Novopay Continues To Frustrate Principals

“Schools are being driven to distraction by the latest Novopay issue to hit schools,” says Philip Harding, President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF).

“Reconciling the stated End of Year payroll position against school records has become the latest nightmare for schools and yet again the increased workload is intolerable,” said Harding.

“Our NZPF helpline has been running hot with a deluge of calls about payroll and leave accrual errors making school payroll staff despair as they prepare for the 2013 annual accounts sign off. The advice from Novopay to correct these errors is unclear and in some cases incorrect, and we are receiving advice that the reports themselves are simply wrong,” he said.

The Novopay payroll system has been dogged with errors and has lacked fitness for purpose ever since its introduction. NZPF has repeatedly surveyed principals on the system and consistently finds that over 80% of principals have absolutely no confidence that it will get any better long term.

“Last year schools were given a small one off payment in compensation for the extra work load Novopay creates,’ said Harding. “If the Government wants to persist with Novopay, then it is time that appropriate compensation was made permanent through an adjustment to the operations grant,” he said.

ENDS

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