The Context: Why We’re Moving to a Unified Platform
Financial management in multi-academy trusts has always been fragmented. One system for planning, another for purchasing, another for accounting, many of which were designed for schools not Trusts – and Excel filling in the gaps.
For years, trusts have had two options. Either stitch together a set of “best of breed” systems and hope integrations (or diligent system admin!) keep them aligned, or choose a so-called “one-system” bundle that is really just a collection of separate tools from the same supplier. Both approaches rely on interfaces to make them work, and both leave teams with the same headaches: data that doesn’t line up, timing differences between systems, and reports that don’t always match.
The knock-on effects are familiar. Finance teams spend hours reconciling numbers, chasing references that don’t carry through, and plugging gaps in Excel. Instead of analysing and planning, they are stuck fixing problems caused by systems that weren’t built to work together.
And all of this is happening at a time when MATs are under more pressure than ever with tougher regulation, tighter budgets and a growing requirement to demonstrate that the finance team are setting the bar in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
That’s why IMP has chosen to move towards a unified platform. Not a bundle of integrations or bolt-ons, but one unified platform where planning, purchasing, finance, and integrated curriculum financial planning (ICFP) live together and processes can never drift apart.
The Problem with Fragmented Systems
When systems are disconnected, problems multiply:
- Interfaces break, leaving data out of sync.
- Excel workarounds increase the risk of errors.
- Timing differences or missing references make data inconsistent.
- Audit trails are scattered, meaning that duplicates are harder to spot
- Bouncing from one support team to another, with none of them taking ownership of your issue.
The biggest cost isn’t just time wasted, it’s the risk of making decisions on incomplete or unreliable information.
Our Perspective: What a True Unified Platform Looks Like
IMP’s approach is to bring everything into one environment, designed specifically for MAT financial management. There are no bolt-ons to maintain, no integrations to keep alive. Instead, finance, purchasing, planning and ICFP sit together as one.
At the core of this is a budget-led design. Coding flows directly from the budget, so actuals always align with plans. Purchasing decisions are tied to budget items, meaning actuals are recorded at the right level of detail rather than being rolled up into broad nominal codes. Forecasts become more accurate, and leaders can see clearly how resources are being used.
Because modules are connected by design, they strengthen each other. Budgeting, purchasing, finance, and ICFP don’t compete to be “best of breed” in isolation – they are best of breed because they are joined up. And with experience from working with more than 550 trusts of all shapes and sizes, we’ve built a platform that handles the unique challenges that MAT Finance teams face.
Trusts have always had to choose between integration or best of breed, these trade-offs are now a thing of the past with IMP Finance being integrated from the ground up and also being the ‘best of breed choice’ – giving MATs deep configurability in the areas they do need, whilst keep the ‘faff’ away that they don’t (think foreign currency, stock and inter-company postings!)
The Benefits for Trusts
A unified platform changes the way finance teams work. Instead of spending time reconciling across disconnected systems, they can rely on one consistent set of numbers. Reports are clearer, insights are stronger, and audit trails are straightforward.
The benefits show up in everyday work too:
- Actuals always align with budgets because purchasing flows directly from budget lines.
- Forecasting becomes more reliable because data is tied together at the same level across finance and planning.
- Duplication disappears. That means fewer spreadsheets, fewer corrections, and less faff.
- Teams get their time back for analysis, not admin.
- No integrations needed – planning, purchasing, and finance all use the same data in one system. For example, when a new nominal or department code is added to your Chart of Accounts, it’s instantly available across all modules with no setup or sync required.
For leaders, that means better decision-making. For the sector, it raises the bar: trusts should expect technology designed for them, not retrofitted from other industries or via school systems with a dashboard on top.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about technology for its own sake. It’s about making financial management in multi-academy trusts clearer, simpler, and stronger. A unified platform reduces risk, removes duplication, and frees finance teams to focus on insight and strategy. Most importantly, it helps trusts make the best use of resources for pupils.
FAQs
What is a unified platform for MAT finance?
A true unified platform brings budgeting, purchasing, finance, and ICFP together. Unlike bolt-ons or bundles, there are no integrations to maintain and no risk of processes drifting apart.
What is budget-led finance, and why does it matter?
Budget-led finance means all coding flows directly from the budget. This guarantees that actuals always align with plans and makes forecasting more reliable.
Why should multi-academy trusts move to a unified platform?
Fragmented systems waste time and increase the risk of error. A unified platform provides one version of the truth, simplifies compliance, and helps leaders make decisions based on consistent, accurate information.
How does IMP’s unified platform approach support ICFP?
ICFP is embedded within the platform, meaning staffing, pupil numbers, and budgets are connected automatically. Finance and curriculum leaders work from the same data, making planning more objective and consistent.
Want to see how a true unified platform could transform your Trust’s financial management?
Watch our recorded webinar.
