After nearly 15 years of relying on the same finance system, the leadership team at Thomas Mills High School & Sixth Form recognised that the time had come to explore new options for improvement. Manual processes, limited reporting capabilities, and a lack of visibility were creating operational inefficiencies and placing unnecessary strain on the finance team. It became clear that a more agile, transparent, and data-driven solution was needed to support strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations.
The Challenge
The outdated system had not kept pace with the school’s evolving needs. As financial operations became more complex, the limitations of the existing setup became increasingly apparent.
Key challenges included:
- Limited audit capabilities, making compliance and oversight more difficult
- Manual workflows, including printing and signing off invoices and orders
- Lack of real-time financial data, delaying decision-making and reporting
- Inflexible reporting tools, unable to meet the needs of various stakeholders
These inefficiencies were consuming valuable time and reducing the team’s ability to focus on strategic priorities.
The Solution
In 2024, the school made a decisive move to implement Sage Intacct, a cloud-based financial management system, in partnership with Schools’ Choice. The goal was to modernise financial operations with a futureproofed solution that could scale with the school’s needs.
Having an established relationship with Schools’ Choice, the school trusted them to guide the transition. The implementation included:
- Seamless data migration
- Tailored training for staff
- Ongoing support to ensure adoption and optimisation
The partnership ensured a smooth rollout, minimising disruption and accelerating the benefits of the new system.
Results
The implementation of Sage Intacct has transformed the finance operations at Thomas Mills. The finance team has experienced a significant reduction in administrative workload, allowing them to redirect their time and energy towards more strategic and value-added activities. Processes that once required manual printing and physical sign-offs are now streamlined through digital workflows, improving both speed and accuracy.
The move to Sage Intacct marks a significant step forward in the school’s digital transformation journey. By embracing a modern, cloud-based solution, the school has not only addressed long-standing challenges but also positioned itself for future growth and resilience. With Schools’ Choice as a trusted implementation partner, the transformation has been smooth and impactful.
Watch the video below to hear the full story of the transformation from Mark Mugliston, School Business Manager at Thomas Mills.
For more information on how Sage Intacct can transform your finance operations, contact us today.
