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About Accounting For Schools

At Accounting for Schools, we deliver exceptional accounting services and provide transparent, understandable financial information to schools at affordable prices.

With a genuine passion for education, our focus is on assisting the school community in achieving the best learning outcomes by stretching valuable funding dollars as far as possible. Success, for us, is when a school gains better insight and control over its finances, enabling the delivery of the best for its students and the school community.

Learn more about AFS

Xero & Schools

Full Picture On Our Services

Meet The Team

Xero & Schools

Xero & Schools

Full Picture On Our Services

Meet The Team

About Accounting For Schools

At Accounting for Schools, we deliver exceptional accounting services and provide transparent, understandable financial information to schools at affordable prices. With a genuine passion for education, our focus is on assisting the school community in achieving the best learning outcomes by stretching valuable funding dollars as far as possible. 


Success, for us, is when a school gains better insight and control over its finances, enabling the delivery of the best for its students and the school community.


Learn more about AFS

Xero & Schools

Our Services

Meet The Team


What our client's say....


“We appreciate the support we get from AFS. You are always so approachable and speak in “non accounting talk” that I can always understand! Always very patient with me getting things done – so appreciate the quick turnaround of reports. A board member at the last meeting commented how reassuring it is to have AFS – we have total confidence in the reports you provide.” 


- Danella Sutton-Field

Office Manager, Appleby School

“Our BOT are consistently impressed and thankful for the information provided in the monthly reports. They find the clear communication easy to understand and it makes their job a lot easier.”


- Linda Martin, 

Business Manager, Forest View High School

With your financial guidance, our school is experiencing a reality that we could only have dreamed of 12 months ago. This reality means that the kids at our school have a new library, a new classroom, a new teacher, and upgrades to numerous other building facilities. So I want to offer a sincere thank you to you and the AFS team.” 


– Martin Hookham 

Principal, Korokoro School



"Ben and his team have provided valuable input into the school’s budgeting process and undertaken reviews of other internal controls. Ben and his team were also essential in managing the year-end audit process and helping to ensure we delivered our financial statements within the MoE timeframes.  We have no hesitation in recommending Ben and the team to fellow schools looking to improve and provide understandable financial reporting.”


- Angela Lowe

Principal, Newlands Intermediate

“I just wanted to express my gratitude to AFS. Under your expertise, I feel very confident in all financial areas of the school. Above all, I really appreciate your commitment to education generally and the strong moral leadership you show when you advise me and no doubt all of your schools. I consider myself VERY lucky to the AFS team behind us all the way.” 


- Marty

Principal, Korokoro School

“We have a great working relationship with AFS and really appreciate that you are always there to support us when needed.” 


- Robyn Brown

Principal, Birchville School

“I have recommended AFS to a number of other principals. Awesome service and takes a weight off my shoulders.” 


- Shelly Fitness

Principal, St Patrick's Catholic School

Te Awamutu

“We are blessed to be in good financial hands with Accounting For Schools.” 


- Faye Ashmore

Office Manager, Korakonui School

“Appreciate the support, guidance and follow up of AFS as we work through the audit process. Thanks for the very good service you provide when we have requests, ask questions, and need help.” 


- Andrea Scanlan

Principal, Konini Primary School

“I thoroughly appreciate the support and guidance AFS provides my school. Excellent and responsive support.” 


- Suzanne Su'a

Principal, Waterloo School

“Thanks for your support, I always find whom I speak with is really helpful - it was so awesome getting your support to start using Hubdoc - we are now paperless with accounts payable!”


- Paula Watkins

Office Support, Waitohu School



“It has been great coming on board - my workload has been greatly reduced. The staff are very helpful and quick to get back to us if we have a query.” 


- Danielle Bence

Principal, Koputaroa School



“Keep up the good work -it makes our lives so much easier!”


- Mike Farrelly

Principal, Raumati Beach

What our client's say....

“We appreciate the support we get from AFS. You are always so approachable and speak in “non accounting talk” that I can always understand! Always very patient with me getting things done – so appreciate the quick turnaround of reports. A board member at the last meeting commented how reassuring it is to have AFS – we have total confidence in the reports you provide.” 


