Transforming finance operations with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
The objective was to implement a modern finance platform that could support a multi-entity, multi-currency business, reduce manual processes and give WRS greater flexibility and control.
With an exceptionally tight implementation window, WRS and mhance successfully went live with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central on 1 April.
The results include more than 75% lower annual system costs, payback in less than a year and significant reductions in time spent on core finance processes.
The challenge
WRS provides permanent recruitment for energy and construction as well as global contractor services, including payroll, mobility and compliance, across sectors including oil and gas, renewable energy, marine and construction, with operations spanning multiple international entities and currencies.
Its existing finance system had become increasingly expensive and restrictive.
Software and support were tied to the same supplier under a long-term arrangement. This limited WRS's options if service levels, costs or requirements changed and created a reliance on a single provider for both the technology and ongoing support.
WRS wanted a more modern and intuitive platform that could simplify everyday finance processes while providing greater flexibility for the future.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offered a different approach. Microsoft develops the platform, while WRS can choose the specialist partner that implements and supports it.
The challenge was timing. With internal approval secured in mid-November and a fixed 1 April go-live date, the core implementation effectively had to be completed in approximately three months.
Why mhance
WRS's decision was based on more than technology and cost.
Knowledge, chemistry and trust were important throughout the selection process. WRS wanted a partner that understood both Business Central and the practical requirements of a finance team.
mhance brought together Microsoft expertise, accounting knowledge and commercial understanding, helping discussions stay focused on what WRS needed the system to achieve.
That expertise, combined with a competitive commercial proposition and the flexibility of the Microsoft platform, gave WRS confidence in both Business Central and mhance.
The solution
mhance worked with WRS to deliver a pragmatic implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central within the three-month window.
With little room for delay, the focus was on getting the core requirements right for go-live rather than trying to deliver every planned enhancement at once.
The approach included:
“They tried to move heaven and earth for us. It felt like I was working with someone that wanted to deliver this on time, in scope and within our cost projections.”
Henry Knowles, Group Financial Controller, WRS
WRS successfully went live with Business Central on 1st April.
More than 75% lower annual system costs
Moving to Business Central reduced WRS's annual finance system costs by more than 75%.
Even including the cost of implementation, WRS achieved payback in less than a year.
“Our total payback period, including the implementation fee, was less than a year. Which is phenomenal.”
Henry Knowles, Group Financial Controller, WRS
Up to 90% reduction in bank reconciliation time
WRS operates approximately 25 to 30 bank accounts across multiple entities.
Bank reconciliation previously took four to five working days. It now takes approximately half a day to one day, reducing reconciliation time by up to 90%.
Previous-day banking transactions can also be prepared and posted into Business Central the following morning, giving finance faster access to current information.
96% reduction in payroll journal processing time
A typical WRS payroll journal contains around 200 lines and previously took approximately two hours to enter and check manually.
Using Business Central's Edit in Excel capability, the same process now takes around five minutes, a 96% reduction in processing time.
“You don't want to be operating in the transactional space of keying things in and typing things in. You want efficiencies and how quickly can you get something done.”
Henry Knowles, Group Financial Controller, WRS
40–50% reduction in month-end reporting time
Business Central has also made it easier for WRS to move between entities, drill into transactions and analyse financial information.
WRS previously reported around 20 days after month end. It now typically reports within 10 to 12 days, reducing reporting time by 40 to 50%.
Line-level data and reporting tools also allow the finance team to move quickly from management reports into the underlying transactions, making it easier to investigate variances and understand performance.
Key outcomes
Lower operating costs
Annual finance system costs reduced by more than 75%.
Rapid return on investment
Implementation paid back in less than one year.
Faster reconciliation
Bank reconciliation time reduced by up to 90%.
Less manual processing
A typical 200-line payroll journal reduced from around two hours to five minutes.
Faster financial reporting
Month-end reporting time reduced by 40 to 50%.
Successful rapid implementation
Business Central went live following an approximately three-month core implementation.
A strong ongoing partnership
Following go-live, WRS and mhance continued to refine processes and address requirements that had deliberately been prioritised for later development.
For WRS, the relationship has been defined by responsiveness, flexibility and a shared focus on finding practical solutions.
“I personally see WRS and mhance as a partnership, not a supplier-client relationship.”
Henry Knowles, Group Financial Controller, WRS
Looking ahead
With Business Central established as its core finance platform, WRS is looking at opportunities to build on that foundation.
Potential next steps include further automation across expenses, accounts payable, payments and credit control, alongside greater use of Power BI for management and board reporting.
The focus is on reducing manual, process-driven activity and giving the finance team more time to focus on analysis and higher-value work.
Business Central provides WRS with a platform that can continue to evolve as its requirements change, supported by an ongoing relationship with mhance.