Case Study

Managing Finance and Accounting Teams During Disruptions

SUMMARY/OVERVIEW

How BDO’s Interim Staffing Supported a State Agency’s ERP Implementation and More

A state government agency dedicated to transportation infrastructure embarked on a two-year implementation of a new Oracle ERP system aimed at modernizing its accounting department. BDO supported the agency’s accounting team by providing experienced staff to maintain operational efficiency as the team’s role expanded during this transitional period. As the agency’s needs evolved, BDO also supplied knowledgeable professionals in both the Human Resources and IT functions. The collaboration between the agency and BDO has grown significantly, with BDO deploying additional staff as needed and reinforcing its role as a trusted advisor.

Key Takeaways

Maintained finance and accounting operations during an ERP implementation

Drew on BDO’s wide network of professionals during critical phases of the ERP system change

Leveraged BDO's adaptability and value-added services across different internal sectors 

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The Challenge

Staffing Challenges Arose During ERP Implementation 

The client needed to implement a new Oracle ERP system to modernize its accounting department. However, the transitional period placed additional burdens on the finance and accounting staff tasked with maintaining operational efficiency. Backfilling internal positions with skilled and experienced interim resources would allow the agency’s staff to focus on new systems and training while interim staff handled the day-to-day functions.  

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The Approach

Experienced Finance and Accounting Professionals Collaborated with Existing Staff 

BDO’s team first assessed how the Oracle implementation was affecting the current finance and accounting functions. Additional staff were required to help the agency maintain its accounting responsibilities, especially during critical testing phases of the Oracle implementation process.

Due to BDO’s wide recruitment network, the client requested and received strategic finance and accounting resources to address its hybrid onsite staffing needs. 

  1. Additionally, our team was responsive and adept at navigating the challenging contractual terms associated with governmental entities. BDO’s network of experienced professionals and strong leaders was instrumental in helping the client address staffing challenges, both expected and unexpected, that arose during its transition to a new ERP platform. 

  2. BDO remained committed and flexible in its approach to the client’s growing challenges, providing additional staffing for human resources and IT as needed.

The Results

A Strong Interim Staffing Network Helped Overcome Disruptions 

With BDO's strategic placement of staff and ongoing support, the client successfully completed its ERP implementation with minimal disruption to its finance and accounting functions.  

The client preserved its operational efficiency during a transitional period by drawing on BDO’s extensive network of skilled professionals. The collaboration between the client and BDO continues to grow, with our team contributing to the client’s long-term strategic goals while the client has gained a trusted source for strategic resources. 

Some of the specific issues they overcame included:

  • Helped to ensure continuity of finance and accounting operations throughout the ERP implementation process.

  • Leveraged BDO’s extensive network of professionals to provide critical support during pivotal stages of the ERP system transition.

  • Demonstrated BDO’s adaptability and delivered value-added services across multiple internal departments, enhancing overall project outcomes.

BDO’s commitment to providing skilled professionals and strong leadership was crucial for helping the client overcome staffing challenges during their ERP implementation. Our team’s ability to adapt to the client’s needs — both expected and unexpected — by offering flexible, strategic support laid the foundation for our continuing relationship.
Kelly Fisher
Kelly Fisher - Assurance Practice Leader, Accounting Advisory & Outsourcing, F&A Outsourcing