Driving global finance transformation and ERP implementation

The challenge

Implement Oracle NetSuite cloud ERP and create a global finance hub in Dubai. That was what our client’s Big 4 audit and tax partner recommended after it carried out a diagnostic of their operating model and accounting systems in Q2 2019. Our client, a $2bn global conglomerate with five operating companies, had eight regional accounting hubs all acting independently and using legacy accounting systems.

To find an implementation partner, our client launched a full selection process. The result? They chose JSS Transform over two Big 4 consulting firms (including their current partner) and another ERP implementation firm. The reason? Primarily our ability to deploy significantly greater on-the-ground experience from day one – and at a highly competitive price point.

The solution

Working with our client, we selected one of our independent specialist ERP and Finance Transformation Partners. Within two weeks we’d mobilised the programme team using our extensive network of senior interims and independent consultants. Most of the team had worked together before on other projects.

The transformation programme started in November 2019 and had a go-live date of November 1, 2020. Its scope included:

• Embedding finance transformation specialist resources within finance, operations and IT to form a united programme delivery team
• Implementing global service for finance, supported by Oracle NetSuite Cloud ERP, that would sustain the exponential addition of new services without substantially increasing finance headcount
• Implementing new operating models while involving staff in design, build, test and deployment and gaining consensus on a programme governance structure and its implementation
• Helping select and train the newly formed Global Finance Hub
• Moving as-is finance services from the UK, Spain, Germany and Australia to a new Global Finance Hub in Dubai and enabling the exit of in-country staff
• Delivering and supporting a global NetSuite solution that would support new globally accepted and embedded finance processes and controls
• Implementing the target operating model, including the transitional state and the end state
• Change management to prepare the business for the new ways of working
• Quality assurance of each phase of the transformation

The impact

The COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 altered the scope of the programme to cover three of the operating companies rather than five. We rescoped a ‘NetSuite Lite’ solution and offered a more competitive price that allowed the programme to continue remotely with a reduced budget.

In September 2020 we delivered a successful ‘go-live lite’ with NetSuite ERP and a partial from the local accounting centres to the Dubai Global Finance Hub. And we did all this 100% remotely.

In 2021 the scope was extended to its original full scope across all finance and procurement and across all countries. At the end of 2021 this was completed following a period of hyper care delivered by the JSS team.