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Trustworthy, accessible data – unprecedented auditability for the Māori Language Commission
As a government entity, it is imperative that Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (TTWh) provides reliable data for auditing. MYOB Advanced has improved the reliability and accessibility of data, dramatically improving audit standards – the first positive shift in 30 years – and substantially improved staff productivity and efficiency.
Background
Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori was set up under the Māori Language Act 1987 and continued under Te Ture Reo Māori 2016 / Māori Language Act 2016.
Their goal is to promote the use of Māori, as a living language in everyday life and as an ordinary means of communication.
As a government entity, the auditability of their systems was critical – something their existing systems were falling short on.
Following a review, external advisor Kara Taumaunu was brought on board. He quickly identified the need for more automation when producing financial statements, in particular monthly reporting to the board.
Untrustworthy systems and a lack of accountability
In 2016, TTWh carried out an assessment of their financial systems, with a goal of improving their audit rating and overall efficiency. The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) 2015/16 audit had again found their auditability “needs improvement” and recommended to the commission that “major improvements be made at the earliest reasonable opportunity.”
Kara explains that manual reporting was, in part, the root of TTWh’s poor performance in this area – reporting deadlines were missed and the reports left no audit trail for changes in the suppliers process. The potential for incorrect data also created low trust from the board.
"…major improvements to be made at the earliest reasonable opportunity."
Locked down data, powerful dashboards
Kara was asked to project-manage the accounting software selection for TTWh and found the choice was “an easy one.”
Advanced automated a range of everyday processes, removing concerns over data accessibility and reliability. Making use of Microsoft Power BI, Advanced also delivers functionality the board required – data is locked down each month, removing the possibility of being manipulated. The board can now also view information almost in real time, on easy-to-understand dashboards.
Purchase-order approval automation and reconciliation has also made things easier for staff, with source documents now attached to POs. This streamlines the process, with all relevant information attached, and delivers an easy click-to-view accessibility during audits.
"The accounting software selection choice was an easy one."
Reduced workload, more accountability, a two-level jump in auditability
After moving to MYOB Advanced, TTWh audit ratings have improved across all three audit assessment areas for the first time in 30 years.
Due to the automation of everyday processes provided by MYOB Advanced, TTWh has seen a major improvement in productivity, say Kara. “There has been a significant reduction in workload — I’d guess 35%-45%, which means staff can focus on higher-value tasks.”
Newly accessible and up-to-date data, thanks to Microsoft Power BI, means board members can rely on these figures, knowing the previous month’s data had been locked down. New data can be accessed almost live. “Several board members think it’s fantastic,” says Kara.
"We’ve seen a huge reduction in workload — I’d guess 35%-45% – and the board has a new level of confidence."
Before
- Inconsistent, untrustworthy data that was too easy to manipulate
- Lack of dashboard functionality with no instant access to numbers
After
- Dramatic improvement in audit standards
- Immediate reduction in staff workload and time spent on low-value tasks
- Higher level of board confidence in data, thanks to accurate, up-to-date dashboard reporting
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