New Finance World – Modernising Financial Reporting for a Leading International University

The Challenge

A leading international university required a transformation of its financial reporting systems to uphold high standards in financial management, supporting growth and ensuring quality service delivery for students and stakeholders. The aim was to set up and mobilise a greenfield programme to modernise, standardise, and optimise financial operations. Org was engaged in conducting an internal analysis, exploring ERP solutions, developing a Finance Target Operating Model, and leading the procurement of a new Finance ERP platform. Additionally, Org was tasked with preparing a Business Case for a Finance Transformation starting in 2023, with the potential to proceed to design and implementation upon approval.

Client Overview

The client, Ireland’s largest international university, serves over 38,000 students from 152 countries, including more than 5,000 studying abroad. With an ambitious vision for operational performance and financial reporting enhancement, the university embarked on this transformation to implement a streamlined financial system to strengthen service delivery and financial oversight.

Solution

Org leads the daily management of the Finance Transformation Programme, reporting to the Programme Steering Committee. Key pillars of the Programme include:

• Requirements Design & Establishment: Defining financial and technical requirements to guide ERP selection.
• ERP Market Testing & Procurement: Conducting market analysis and selecting the best ERP solution to meet the university’s needs.
• Programme Planning & Control: Developing a structured programme plan and implementing control measures to ensure progress.
• Implementation Management: Overseeing all aspects of ERP deployment to achieve the university’s strategic goals.
• Programme Assurance: Providing continuous oversight to ensure alignment with the university’s objectives.

Org also manages the programme’s resourcing, aligns the delivery team with project milestones, and plans for specialised expertise as needed to keep the programme on track.

Implementation

Org established a comprehensive Programme Plan and Roadmap and developed a Business Case to present transformation benefits to the university’s decision-makers. Upon approval, Org led the ERP solution implementation, providing Programme Control and Assurance to maintain strategic alignment throughout the process.

The Impact

Org’s management and oversight have provided a strong foundation for improved financial reporting, aligning the university’s financial operations with its growth and quality goals.

Key outcomes include:

• A robust Programme Plan & Roadmap to guide transformation efforts.
• A comprehensive Business & Benefits Case that supports the need for change.
• A fully resourced and aligned Delivery Team.
• Continuous Programme Control & Assurance to support strategic transformation.
• A live, modernised financial reporting ERP tool.

Conclusion

Org’s expertise has empowered the university to modernise its financial reporting system, enhancing service quality for students, faculty, and stakeholders. Through effective planning, resourcing, and programme control, Org facilitated a seamless ERP rollout, positioning the university for financial excellence. This partnership underscores Org’s commitment to driving strategic transformation for long-term success.