Get to Know Team Alii - Alison Allan

Name: Alison Allan

Role: Solutions Manager

About Alison

I’m a Sydney-based professional with a facilities, property, and finance background. After spending over 12 years working with schools, I branched out into healthcare, universities, and compliance, but I’m really enjoying being back in the school environment.

Being a born and bred Queenslander, I have a strong connection to the state and am a passionate QLD supporter especially when it comes to State of Origin, as well as a loyal Reds fan in rugby union. Outside of work, I love traveling, baking, bushwalking, and spending time with my family which includes two kids, a dog, and a bird to keep things interesting!

How long have you been in the industry?

Over 12 years.

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do at Alii, what would it be?

Efficiency and Cost Optimisation Provider.

‍What’s one financial challenge you see schools struggle with the most?

Rising operational costs with limited budgets and time.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a school considering AP automation?

Start with the big picture and focus on time and cost savings, such as workflows and manual data entry. Ensure there is integration to your current platforms. All this will increase productivity and reduce costs, which will allow you to focus more on education than administration work.

What’s your favourite way to start the workday?

With a big cuppa, especially on a cold morning!

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Always Tea, always! Not a coffee drinker.

What are your hobbies?

Baking, travel, bushwalking and quality family time.

What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?

I work with the fundraising team at my daughters’ school and I organise the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, I love seeing all the kids come up picking something special for their parent or grandparent.