- Danella Sutton-Field

Office Manager, Appleby School

“Our BOT are consistently impressed and thankful for the information provided in the monthly reports. They find the clear communication easy to understand and it makes their job a lot easier.”


- Linda Martin, 

Business Manager, Forest View High School

"With your financial guidance, our school is experiencing a reality that we could only have dreamed of 12 months ago. This reality means that the kids at our school have a new library, a new classroom, a new teacher, and upgrades to numerous other building facilities.” 


– Martin Hookham 

Principal, Korokoro School



"We have no hesitation in recommending Ben and the team to fellow schools looking to improve and provide understandable financial reporting.”


- Angela Lowe

Principal, Newlands Intermediate

“I just wanted to express my gratitude to AFS. Under your expertise, I feel very confident in all financial areas of the school. Above all, I really appreciate your commitment to education generally and the strong moral leadership you show when you advise me and no doubt all of your schools. I consider myself VERY lucky to the AFS team behind us all the way.” 


- Marty

Principal, Korokoro School

“We have a great working relationship with AFS and really appreciate that you are always there to support us when needed.” 


- Robyn Brown

Principal, Birchville School

“I have recommended AFS to a number of other principals. Awesome service and takes a weight off my shoulders.” 


- Shelly Fitness

Principal, St Patrick's Catholic School

Te Awamutu

“We are blessed to be in good financial hands with Accounting For Schools.” 


- Faye Ashmore

Office Manager, Korakonui School

“Appreciate the support, guidance and follow up of AFS as we work through the audit process. Thanks for the very good service you provide when we have requests, ask questions, and need help.” 


- Andrea Scanlan

Principal, Konini Primary School

“I thoroughly appreciate the support and guidance AFS provides my school. Excellent and responsive support.” 


- Suzanne Su'a

Principal, Waterloo School

“Thanks for your support, I always find whom I speak with is really helpful - it was so awesome getting your support to start using Hubdoc - we are now paperless with accounts payable!”


- Paula Watkins

Office Support, Waitohu School



“It has been great coming on board - my workload has been greatly reduced. The staff are very helpful and quick to get back to us if we have a query.” 


- Danielle Bence

Principal, Koputaroa School



“Keep up the good work -it makes our lives so much easier!”


- Mike Farrelly

Principal, Raumati Beach

“We appreciate the support we get from AFS. You are always so approachable and speak in “non accounting talk” that I can always understand! Always very patient with me getting things done – so appreciate the quick turnaround of reports. A board member at the last meeting commented how reassuring it is to have AFS – we have total confidence in the reports you provide.” 


- Danella Sutton-Field

Office Manager, Appleby School

“Our BOT are consistently impressed and thankful for the information provided in the monthly reports. They find the clear communication easy to understand and it makes their job a lot easier.”


- Linda Martin, 

Business Manager, Forest View High School

With your financial guidance, our school is experiencing a reality that we could only have dreamed of 12 months ago. This reality means that the kids at our school have a new library, a new classroom, a new teacher, and upgrades to numerous other building facilities. So I want to offer a sincere thank you to you and the AFS team.” 


– Martin Hookham 

Principal, Korokoro School



"Ben and his team have provided valuable input into the school’s budgeting process and undertaken reviews of other internal controls. Ben and his team were also essential in managing the year-end audit process and helping to ensure we delivered our financial statements within the MoE timeframes.  We have no hesitation in recommending Ben and the team to fellow schools looking to improve and provide understandable financial reporting.”


- Angela Lowe

Principal, Newlands Intermediate

“I just wanted to express my gratitude to AFS. Under your expertise, I feel very confident in all financial areas of the school. Above all, I really appreciate your commitment to education generally and the strong moral leadership you show when you advise me and no doubt all of your schools. I consider myself VERY lucky to the AFS team behind us all the way.” 


- Marty

Principal, Korokoro School

“We have a great working relationship with AFS and really appreciate that you are always there to support us when needed.” 


