This report provides the latest update on progress with the implementation of the new finance system which is due to go live in April 2023.

Darren Carter, Director of Finance, submitted a report updating on the progress made towards the implementation of a new finance system. Implementation of the new e5 financial system was currently at the test phase and, whilst there was still a considerable amount of work that needed to be completed, the new system was expected to go live across RBC and BFfC in April 2023.

The report explained that progress was being reviewed every two weeks by the Finance System Board which comprised of stakeholders from each directorate, BFfC and senior officers from Advanced, the system supplier. The e5 system would support the Council’s vision for financial management and governance, enabling the adoption of best practice and empowering finance staff and budget managers to improve performance and outcomes. The key changes in ways of working and anticipated improvements in functionality that the e5 system would provide were listed in the report.

The design phase of the project had been completed in April 2022, with the core build phase completed in October 2022. This was later than expected due to resource availability and delays with the supplier completing the infrastructure build. The project team had been strengthened in September 2022 and a test and cutover manager had joined the project in January 2023.

The remaining phases of implementation and key challenges to overcome were outlined in the report. A final go-live assessment was due to be presented to the Finance System Board on 16 March 2023 with go-live recommendations then being submitted to the Finance Transformation Board. A further progress update on implementation would be provided to the Committee at its meeting on 12 April 2023.

Resolved:    

(1)           That the progress made towards the implementation of the new e5 finance system be noted;

(2)           That a progress update on the implementation of the new Finance System be provided to the next meeting on 12 April 2023.