Cloud-based financial transformation specialists, ION, are proud to announce their new partnership with Ambitions Academies Trust to configure and implement their new financial management software, Sage Intacct for Education. This marks a significant step for Ambitions Academies Trust, upgrading from SIMS FINANCE to Sage Intacct for Education in order to advance their financial capabilities and enhance their future growth.
Ambitions Academies Trust (AAT) comprises 13 academies across Bournemouth and Weymouth. The Trust is committed to high-quality continual professional development, combined with support and challenge, while also having ambitious plans for growth over the next few years. In order to support their expansion, Ambitions Academies Trust sought a more robust financial management system.
Previously using SIMS FINANCE, AAT encountered several challenges within their financial processes. They found the reporting function to be inconsistent, often producing varying numbers. Alongside this, it also required extensive manual intervention, such as exporting to Excel for manipulation, creating the need to frequently check for errors. The system was time-consuming and lacked automation for day-to-day processing. The Trust also needed a more flexible and customisable Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process, which the current system could not provide, along with better integration across cost centres and departments, and comprehensive spending insights.
The transition to Sage Intacct for Education was driven by AAT’s need for a cutting-edge, cloud-based financial system that would allow them to scale successfully. Specifically, AAT required a more comprehensive system that would provide a robust reporting suite, seamless P2P and HR integrations, and greater flexibility. Sage Intacct for Education will resolve the Trust’s existing challenges by automating routine tasks, providing real-time financial data, and enhancing the overall efficiency of financial operations. Sage Intacct’s advanced system is tailored to the specific requirements of educational institutions, ensuring that the Trust can achieve its financial management goals while successfully scaling the organisation.
"We are thrilled to partner with Ambitions Academies Trust in their financial transformation journey," said Rob Mathieson, CEO of ION. "Sage Intacct for Education is specifically designed to meet the specific needs of growing Multi-Academy Trusts, and I’m confident that it will significantly enhance the efficiency of their financial processes."
About Ambitions Academies Trust
Ambitions Academies Trust is a pioneering Multi-Academy Trust based in Bournemouth and Weymouth, known for its strong collaboration and shared practices that significantly benefit children and their families. Comprising thirteen academies over fourteen sites, the Trust is dedicated to making a positive impact on young lives through inclusive and supportive education.
About ION
Founded in 2016, ION has become the CFOs’ choice for technology. Its team of specialists works with education, mid-market, and private equity-backed organisations to implement powerful financial technologies, enabling the vertical integration and automation of billing, payments, revenue recognition, and accounting.
