What is MUSAC doing about GST changes?

There have been several queries coming through the support hotline (0800 600 159) in relation to the GST changes on 1 October 2010.  So what is MUSAC doing about GST changes?

We have tested that the new rate works and have added a couple of extra reports and tools to make the switch easier. MUSAC Agents have been offering seminars and newsletters talking through the processes associated with the changeover.

Before 1 October, it will be a smoother transition if:

• You talk with your accounting services provider about what information  is required for your GST return in relation to the changeover.
• Student Manager software is updated at school. Released by MUSAC for 10 September.
• Financial Manager software is updated at school. Released by MUSAC for 10 September and an update CD mailed out.
• Change the GST rates in the software after 1 October once you have completed September processing

We strongly recommend that you update the software, as we have added some tools for modifying billable items and a couple of extra reports  to make things a lot easier.

Your accounting services provider can work through the principles behind what is required for your GST returns around the transitional return relating to October. Whether you are invoice based or cash based for GST determines specific steps you need to work through. The software will print your GST report for you but there is more to it than the printing of a report. It is important you have everything covered off in advance of the big day. As you are likely to be using your student management system for a lot of caregiver invoicing, some extra care is needed with recognising this in your accounting package.

Edtech, Solutions & Services and New Era IT each have a Financial Manager helpdesk which you can call for more informed advice in relation to use of the software and have fee based consultancy services to work through specifics.

The software changes have been with our Agents for testing for a week or so now. Looking good so far.

New Faces at MUSAC

We have had a few new people join the MUSAC team over the last few months - some you have met already.

John Rotherham joins us as Service Delivery Manager, taking responsibility for the support and Development teams. John has extensive experience managing projects and software development teams having worked in banking, consulting and retail sectors. John also had some time working on Massey University's Moodle project prior to Christmas. John and his wife have two children – one intermediate and one primary level.

Milton Baxter started in early January, taking on the role of Agile Iteration Manager. Milton’s responsibility is to manage the workflow of the development team, ensuring impediments to progress are removed, priorities are understood and the software is completed in a timely manner. A lot of communication and negotiation. Milton’s background includes project and team management, development, testing and analysis largely in the retail sector of the petroleum industry. Milton and his partner have two pre-school children.

Peter Roberts joins MUSAC as our Product Manager and head of the product team. Peter's most recent roles have been that as a global service delivery manager, spanning multiple countries, cultures and time zones. Peter and his teams responsibility is to work with teachers, school managers, MUSAC Agents, practitioners, academics and other key stakeholders to shape MUSAC products and services. Peter's team includes those with hands-on teaching and school management experience as well as those with wider professional experience in design and business analysis. Peter and partner have one pre-school and two primary children.