Month: June 2025

What’s the Latest on Universal Pre-K in New York State?

New York State continues to invest in Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs with the passing of the 2025-26 Enacted State Budget. Let’s take a look at the current state of UPK in New York as well as the latest efforts to increase access to affordable early childhood education for families across the state.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten in New York is a state and federally funded prekindergarten program offered to families at zero cost. UPK programs are offered in both district classrooms and partnering Community-Based Organizations. Eligibility for the program is based on a child’s age and residency. UPK is primarily available to four-year-olds, but some districts offer programs for three-year-olds as well. UPK was first introduced in New York State in 1998. Since then, the program has expanded to over 650 school districts across the state (as of 2024). According to NYSED, participation in UPK has been connected with higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, as well as increased earning potential for students.

The program is not without its shortcomings, however. Accessibility has long been an issue—the program is not currently available in all New York State school districts, leaving many families without access to affordable prekindergarten options. Even in districts where UPK does exist, participation is awarded based on a randomized lottery system, again excluding many families from the program’s benefits. According to the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), other challenges surrounding the state’s UPK programs have included a lack of funding for certified teaching professionals, facility issues, insufficient quality standards, and a lack of programs for 3-year-olds, among other concerns.

Over the last several years, the State has continued to direct efforts towards addressing these challenges and expanding accessibility to Universal Pre-K programs. Funding for UPK programs has expanded significantly in recent years, with New York State currently allotting $1.2 billion annually in state and federal funds for Universal Pre-K. Access and enrollment in programs across the state have grown over the last decade, but according to the Fiscal Policy Institute, coverage still falls short. NYSED states that during the 2023-24 school year, 119,000 four-year-old students were enrolled in state-administered prekindergarten programs, compared to 115,000 ten years prior. So while access to state-funded programs has expanded to more families throughout the state, the reality of “universal” preschool in New York has yet to be realized.

The Enacted State Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (passed in early May) does not include any changes to prekindergarten funding for the 2025–2026 school year. This overview from the State Education Department provides information for school districts about current funding sources to help guide the implementation of prekindergarten programs. For more information about funding, school districts can contact the Office of Early Learning at (518) 474-5807 or OEL@nysed.gov. And as always, for all your district’s accounting, tax, audit, and advisory needs, you can depend on RBT CPAs. For more information on our services, contact us today. We’d love the opportunity to show you how we can be Remarkably Better Together.

How POS Systems Help Restaurants Optimize Efficiency and Financial Performance

Restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems serve as command centers where numerous functions come together, streamlining everything from order taking and payment processing to sales monitoring and inventory management. Beyond helping restaurants optimize their everyday operations, point-of-sale systems also help promote long-term success by providing critical insights for decision-making. While features vary by system, most POS platforms offer a wide range of benefits for restaurants, including the following:

Efficiency

One of the most noticeable advantages of a POS system is improved efficiency in day-to-day operations. POS systems cut down on ordering and processing times, allowing staff to take and update orders quickly. Menu items and prices can be updated easily, with changes reflected immediately in the system. POS systems also allow for better communication between servers and cook staff, sending order information directly to the kitchen and minimizing delays. In addition, these systems automate essential processes such as order entry, payments, and inventory tracking, saving time and reducing errors.

Improved Guest Experience

POS systems help facilitate a positive and smooth guest experience by tracking and updating reservations, offering table mapping capabilities, and making it easier for hosts to seat guests quickly. Faster service reduces wait times, while automated systems lower the risk of order and billing errors. The ability to accept multiple forms of payment—including credit cards and mobile payments—adds convenience and flexibility for customers. In addition, POS technology allows restaurants to monitor the visits and preferences of repeat customers and to establish rewards or loyalty programs to incentivize guests to return.

Data and Insights

POS systems provide valuable data and insights for restaurants, including sales numbers, inventory levels, customer information, and consumer trends. This data can then be used for important financial and operational processes such as budgeting, revenue forecasting, financial reporting, and inventory management. Restaurants can also use this information to assess their performance and make key business decisions.

Increased Profitability

By streamlining restaurant operations across the board, POS systems expand opportunities for cost savings and increased sales. POS systems also allow restaurants to track the profitability of different menu items and to optimize menus and pricing based on that data. Using a POS system, restaurants can identify their most profitable items and then direct employees to promote those items to customers.

Employee Management

POS systems simplify employee management by tracking staff performance, which in turn improves employee accountability and informs training efforts. Managers can track what menu items individual employees are selling, who is pushing the most profitable items, who is selling the most add-ons, and how quickly staff are turning over tables. Using this information, management can identify high performing employees and utilize them to train other staff. In addition, by monitoring busy periods and table turnover times, POS systems help to inform staffing decisions. Managers can decide how many staff are needed at different times of the day or week based on this information. This creates a more efficient system of staffing, ensuring sufficient service during busy times and preventing overstaffing during quiet periods. POS technology can also aid in staff scheduling and automate payroll processes, saving significant time for restaurant managers.

Security

POS systems accurately track restaurant sales, reduce the opportunity for human error, and help to prevent theft and fraud. Features like data encryption, regular updates, customized user permissions, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring help to keep data secure.

Integration with Other Programs

POS systems integrate with other essential business tools such as accounting software, online ordering platforms, inventory management systems, and payroll systems to share information, reduce manual data entry, and increase efficiency.

In Need of Financial Expertise?

