Just Numbers
If you’re a School Business Manager or Finance Leader, budget time probably brings a mix of emotions.
There’s the pressure of balancing the books, the challenge of planning for the unexpected, and the responsibility of ensuring your school can continue delivering the best possible outcomes for students and staff.
It’s a big job
Are Schools Undervaluing Their Payroll Specialists?
Payroll specialists do much more than process pays. They help schools navigate complex legislation, reduce compliance risks, and protect against costly payroll mistakes. Investing in payroll expertise is an investment in stronger governance, financial security, and staff confidence.
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Our Top Finance Tips for Schools
After 20 years working alongside schools across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve noticed the same patterns emerging time and time again. The strongest finance functions aren’t necessarily the biggest or most complex. They’re the ones built on solid foundations.
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Important information regarding Payday Super changes
From 1 July 2026, new “Payday Super” reforms will require superannuation contributions to be paid at the same time as wages and received by employees’ funds within 7 business days. Schools will need to ensure timely payroll processing, accurate employee super details from commencement, and review existing onboarding and payroll practices to remain compliant.
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To the schools with “room for improvement” culture: thank you
Not every school with messy processes is “broken”. Most are just busy. This article looks at why “room for improvement” is actually a strong starting point for making sustainable change. You just need the right team in your corner.
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Getting up close and personal with Payday Super
From 1 July 2026, Payday Super will change the way you run payroll. In short, super will need to be paid at the same time as wages. While it may feel like more work upfront, the shift brings real benefits. The key is getting comfortable with the change early and making sure your systems and processes are ready to go.
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There’s a dirty little secret in the world of school finance recruitment
It’s something that’s been bubbling under the surface for a while, and it’s time to pull back the curtain and let you in on what’s really happening behind closed doors. If you thought the schools around you have their finance function on lock, well, think again. We’re seeing finance staff leave the school sector in droves. But where are they going? And how are some schools keeping their finance functions running like a well-oiled machine — while others are drowning? We went digging — and what we found is reshaping the conversation around school finance. Here’s the full report.
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Navigating New Criminal Underpayment Laws: What Schools Need To Know
It’s something that’s been bubbling under the surface for a while, and it’s time to pull back the curtain and let you in on what’s really happening behind closed doors. If you thought the schools around you have their finance function on lock, well, think again. We’re seeing finance staff leave the school sector in droves. But where are they going? And how are some schools keeping their finance functions running like a well-oiled machine — while others are drowning? We went digging — and what we found is reshaping the conversation around school finance. Here’s the full report.
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How to fail at the business of school
The ultimate guide to creating an unorganised, unprofitable and confused school community — in one […]
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Our expert advice on getting your school’s payroll set up and keeping it updated
A note from Cole School Experts: This post is part of a series of blogs that […]
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