Symmetry , a provider of financial software has won a contract to supply Northumberland College with its Financials accounting system. The contract was awarded following the college's decision to replace its incumbent system with a solution that could support electronic-based accounting procedures, customised reporting and a growing number of both finance and non-finance users. The new solution is also expected to meet the college's drive towards greater integration and support for self-service accounting as part of a wider devolvement strategy.
Project Director at Northumberland College , Chris Saint, explains their selection decision, "Our existing system provided limited functionality and was very cumbersome and time-consuming. We selected Symmetry's Financials from a short list of three companies. It stood apart from the rest due to a number of factors. Its superior reporting capabilities will enable us to customise reports for each department with just a few mouse clicks, and the fact that it's completely web-based means it's very intuitive, easy to use and requires minimal training."
He continued, "To increase efficiencies across the College, we are keen to encourage as much involvement of non-finance staff as possible. It was therefore essential that the system could be used by everyone, not just our own finance team."
As part of a devolved approach, Financials will allow budget holders to monitor and manage their own budgets. The College has also taken advantage of Symmetry's 'Cash Office' product for faster and simpler cash transactions, reduced man-power, improved cash flow, and an enhanced level of service to students.
The new Financials system will enable the college to expand its financial operation from its existing 8 users, to 30 non-financial users as well as give options for the future such as e-procurement. The system will also interface directly with the College's student record system.
Saint concludes, "I have been very impressed with the support I have received from Symmetry. The company has a strong pedigree in this market and this experience has been demonstrated in their approach to the implementation and staff training."
