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Finance Transformation
We are transforming Finance at the University to provide a modern, future-ready service.
Find out more about the work going on to improve our systems and technology, simplify workflows and provide clearer data.
What are we doing?
“Our goal is to fundamentally enhance the service Finance provides to the University. We will create a future-ready service by transforming financial processes, implementing an innovative system, and making financial information more accessible and reliable as a single source of truth, built on a University-wide data standard. This will enable us to deliver modern, simplified, user-focused services that will empower strategic decision making and provide a high-quality experience for all service users within the University community, supporting the institution's academic and research missions.”
Jamie Holliday, Director of Finance
Why are we doing this?
Our current main Finance system, Agresso will go ‘out of support’ in December 2026 - this initiated consideration of a replacement system, and in turn a consideration of the wider system landscape and transformation opportunities this presents.
The University’s existing Finance systems are outdated, fragmented, and reliant on manual processes, leading to inefficiencies, data inaccuracies, and a lack of strategic insight. This means administration processes are inefficient, consuming excessive staff time on manual, repetitive tasks.
This inefficiency diverts valuable resources from strategic initiatives and core business functions, hindering productivity and impacting overall organisational performance.
How will we see the benefits?
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- A single source of truth – integrated financial data to support strategic decision making.
- Increased efficiency – reduction in manual processes and improved automation.
- Improved data accuracy – elimination of discrepancies across systems.
- Operational resilience – future proofing the University’s financial management.
- A modern finance system – implementing a user-friendly, innovative system that enhances usability, security, and scalability.
- Leader and management empowerment - through access to data analytics.
By adopting agile and efficient practices, the University can create a responsive, engaged, and strategically-aligned workforce. For Finance, this means optimising resource allocation with data-driven insights, streamlining processes to free up staff for more strategic tasks, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation and achieve long-term goals.
A combination of reducing manual and administrative tasks, eliminating data entry errors, addressing poor data quality, and improving system integrations will greatly enhance efficiency, provide long-term cost savings and improve overall organisational performance.
What's happening now?
Right now, details of the programme are being finalised, but we can share that the transformation will focus on:
- Improved systems and technology – upgrading finance tools to streamline operations.
- Enhanced processes – simplifying workflows to reduce manual effort.
- Stronger reporting and insights – providing clearer, more timely financial data.
Over the last few months we have been undertaking some preliminary work to better understand the current position and future needs. This work includes:
- Stakeholder engagement - we have engaged with stakeholders across Finance and other departments to understand the challenges and needs within the current system and processes. This engagement will continue throughout the programme.
- Project team formation – we’ve assembled a dedicated project team (which will include key members from Finance) to lead the transformation and ensure its success.
- Case study intelligence - we've engaged with a number of higher education institutions to gather their advice and experience of similar transformation programmes.
What’s next?
More information will be shared as the programme develops. Regular updates will be provided via this page, email communications, and staff briefings.
What does this mean for me?
While we are still in the early stages, this programme will bring changes to how finance-related tasks are handled across departments. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition, providing training and support along the way.
How can I stay informed?
Bookmark this page – Updates will be posted here.
Look out for emails – Key announcements and invitations to briefings will be sent to your inbox.
Ask questions – We encourage you to reach out to us at finance-transformation
@york.ac.uk with any concerns or feedback.