The importance of choosing the right finance transformation partner


What is a Finance transformation partner? A finance transformation partner is an organisation that helps businesses upgrade their finance systems and implement cost-saving measures that help the departments run more efficiently overall. By working with a partner, businesses can make sure that they are getting the most value out of their finance function and are making sound financial decisions that will help them grow.


You'll need to ensure that they are a good fit for your business, be in a position to provide services, are up to date with new technology and will be able to deliver on their promises.


There are many factors that go into making this decision, such as: what type of transformation project do you want to undertake? What kind of technical ability does the firm have? Are you looking for the implementation of a system? What benefits are you looking to obtain? Do you have any particular solutions in mind? What are the key objectives? Do you have external stakeholders that need to be engaged?


Finance is one of the most important aspects of any business. Whether a firm is just starting out or has been in operation for many years, good financial management is essential to success. In order to ensure that a business is making smart financial decisions, it is important to have a strong focused finance team in place. However, even the best finance teams can benefit from working alongside a specialist firm.




Tip #1 Choosing the right partner for your project


When it comes to choosing a finance company to partner up with, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first is what type of finance transformation project you want to undertake. There are many different types of projects, so it's important to find a partner that has the insight and experience necessary to help you achieve your goals.

The next thing you need to consider is the firm's technical knowledge. They should be up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies so that they can help you upgrade your finance systems accordingly.


Have they worked for a finance function before?


Partners should understand data, transaction processing, business functions, business processes, the finance team, regulatory changes, insight into reporting, and above all the customer's needs.

Another important factor is how well the partner would work with your team. They should be able to collaborate effectively and be responsive to your needs and have real-life experience.

Finally, it's important to consider the costs.



Tip #2 Ensure the finance system is up to date with current technologies, if not look to upgrade!


In order to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, it is important for companies to upgrade their finance systems. These systems need to be able to handle increasing volumes of data now and in the future, take advantage of new technologies and be able to provide real-time insights into the business. By upgrading their systems, businesses can make sure that they are making sound financial decisions and are able to keep up with the competition.

Specialist transformation partners are experts in implementation of systems and have the necessary skills and experience to get the job done


By working with a partner, businesses can make sure that their core processes are correct, financial systems are current and relevant to the industry the businesses operate in.


Tip #3 Engage with a partner that understands the finance processes in the finance department


One important factor to consider when choosing a partner is whether or not they understand the way your business performs financial accounting transactions and more importantly why.


The partner should be able to work with your team and understand your operating model as well as organisation's specific needs and goals. They should also be up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies so that they can help you upgrade your finance systems accordingly thus removing time consuming tasks.


Have they completed finance transformation projects before?


Partners who have a lot of experience with similar transformations in other organisations are likely to be the best fit for your business and be best positioned to add value. They will have the necessary skills and knowledge to get the job done right but also the experience to use the right tools for the job.


The last factor that should be considered when choosing a partner is how well they would work with your team. Finance transformation often involves many different employees, so it's important to find someone who can collaborate effectively



Tip #4 Pick a partner that can engage with both the finance function and the IT department well


When it comes to choosing a finance transformation partner, it is important to make sure that they can engage with both the finance department and the IT department well. Finance transformation often involves many different employees and business processes so it's important to find someone who can collaborate effectively.


Finance departments play an important role within any organisation, but they can be difficult to manage without outside help.

The partner should be able to work with your team and understand your organisation's specific needs and goals whilst maintaining the correct internal controls.


Tip #5 Make sure the job gets right first time (almost) every time!


Making sure the job gets done right first time is essential for any business especially when it comes to managing the cost of the implementation.


The key element is Planning!!


By ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken and all the correct procedures are followed, businesses can avoid creating costly mistakes and ensure a smooth transition into their new financial systems.


Although it's incredibly difficult to get 100% of the transformation right first time every time, the specialist firm should be able to guide you in the right direction, picking up on foreseeable errors along the way and ultimately delivering results.

By picking the right partner, businesses can make sure that their financial transformation project is a valued success.



Tip #6 Ensure the finance transformation partner understands financial reporting


When it comes to ensuring a successful finance transformation project, it is important to partner with a firm that understands financial reporting. Financial reporting is the process of recording, classifying, and summarising financial transactions to provide information that is useful in making valued decisions that drive business results.


Operational management reports, on the other hand, provide information on the day-to-day operations of the business. This allows managers to identify areas where improvements can be made and take action to ensure that the company is running as efficiently as possible.


Management reports are an important tool for any business. They provide a summary of the performance of the business, allowing managers to make informed decisions about the future of the organisation.


The management reports which are most important for a business will depend on the nature of the business itself.

In order to ensure that your company is as profitable as possible, it's vital to choose a partner who can deliver accurate results and provide insight into how your organisation is performing.


By working with a partner that understands not just the technical aspect of building such objects but more importantly why these reports are generated and how they are used, you can make sure that quality data is provided in a timely manner.



Tip #7 Avoid the Yes Man Partner


Finance transformation projects can be difficult and complex, so it's important to have a partner who will be honest with you and give you the right advice.


A "yes man" partner will only tell you what you want to hear and won't be truthful about the potential risks and challenges associated with the project. This can lead to disastrous results down the line.


It's therefore essential to find a partner who is willing, to be honest and upfront with you. Many clients are misled the size of the initial efforts required by them and expect that the finance transformation project is just a matter of a tick box exercise. The partner needs support in order to be able to transform the functions in order to deliver results.




When it comes to choosing a financial partner, there are many things to consider including the value of the current internal systems, the costs and the resulting value creation. By following these six tips, you can make sure that you're picking the best partner for your business.



If you are looking at a finance transformation project in your organisation, Get in Touch with us to see if we can help you.