Rise takes accounting for schools to the next level
Rise SA team transforms and takes accounting for schools and school fees collection to the next level, having created a totally new module that has contracts, time-specific billing, recurring invoices and
At Rise School Management, we believe that the success of any school starts with empowering the people who manage its finances, e.g. Bursars / Finance Offices. Our Contract Management Upskilling training for a new billing (financial) module has designed to equip bursars and finance teams with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage contracts, collections, and reporting more effectively - all through the power of Rise School Management, our all-in-one school software platform.
Bursars get empowered with solid upskilling
Over three focused training days, bursars from across South Africa joined the Rise SA team for interactive, hands-on sessions covering key aspects of school finance and contract management.
Together, we explored:
- The pros and cons of debit orders and selecting the right collection method.
- Understanding DebiCheck compliance and parent protection.
- Direct debit integration within Rise for streamlined collections.
- Step-by-step guidance on contract imports, bank account setup, and certification requirements.
Each session combined practical instruction with collaboration, allowing bursars to share real-world strategies that work. One inspiring idea shared during Day 3 involved sending out statements three times a month for arrears accounts — a simple but highly effective collection strategy.
Why contract management matters
Every school depends on contracts - for parents’ fee agreements, suppliers, leases, and services. Without a central system, it’s easy to lose track of renewals, billing cycles, or changes. That’s where Rise School Management makes a difference.
With Rise’s one stop school software, bursars gain full visibility and control of all financial commitments. Automated workflows help schools:
- Reduce invoicing time by up to 70%.
- Eliminate manual errors in billing.
- Track renewals and arrears more accurately.
- Improve reporting and compliance for accounting for schools.
- Strengthen communication through parent statements and notifications.
This structured approach transforms school finance management from reactive to proactive — improving cash flow, compliance, and efficiency.
Certification and practical outcomes
To help bursars apply what they’ve learned, the upskilling series includes a certification process that ensures every participant leaves with tangible results.
To qualify for certification, bursars must:
- Complete a contract import using the Rise contract template.
- Create a dedicated bank account for debit order transactions.
- Submit the three-day attendee feedback form.
Once complete, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, acknowledging their professional growth and commitment to best practice in school finance management.
This certification is not just a recognition — it’s a professional milestone that builds credibility, accountability, and skill across the South African school finance community.
Day four - strategies for school fee collection
We’re excited to welcome bursars to our Day 4 (final) upskilling session, where we’ll focus on practical strategies to improve school fee collection rates.
Bursars will share their best practices — from communication improvements to statement scheduling - creating a collaborative space for peer learning and real impact.
📅 Join us at 13h45 via Google Meet. A link will be provided.
This session promises to be an invaluable exchange of ideas and strategies that every bursar can adapt to their own school context.
Real results through Rise school management
The training series also highlights how Rise’s integrated school software brings measurable benefits to schools of all sizes:
- Automated contract billing: set recurring payments and reduce manual work.
- Bank feed integration: match payments in real time.
- Comprehensive reporting: view income statements, balance sheets, and WCED-compliant forms.
- Centralised communication: send parent statements directly from the system.
Unlike generic accounting tools, Rise School Management was designed specifically for accounting for schools, supporting South African compliance, parent engagement, and bursar workflows.
Schools using Rise report greater efficiency, fewer administrative errors, and a noticeable improvement in their fee collection performance.
Being prepared with a new innovative billing module
The Contract Management Upskilling journey goes beyond learning new software features - it’s about strengthening confidence and professional collaboration among bursars.
With every session, participants are:
- Gaining clarity on contract management and debit order systems.
- Reducing their administrative load through automation.
- Enhancing accountability and audit readiness.
- Building a supportive network of peers who share challenges and solutions.
By investing in their teams’ skills and systems, schools are creating sustainable, efficient financial environments where every rand is tracked and every process is transparent.
How to get certified
Missed a session? Don’t worry — all training materials and recordings are available in the Rise Contract Management Upskilling Folder, including the Day 3 presentation and recording.
👉 Remember to complete your feedback form to qualify for your certificate and help us refine future training sessions.
If you have questions or need support, contact the Rise SA Team — we’re always here to help.
To all bursars who have joined and contributed to these sessions: thank you.
Your engagement, curiosity, and willingness to learn make this community thrive.
Your commitment to professional growth is what drives continuous improvement in South African school finance — and we’re honoured to walk this journey with you.
About Rise School Management
Rise School Management is a modern, cloud-based school software platform built specifically for South African schools. It streamlines finance, administration, communication, and reporting — giving bursars and administrators more time to focus on supporting learners and staff.
Our solution brings together everything schools need for efficient accounting for schools, including:
- Contract and billing automation
- Debit order and bank integration
- Parent communication app
- Tailored financial reporting
- Ongoing training and support
To learn more about our solutions or join our next upskilling session, visit riseschoolmanagement.co.za or contact the Rise SA team today.
