29% 7% 43% 18%

Managing budgets in the public sector survey

Current challenges and future improvements

www.advancedcomputersoftware.com/abs

We asked over 300 senior finance professionals from across the Public Sector

of people surveyed have a devolved budgeting process

What challenges they face with their current system?

How important are the following improvements to your organisations budgeting process?

It’s surprising that Excel spreadsheet working remains the preferred choice, especially when there are more sophisticated systems out there which offer access to real time information, and offer greater visibility and control over budgets. The reality for the public sector is that the full force of the last few years’ cuts are starting to bite, and that more cuts are inevitable. The need to work smarter and manage finances more accurately is therefore greater than ever.

Dean Dickinson, Managing Director, Advanced Business Solutions

£

What software they use for budget preparation monitoring and forecasting?

ExcelBusiness ObjectsAdvanced Collaborative PlanningSAPAgressoOracleIn-house systemsOther

Total 100%

42%8%3%5%7%13%6%16%

Further & Higher Education

Local GovernmentEmergency Services

NHS

Time for a new approach? Collaborative Planning

The Next Generation Approach to Budget Management

0% 100%

0% 100%

Very important

Not very challenging

Least important

Significantly challenging

Ability to access data in real time

Conflicting data

Impact on staff time and resources

Difficulties of managing ever changing budgets

42%34%

66%61%

Reducing reliance on spreadsheets

Reduce human error and inaccurate data input

62%72%

Move towards greater emphasis on user driven reports 77%More productive use of staff time 88%Greater visibility of budgets over time 84%Ability to provide real support to departments 90%Ability to allow budget holders greater control 87%