Finance, Facilities and Business Strategy Branch

This page provides information about the Finance, Facilities and Business Strategy Branch which is part of the Corporate Services Division of the Department of Education, Tasmania.

Role of the Branch

The role of the Finance, Facilities and Business Strategy Branch is to respond to the Department of Education's present and emerging financial and asset management needs. In fulfilling this role, the activities of the Branch are aimed at supporting:

devolved budgeting and financial management;
across Agency co-ordination and planning;
the Agency's infrastructure development and maintenance;
local management flexibility within Government guidelines; and
service delivery by schools and colleges, libraries and other budget centres.

Activities of the Branch include:

budget management of the Consolidated Fund (around 25 percent of total State Budget);
program support and coordination for Non-Government school funding, Commonwealth funding and Productivity Commission and Commonwealth Grants Commission reporting;
accounting operations for 600 budget centres within the Department;
procurement policy and guidelines;
financial system development and administration;
grants and student financial assistance;
capital works and services for individual projects and multi-site risk programs in excess of $17m;
facility management in relation to a extensive building asset portfolio;
property use and management;
statistical and demographic services;
resource policy development and allocation review;
promoting Tasmania as a destination for study and coordinating activities for international fee paying students;
strategic leadership in identifying opportunities for business improvement and sponsoring innovativeness in effective ICT management;
providing a set of tools that will enable teachers and students to engage with technology in delivering the new Essential Learnings framework;
risk management and insurance
support for school associations;
service centre (Help Desk) for department staff;
business process and SACS support for schools and budget centres;
information delivery, Infostream and newsletters; and
training programs and materials development for school administrative staff, principals, corporate staff and emerging leaders.

The Branch is divided into six areas under the leadership of the Director (FFBS). The Budget and Resource Services, and Finance and Procurement Services Sections work to the Manager (Finance and Resources). The Manager (Business Development) and the Manager (Resource Planning) also work with the Director (FFBS) and Section Managers in addressing a wide range of resourcing, professional development and school community support matters.

Budget and Resource Services	Budget and Resource Services Contacts
*Budget and Resource Management*
Budget formulation and monitoring Development of sustainable budget strategies Performance reporting Budget review/re-allocations; Works and services budget monitoring Cost of education Statistical services in relation to enrolments and student census including enrolment predictions and retention Demographic services
*Program Support and Co-ordination*
Non-Government school funding support Commonwealth funding co-ordination Productivity Commission and Commonwealth Grants Commission reporting School resource package allocation and monitoring Non-Government school subvention grants and capital assistance

Finance and Procurement Services	Finance and Procurement Services Contacts
*Accounting Operations*
Financial policy Financial reporting (external) Accounts payable Accounts receivable Credit management Financial delegations Asset registers Motor vehicle administration National competition policy Finance statistical services E-commerce
*Procurement*
Procurement policy and guidelines Electronic procurement admin Centralised procurement where appropriate Development of tenders Contract management policies and guidelines
*Financial Systems*
Finance system administration Systems development Chart of accounts maintenance
*Grants and Assistance*
Grants administration Student financial Assistance Student accommodation allowances

Facility Services	Facility Services Contacts
*Capital Works and Services*
CIP planning Program development and project supervision Minor works and essential maintenance planning Program development and project /supervision Liaison with project consultants
*Facility Management*
Security co-ordination Energy advice and initiatives Risk assessment and advice in relation to fire Building standards Statutory maintenance Occupational health, safety and welfare issues Strategic asset management planning
*Property Management*
Property acquisition and disposals; Property valuations; and Leases and agreements relating to school and library facilities, skill centres, student hostels, child care facilities and residences
*Risk Management*

Finance, Facilities and Business Strategy Branch

Role of the Branch

Budget and Resource Services

Finance and Procurement Services

Facility Services