- Robyn Brown

Principal, Birchville School

“I have recommended AFS to a number of other principals. Awesome service and takes a weight off my shoulders.” 


- Shelly Fitness

Principal, St Patrick's Catholic School

Te Awamutu

“We are blessed to be in good financial hands with Accounting For Schools.” 


- Faye Ashmore

Office Manager, Korakonui School

“Appreciate the support, guidance and follow up of AFS as we work through the audit process. Thanks for the very good service you provide when we have requests, ask questions, and need help.” 


- Andrea Scanlan

Principal, Konini Primary School

“I thoroughly appreciate the support and guidance AFS provides my school. Excellent and responsive support.” 


- Suzanne Su'a

Principal, Waterloo School

“Thanks for your support, I always find whom I speak with is really helpful - it was so awesome getting your support to start using Hubdoc - we are now paperless with accounts payable!”


- Paula Watkins

Office Support, Waitohu School



“It has been great coming on board - my workload has been greatly reduced. The staff are very helpful and quick to get back to us if we have a query.” 


- Danielle Bence

Principal, Koputaroa School



“Keep up the good work -it makes our lives so much easier!”


- Mike Farrelly

Principal, Raumati Beach

Talk to the School Accounting Experts

Talk to the school accounting experts

If you want the best support to understand your financial position, want to take back control of your school’s finances, and want to plan for the future – all while using time-saving processes – then get in touch with us. Contact us today to arrange your no-obligation quote and service proposal.

Contact Us

Talk to The School Accounting Experts Today:

Book a free consultation

If you're ready to unlock the power of financial clarity, regain control of your school's finances, and pave your path towards a prosperous future - all while saving valuable time then get in touch with us today. We'd love to meet with you and discuss your school's unique needs and goals.

Contact Us

Talk to The School Accounting Experts

Book a free consultation

If you're ready to unlock the power of financial clarity, regain control of your school's finances, and pave your path towards a prosperous future—all while saving valuable time—then get in touch with us today. We'd love to meet with you and discuss your school's unique needs and goals.

Contact Us

“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

Latest News

By Ben Duflou September 18, 2025
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 
By Ben Duflou September 18, 2025
As you may be aware, Xero has been working hard on a refreshed navigation and homepage (formerly known as the dashboard) to deliver a faster, cleaner, and more intuitive experience. The first stage - featuring the brand-new navigation - is set to launch sometime this month (September)! Here are the main updates you’ll spot in the new layout: Dedicated Sales and Purchases sections - no more digging around, everything you need is right where you’d expect it. Reports made simple - key insights are now just one click away, helping you stay on top of your numbers faster. Streamlined settings - settings are now visible across all menus, plus there’s a centralised page to keep everything organised. Smarter right-hand panel - this new hub gives you instant access to JAX (Xero’s new AI business companion), search, help, notifications, and apps - wherever you are in Xero. This revamped system helps you find what you’re looking for faster, move smoothly between tasks, and get even more value from your Xero subscription. The refreshed homepage (previously the dashboard) will launch later this year, bringing customisable widgets to give you quicker, more personalised business insights. We’ll keep you updated on when these changes go live. As Xero Platinum Partners, we’re already up to speed with the new navigation and ready to help you make the most of it. Whether you want a quick run-through, some training for your team, or simply reassurance that everything is where it should be - we’ve got you covered. If you need a hand, give us a call on 04 909 7729 or 0800 ASK AFS (0800 275 237).
By Ben Duflou September 18, 2025
View our Chalkboard - September 2025: - 2026 Annual Budget - Upcoming Budget Webinar for Schools - 8 October 2025 - Important Notices - Preparing Your School Budget: Practical Tips for a Successful Year Ahead - Xero Tip of the Month: Xero’s New Navigation and Homepage Refresh - Welcome to the Team: Breanna & Rachelle - Reminder - New Resource: AFS School Revenue Finance Handbook - Looking ahead https://public2.bomamarketing.com/email/bnyk
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