Min of Education replaces schools’ payroll system

15 June 2005

Ministry of Education replaces schools’ payroll system

The Ministry of Education has been given the green light to proceed with the replacement of the current schools’ payroll system – responsible for the fortnightly payment of up to 83,000 employees in the compulsory education sector.

”Our goal is to maintain and improve the payroll services to schools,” says Ministry of Education senior manager, Kevin Wilson.

“The new system will increase the level of management information available to schools. That will enable schools to plan and manage their resources better.”

“It will provide direct access to payroll information which will help schools deal with day-to-day payroll actions or enquiries. It will enhance their planning and management activities for leave, payments, and staffing levels.”

The Government has approved the Ministry entering into contract negotiations with Synergy International Ltd to supply the new system. Synergy International Ltd, a current supplier of IT services to the Ministry, supported by its subcontractor Talent2, was selected by tender process.

Talent2’s software and consulting solutions have been used in over 200 organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand. This includes 23 universities and three Australian state education departments. Recently, Talent2 successfully implemented a “whole of government” solution for 75,000 employees in Papua New Guinea.

The proposed change of system will provide a low risk, efficiently operated, accurate and reliable school payroll operation. There will be a staged implementation over 2007 and 2008. By 2008, school administrators will be able to easily access information that is vital to their day-to-day payroll and related management activities.

Administrators could also opt to enter their own payroll transactions online with the payroll system. Centralised transaction services provided by Education Service Centres will still continue for schools who wish to use them.

The Ministry has extended its contract with Datacom Employer Services to provide ongoing payroll services during the transition and implementation of the new payroll system. The Ministry sees Datacom’s expanded role as critical to the new system’s success.

ENDS

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