We have been using CES as part of our school’s financial systems for a number of years now. Working with Stephen we have found CES to provide quick and useful advice on financial processing issues, quick and smooth payment of invoices on time, and a smooth process through the audit trail each year. With Xero as our shared platform, we are able to monitor and process all financial issues effectively and transparently. The added benefit of having CES as a partner is the informed discussions around developing our budgets and systems year after year to ensure we have robust processes that keep everyone safe.

I have worked with CES in five different schools, with five different ways of running finances and with different budgets. I have always been impressed with the way CES is willing to work with the school and understand the context or special character of the school. Finances are always a concern for Boards and knowing that we can question, and get advice on budgets, investments and explanations around variances is very useful. CES has always been willing to work with us to improve the financial running of the school.

We have utilised CES in preparing our monthly financials, audit preparations, and board elections for many years now. Their services also include updating Asset Registers, Budgets, Seminars, and Conferences, many of which have also been involved with. Our financial package is tailored to what we as a school require. Having specialist financial support that covers compliance is invaluable.
We find CES staff friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. The financial reports are written in a thorough format that is easily understood and able to be reported and presented to the Board.

The Tamaki College School Board contracts CES to provide accounting and payroll services. We are delighted with the quality of service and advice we receive from CES. We especially appreciate the high-level experience and vast knowledge and expertise provided by Lynley Ross who is excellent to work with and has made a very positive contribution to our organisation. Lynley is approachable and always available to answer queries or give advice. She also has the ability to communicate accounting concepts that are, at times, complex, in a manner that is easy for everyone to understand – a skill not everyone has by any means. Everything from CES is provided in a timely fashion, is accurate, and complies with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Controller and Auditor General, so we can be sure that there will be no complications later due to sub-standard reporting. In fact, our Board is very pleased with the amended financial reports it receives as this too is presented in a way that allows our Board to discuss and make decisions efficiently. Our long-serving pay clerk retired two years ago, and we contracted CES to handle that side of our operation moving forward which has been excellent. This means we can provide the details required and leave experts to ensure that our payroll is accurate and well-managed. This system has worked well. We have also, in the past, used CES for fixed asset audits and have been pleased with the result each time. The audits have been accurate, which has then meant the Asset Register has remained accurate which is important. The common denominator amongst all these services is professionalism. CES is a thoroughly professional company that provides a top-notch service and Tamaki College is proud to partner with you. We thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback from a client perspective.