Budget‑setting season is here and Multi‑Academy Trust (MAT) finance teams are once again facing the pressure of rising costs and increasing expectations to produce accurate multi‑year financial forecasts. While spreadsheets have long been the default tool for MAT financial planning, in today’s climate, they’re starting to hold trusts back.
On the surface, it’s easy to understand why spreadsheets are popular. They’re familiar, low‑cost, and embedded in the way many schools have worked for years. But they are also time‑consuming, prone to error, and unable to provide the detailed, real‑time insights that trusts need to plan confidently for the future. The result is not only a significant drain on staff time, but also a barrier to strategic, insight‑led decision‑making.
As schools and academies prepare their 2026/27 budgets, more leaders are recognising that spreadsheets aren’t just inconvenient, they can be a risk. Human error or outdated versions can lead to inaccurate reporting and delay critical decisions. With the ongoing development of AI and digital finance tools, many MATs are now choosing to move toward smarter, cloud‑based systems that offer accuracy, speed, and reduced human error that modern financial management requires.
What Are the Benefits of Cloud‑Based Financial Management Systems for MATs?
Cloud‑based solutions such as Sage Intacct enable trust finance teams to manage processes and reporting with greater accuracy and efficiency. Secure, remote access means teams can collaborate easily and view up‑to‑date figures at any time, eliminating the risk of duplicated spreadsheet versions or documents failing to sync.
One of the biggest advantages of digital finance systems is their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing tools through open APIs. This allows data to flow automatically between systems, creating real‑time visibility and consistent reporting across the trust. Additionally, built‑in automation and AI capabilities remove the need for many manual tasks, freeing up valuable hours within finance teams and reducing the likelihood of human error.
What Are the Long‑Term Benefits?
Digital financial management solutions are increasingly proving to be a more cost‑effective option for MATs. Real‑time data, drill‑down reporting, and improved accuracy give trusts greater insights when planning ahead.
As trusts grow, cloud‑based systems also provide the scalability needed to support organisational expansion. Sage Intacct offers streamlined onboarding for new schools, and the ability to view financial information at both trust and individual school level. This makes it far easier for MATs to maintain financial visibility and control as they expand.
Considering Future‑Proofing Your Trust’s Financial Management?
As the only Sage Intacct partner dedicated exclusively to the education sector, Schools Choice supports MATs with a tailored implementation process that ensures Sage Intacct is configured to meet your trust’s specific needs and integrates smoothly with your existing systems. Our expertise in education support services means we are well placed to guide your trust through the transition and ensure your financial management is set up to support long‑term educational excellence.
