Ko Taku Reo: Meeting Resources With Strong Financial Planning

Ko Taku Reo: Empowering Strategic Planning with Forecast 5

Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education is a pivotal institution in New Zealand, dedicated to providing comprehensive education and support to the Deaf community. With a rich history dating back to 1880, the organisation has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of its students and stakeholders.

💡 The Challenge: Navigating Complexity in Financial Planning

Managing a multifaceted organisation with multiple cost centres, each tied to various Ministry of Education contracts, presented significant challenges. The overlapping service delivery lines and increasing demand for services under stringent budgetary constraints necessitated a forward-focused approach to financial planning.

“The complexity of the organisation and the need to move beyond simplistic Excel spreadsheets were the driving factors to looking for a budgeting tool.”
— Matthew Koning, Executive Officer

Forecasting cash flow 2–3 years into the future became critical to ensure the organisation could meet its objectives and continue delivering high-quality services.

✅ The Solution: Adopting Forecast 5

Having previously utilised Forecast 5 in a different capacity, Matthew recognized its potential to address the organization's unique needs. The decision to implement Forecast 5 was straightforward, described as a “no-brainer.”

Key features that stood out included:

🔹Consolidation Capabilities: Effortlessly consolidate numerous departments, ensuring accurate and reliable financial reporting.

🔹Xero Integration: Seamless integration with Xero, streamlining the accounting function and enhancing efficiency.

🔹Forward-Looking Forecasting: The ability to project financials 2–3 years ahead, facilitating proactive planning and resource allocation.

“In an ever-changing environment, planning is critical. Forecast 5 allows the Centre to plan in a changing environment to ensure it has the resources available to meet the challenges encountered and move forward with relative confidence.”
— Matthew Koning, Executive Officer

📈 The Impact: Enhanced Efficiency and Confidence

Since implementing Forecast 5, Ko Taku Reo has experienced:

🔹Improved Efficiency: Streamlined budgeting processes, saving valuable time and resources.

🔹Informed Decision-Making: Access to reliable and timely financial information, empowering leadership to make data-driven decisions.

🔹Strategic Alignment: Enhanced ability to align financial planning with strategic goals, ensuring sustainable growth and service delivery.

🌟 Forecast Smarter, Plan Better, Grow Faster

With Forecast 5, Ko Taku Reo can confidently manage complex budgets, consolidate multiple departments, and project financials 2–3 years ahead. The platform provides clarity, accuracy, and control, empowering organisations to make informed, data-driven decisions, allocate resources effectively, and plan strategically for long-term success.