A POS system is a powerful tool for optimizing your restaurant’s efficiency and profitability. For additional guidance on maintaining the financial health of your business, you can depend on RBT CPAs. Our accounting experts, familiar with the distinct challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry, can help you manage the financial side of your business while you focus on running your restaurant. Reach out to RBT CPAs for all your accounting, tax, audit, and advisory needs—and find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.

Is It Time to Outsource Your Municipality’s Accounting Functions?

Our last article discussed the concerns raised by the Office of the NY State Comptroller (OSC) over financial transparency and accountability in New York State Villages. The OSC report entitled “Transparency and Accountability of Fiscal Activities in Villages” indicates that many of the weaknesses in village financial reporting can be attributed to vacancies and inconsistencies in CFO roles. Understaffing isn’t a new issue for local governments—over the last several years, experienced employees have been retiring from the civil service without enough incoming staff to replace them. Younger generations are less drawn to the public sector for various reasons, including the appeal of higher-paying private sector roles over state benefits and pensions. Insufficient accounting staff in municipalities increases the risk of serious issues such as errors in financial reporting, missed deadlines, and a lack of transparency and accuracy in financial processes. Given these and other factors, outsourcing accounting functions may be a prudent choice for local governments. So, is outsourcing the right decision for your municipality? Let’s consider some of the benefits.

Expertise and Accuracy

Access to expertise is the most significant advantage of outsourced accounting. Accounting firms are equipped with seasoned professionals well-versed in financial management best practices and the latest regulatory changes. These professionals provide advice on financial decision-making and ensure compliance with legal requirements, minimizing the risk of costly errors and penalties. An outside expert specializing in governmental accounting can help a municipality identify ways to operate more efficiently, maintain compliance with unique governmental regulations, and reduce the risk of fraud.

Continuity of Service

Given the staffing shortage currently facing the public sector, civil servants who leave their positions can be difficult to replace. While in-house CFOs or accountants can resign, fall ill, or go on vacation, leaving the municipality with operational gaps, accounting firms have staff available consistently to ensure uninterrupted service.

Reduced Staffing Costs

One factor a municipality must consider when deciding whether to outsource services to an accounting firm is the real cost of hiring a new full-time employee. In addition to salary, the municipality also bears the cost of recruitment, employee training, medical benefits, and payments into a pension fund. New hires also require time to adjust to the role, learn the ropes, and reach full productivity. Outsourcing eliminates many of these costs associated with in-house hires. Additionally, outsourcing allows municipalities to pay only for the services they need rather than paying an employee for full-time work.

Latest Technology

Another advantage that comes with outsourcing is access to up-to-date accounting technology. Most accounting firms employ the latest accounting software and tools, facilitating efficient, accurate, and timely financial reporting.

Focus on Priorities

By delegating financial management tasks to outsourced accountants, local governments can concentrate on their primary mission of serving and supporting the community by providing essential services. By leaving accounting responsibilities to experienced and reliable professionals, municipalities can be assured that all financial and regulatory requirements are covered.

Ready to Outsource?

RBT CPAs offers outsourced accounting services to municipalities in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Our experienced professionals understand the unique factors and challenges impacting local governments. Whether you are looking to outsource your municipality’s accounting functions or seeking guidance related to tax, accounting, or audit matters, RBT CPAs is here to support you. Get in touch with our experts today to find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.

Streamline Your Accounting Through Accounting Software

As unions perform their primary function of supporting and advocating for union members, various financial processes are taking place behind the scenes every day. These financial processes include collecting and processing member dues, creating budgets, authorizing and tracking expenses, maintaining financial records, preparing financial reports, managing union bank accounts and credit cards, and conducting internal audits, among others. Managing these various processes—while keeping up with strict regulatory requirements—can be an overwhelming task. Enter: accounting software. Accounting software helps unions manage critical financial processes by streamlining financial operations, providing valuable data, and reducing the opportunity for error and oversight. Let’s take a look at some of the key ways in which accounting software can benefit unions.

Benefits of Accounting Software for Unions

Streamlines financial processes
- Tracks income and expenses (this data is essential for monitoring the union’s financial status and creating a union budget)
- Automates payroll management
- Aids in financial reporting by generating financial statements
- Records and manages union dues payments
- Aids in recordkeeping evaluations
Automates time-consuming administrative tasks, reducing processing time and allowing employees to focus on other needs of the union
Improves accuracy of financial records by minimizing manual data entry and reducing opportunities for human error
Increases transparency in financial processes by providing accurate, easily accessible records that can be shared with union members and other stakeholders
Provides data for informed decision-making related to union financials such as budgeting and fund allocation
Helps unions maintain compliance with legal regulations by providing accurate financial records and minimizing errors
Integrates with other tools and management systems to automatically transfer information between programs

Getting Started

There are several different options when it comes to choosing accounting software for your union. Some popular programs include QuickBooks, Sage, Peachtree, Aptify, and eMembership. When a union first decides to implement new accounting software, employees will need time and training to learn how to operate the new program. RBT CPAs offers QuickBooks training to help our clients learn and understand QuickBooks accounting software. For access to this training or other guidance on implementing accounting software, please don’t hesitate to reach out to RBT CPAs. Whether it’s providing accounting, bookkeeping or outsourced CFO services, assisting with IRS or DOL audits, or offering general financial consulting, RBT CPAs is here to support all of your union’s accounting, audit, tax, and advisory needs. When you partner with RBT CPAs, you can be confident in your union’s financial integrity and compliance, so you can continue to focus on the core goal of representing your members and keeping their best interests top of mind. Give us a call today to find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.