How we work
Finance-led. Not IT-led.
We're sometimes a bit too honest about the time it takes to implement. There are no shortcuts. There are things you actually need to do, and we're upfront about what they are, how long they take, and what you need to contribute. The result is a solution your finance team owns and runs — not one that depends on us to keep working.
Our implementation framework
Five phases. No surprises.
Every project follows the same framework, adapted to the scope of what you’re implementing. The phases overlap where it makes sense, but the sequence is deliberate.
Assess & Design
We start with your finance processes, not the technology. Through a series of structured workshops, we map your group structure, reporting requirements, data sources, and current pain points. This is where we learn how your business works — and where we design a solution that fits it.
What happens
5–6 workshops with key stakeholders. We cover consolidation logic, entity structures, chart of accounts, reporting needs, intercompany flows, and integration requirements.
What we need from you
Chart of accounts, entity structure, segment definitions, examples of current reports, and access to the people who understand the processes.
Build & Configure
The platform gets configured to your specific requirements. Chart of accounts mapped. Entities and segments set up. Integrations to your ERPs built. Consolidation logic, currency rules, ownership structures, and elimination rules all configured. Dashboards and reports designed to match what your stakeholders need to see.
What happens
Platform configuration, data integration development, report and dashboard design. Regular checkpoints where you see progress on your actual structure.
What we need from you
Validated design decisions, access to source systems, and feedback on reports and dashboards as we build them.
Test & Validate
We run the solution against your real historical data and reconcile the results against your existing reporting. This is where inconsistencies surface — and they always do. Sometimes the system finds errors in the old process. Sometimes our configuration needs adjusting. Either way, you end this phase confident that the numbers are right.
What happens
Historical data loaded, parallel runs against previous close cycles, reconciliation of outputs, configuration refinements, and user acceptance testing.
What we need from you
Historical period data, time from your finance team to validate results, and honest feedback when something doesn’t look right.
Go-Live & Stabilise
Your first live close cycle on the new platform. We’re alongside your team throughout — not watching from the sidelines, but actively supporting the process. The goal isn’t just to produce correct results. It’s to make sure your team feels confident running it themselves next time.
What happens
User training, first live close with hands-on support, issue resolution in real time, process documentation, and knowledge transfer.
What we need from you
Your full close team engaged and committed to running the process on the new platform. This is where ownership transfers.
Optimise & Evolve
The project is done. The platform is live. But your business keeps moving. New entities get acquired. Reporting requirements change. Users want better dashboards. Your team identifies processes that could be automated. This phase is where the implementation becomes a relationship — and where Managed Services takes over.
What happens
Ongoing enhancements, new entity onboarding, report refinements, close cycle support, and conversations about what to add next.
What changes
You shift from project mode to operational mode. We shift from implementation team to ongoing support partner.
Things we'll tell you that others might not.
We've been told we're "sometimes a bit too honest about the time it takes." We take that as a compliment. Here are some things we believe you should hear before a project starts, not after.
This is on top of your daily work
An implementation project doesn't pause your close cycles or your reporting obligations. Your team needs to contribute — design input, data validation, testing, and training — alongside their normal responsibilities. We plan for that.
Change management matters more than you think
The core project team will be excited. The 400 users who enter numbers once a month might not be. We've seen it first-hand. Training, communication, and managing expectations across the organisation is as important as getting the configuration right.
You might find errors in your old process
When you reconcile the new system against historical data, discrepancies surface. Sometimes they're ours to fix. Sometimes they're errors that existed in your old spreadsheets or legacy system for years. That's uncomfortable but valuable — and it happens on almost every project.
The cheapest option isn't always the right one
We combine accounting expertise with technical implementation skills. That's not the cheapest approach, but it means better design decisions, fewer rework cycles, and a solution that actually reflects how your finance team works. We're transparent about pricing and will explain what you're paying for.
Get in touch
Ready to transform your finance operations?
Book a no-obligation meeting with one of our EPM consultants. We'll map your challenges and show you what's possible.
The implementation ends. The relationship doesn't.
Most implementation partners deliver the project and move on. We used to do that too. But your business doesn't stop changing when the project closes — new entities get acquired, reporting requirements evolve, your team has questions, and the platform needs to keep pace.
That's why most projects naturally leads into our Managed Services offering. It's not a separate sales conversation. It's a continuation of the work we've already been doing together.
Weeks, not months
A fixed allocation of hours each month or quarter supporting your close process. New entities or new accounts, changed requirements and ongoing optimisation.
Flexible, on-demand help
No ongoing commitment. Call us when you need us — configuration changes, new reports, new integrations and general support to troubleshooting.
Immediate audit trail
A Finarchs consultant embedded in your team brings additional capacity when you need it.
We recommend the right platform
We work with three market leading EPM vendors. Your group structure, system landscape, and budget determine which one fits.
Ready to talk?
30–45 minutes, digital or on-site — no commitment. Tell us what’s keeping your finance team up at night and we’ll tell you honestly whether we can help.
We are based in Oslo, but projects can be delivered remote or onsite at your place.