Schools Financial Services newsletter - May 2018
This Edition
It's almost time for the June Finance Information Groups (FIG's), there's a new procedure for schools in deficit as well as an exciting opportunity to work with us!
Before that though, remember the 3 year plan submission deadline for Kent Schools is 31 May 2018 (BPS users will need to do a Cost Centre Allocation Check before they can begin monitoring) and Academies will need to submit their budget forecast return (BFRO) by 21 May 2018 for the 2017/18 financial year.
The Education People
From September 2018, Schools Financial Services will be joining The Education People.
From now, all the content that you would have enjoyed on our website can now be accessed in the Financial Management area of The Education People website.
If you need to get in touch, you can still contact us via the Help Desk on 03000 415 415 and via email:
schoolsfinancialservices@kent.gov.uk
In this issue
- Procedure Note of the Week
- The Education People
- SFS Vacancy
- Licensed Deficits
- June 2018 FIGs
- Hints & Tips
- Deadlines
Finance Information Groups
The Schools Financial Services Finance Information Groups (FIGs) are taking place next month around the county on the following dates:
11 June 2018 (Hadlow)
12 June 2018 (Whitstable)
13 June 2018 (Maidstone)
15 June 2018 (Ashford)
There are still places available on the following Training Courses taking place in the Summer Term at Maidstone:
Senior Leaders - 18,22 & 27 June
Strategic Financial Management in Difficult Times - 2 July
Visit CPD Online to book your place on a course or a FIG:
www.kentcpdonline.org.uk or phone the Help Desk on 03000 415 415 for further details.
Procedure note of the week
See a list of this months entries:
Processing pay advances (11c)
Clearing VAT balances (45)
Setting up Recurring Payment Journals (60)
Clearing unused codes and funds from system reports (63)
These are available via the Help Desk to anyone with a Core Financial Support Package. Visit the website to see a full list.
Contracts Officer vacancy
An exciting opportunity has become available to be part of Schools Financial Services Team, supporting schools.
For further details and to apply visit the KCC website (Contracts Officer – 18001397):
www.kent.gov.uk/jobs
Licensed Deficits
The Schools Funding Forum recently agreed a change to the Scheme for Financing Schools and the changes to Section 5 of the Financial Controls to incorporate the Licensed Deficit application.
All schools that are currently in deficit or forecasting a deficit in any of the 3 years will have to complete a Licensed Deficit application and send it in with their 3 year budget plan from this year.
Hints & Tips
Want to save your work quickly in FMS6? Use the F9 key on your keyboard.
Interested in speeding up the time you spend in your bank? If you are a Kent School with a Corporate Bank account you can sign up to Business Quick Deposit. Contact the Help Desk on 03000 415 415.
For September incrementing schools on BPS, there is now a procedure note for ensuring that the minimum wage from April 2018 is applied.
Having problems working on Internet based software? Contact the Help Desk for a guidance document on clearing your Cache.