Migrating Financial Systems? Why Schools Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Finance system migrations can be overwhelming - even for the most experienced School Business Managers and Finance Officers.  

Whether your current platform no longer meets your needs, you're joining a new trust with a preferred system, or you're looking for more efficient reporting, switching financial systems is a big step. And it’s one that comes with risk if it isn’t handled properly. 

At SBS, we understand how high the stakes are. Mistakes during a migration can affect everything from budget forecasting to year-end returns. The pressure is real - and the margin for error is small. 

That’s where our Finance Consultancy team comes in. 

We’ve supported schools and trusts across the country through the complex process of moving to new finance systems. Our consultants offer practical, hands-on support at every stage: from initial planning and data preparation, through to configuration, reconciliation, and staff training. Whether you’re moving to a cloud-based solution or consolidating systems after an academy conversion, we ensure your migration is smooth, compliant, and future-ready. 

Why Get External Support for Your Finance Migration? 

Changing systems isn’t just a technical task - it’s an operational shift that touches every part of your financial processes. Working with experienced consultants brings: 

• Expertise in school finance systems: We understand how school budgets, CFR coding, and regulatory compliance interact with your financial software.

• Minimised disruption: With guidance on timelines and resourcing, we help keep your day-to-day running smoothly while the migration happens in the background.
• Confidence in your figures: Your reports and reconciliations will be right from day one - no guesswork, no post-migration firefighting.

Why Proper Integration Matters 

A finance system is only as good as the way it’s set up - and used. 

When fully integrated into your wider operations, your financial system becomes more than just a place to process invoices or track expenditure. It becomes a strategic tool that enables: 

• Real-time visibility of your school’s financial health 

• Accurate forecasting and scenario planning 

• Streamlined reporting for governors, auditors, and regulatory bodies 

• Smarter resourcing decisions, aligned with curriculum and staffing needs 

• Improved accountability and transparency across your trust or federation 

But these benefits don’t come automatically. They depend on having the right structure, the right processes, and the right training in place. That’s why our consultancy support doesn’t stop at the point of migration - we work with schools to get the most value from their systems long after the switch. 

Whether it’s setting up custom reports, aligning your chart of accounts, or embedding best-practice workflows, we help you unlock the full potential of your financial software. 

Thinking About Making the Switch? 

Whether you’ve already chosen a new system or are still weighing up your options, it’s never too early to talk to us. We can help you assess your current setup, plan your migration strategy, and make sure you're ready to hit the ground running. 

We believe that no School Business Leader should have to take on a major system change alone. With SBS, you’ll have a trusted partner by your side. One that is focused on getting it right and making your life easier. 

Ready to plan your migration or need support with a recent migration? 

Get in touch with our Finance Consultancy team today and let’s talk about how we can support your next steps. 

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