Client Overview

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is dedicated to promoting excellence in accounting and finance by providing high-quality training, professional development, and resources that empower individuals and organisations to achieve their goals.

Challenge

AAT’s existing on-premises Dynamics solution was struggling to meet the demands of a modern, hybrid workforce. With employees working both remotely and, in the office, the system faced significant performance and accessibility issues, causing inefficiencies and delays in critical finance operations. Coupled with limited reporting and functionality, these challenges made it difficult for AAT to support their growing digital ambitions.

The implementation of Dynamics 365 F&O, initiated by a previous vendor, had been delayed due to constraints on internal resources caused by essential business-as-usual (BAU) activities, which were driving costs higher. AAT required a strategic partner that could flexibly allocate and adjust resources to manage the heavy lifting of the project, alleviating the strain on their core finance team. This collaboration was essential not only to address the immediate challenges but also to ensure a successful implementation and prepare for future integrations.

Solution

To address AAT’s needs, PSP adopted a collaborative approach, assembling a team with the specific expertise required to supplement AAT’s internal skills. This team included business analysts, software testers, a project governance lead, an IT project manager, a QA team, and software developers. By working closely with AAT’s internal team, we ensured that the right skills were in place to support the implementation, allowing for a smooth transition and alignment with AAT’s objectives.

The project began by establishing a strict project management and governance process to oversee the implementation. We conducted a thorough review of outstanding documentation and assessed the current system's status. The project was divided into workstreams, with each assigned a lead to ensure accountability and track progress in specific areas. In-person workshops were held to review the existing build and document any gaps, enabling the development team to complete the required configuration. This collaborative, iterative process facilitated continuous feedback to the finance team, ensuring that all requirements were met effectively and efficiently.

Our project manager, working alongside AAT’s internal PMO function, coordinated cutover planning and internal and external communications. We utilised AAT employees to deliver training on some of the new processes, ensuring that staff were well-prepared for the changes. A strong focus on customer communications facilitated a smooth cutover process, minimising any potential impact on the customer journey.

For the data migration, we worked closely with AAT to document the migration strategy, ensuring that all data was accurately assessed and transitioned. This collaborative effort involved meticulous planning and execution, with the migration completed within a week, all while avoiding disruption to ongoing business operations. The internal QA team conducted two rounds of testing before handing over the system to the finance team for User Acceptance Testing (UAT). This thorough testing ensured that AAT's finance business processes were fully validated, contributing to a smooth user transition.

Results

Through this collaborative approach, PSP successfully supplemented AAT’s internal resources with the right expertise, resulting in the successful implementation of Dynamics 365 F&O. The new system has transformed AAT’s finance operations, providing enhanced financial reporting capabilities, streamlined workflows, and real-time insights that empower the organisation to make data-driven decisions. The data migration was completed on schedule, with no loss of information or operational downtime. With the system now live, AAT is well-positioned for future growth and the next phase of their digital transformation.

Conclusion

PSP’s collaborative approach was key to turning around AAT’s project and delivering a successful Dynamics 365 F&O implementation. By combining AAT’s deep institutional knowledge with PSP’s specialised expertise and a strong focus on project governance, we ensured minimal disruption and laid the groundwork for future innovation. This project highlights how a partnership that brings together the right skills and effective project governance can drive a successful digital transformation. As strategic partners, PSP assisted AAT in delivering the first part of their digital transformation programme, setting the stage for continued growth and success.