We are seeking to appoint an Oracle implementation partner to assist the University to move from version v12.1.3 to v12.2.8 (or later) on 1 August 2022. The project comprises the following elements:

— re-implementation of the Oracle Financials software moving from version 12.1.3 to 12.2.8 (or later);

— the creation of a new Chart of Accounts;

— re-engineering of core finance processes to support implementation of new chart of accounts;

— the redevelopment of interfaces into and out of Oracle Financials, which may be required to support changes to the chart of accounts;

— implementation of any required changes to data, data structures and functionality of applications integrated with Oracle Financials;

— re-engineering of non-finance processes to support above change;

— consideration of opportunities to configure the software to improve processes and realise demonstrable business benefits.

We are seeking to appoint an Oracle implementation partner to assist the University to move from version v12.1.3 to v12.2.8 (or later). The appointment of an experienced partner will ensure the University is fully able to adopt and exploit the opportunities presented from this transition.

The University has a clear vision and has identified a range of benefits that it expects to delivery from this project. The partner is expected to understand both of these and ensure that their proposal to support the re-implementation focuses on delivering these as part of the technical solution.

Our Vision is to use the Oracle re-implementation to improve the support provided to the University by increasing automation, simplifying and standardising what we do and reducing manual interventions in routine processes freeing up staff time for value added activities.

Specifically our vision is to:

— to provide the University with a fit for purpose finance system able to meet challenges facing the business;

— to improve reporting and controls made possible by a new ledger structure and chart of accounts, specifically:

— to enable ‘fit for purpose’ reporting and management information to be produced efficiently, including statistical information;

— to enable external as well as internal reporting requirements to be met in an automated way, including VAT and tax reporting;

— to enable the business to undertake effective budget and planning activities, including scenario planning and modelling, in an agile manner;

— to support budget holders at an appropriate level, e.g. detailed reporting on projects and grants being driven directly to budget holders and PI’s, while heads of cost centres or profit centres receive higher level, regular reporting on their areas to enable effective management of these areas;

— to enable better financial management of types of activities, including profitability reporting on courses, accommodation, etc.;

— to achieve improved financial controls by use of automated workflows for approvals and reporting;

— to enable efficient, automated transaction processing;

— to achieve some consolidation of the IT landscape (including moving from a single company to a multi company configuration) and a reduced number of systems to support resulting in reduced support costs for systems and interfaces and robust, well supported interfaces.