When McGinley sought a robust and flexible financial system, Sage Intacct ticked the boxes – but time was also ticking. Thinc delivered the required solution within the tightest of windows.
McGinley has been providing workforce solutions to the infrastructural sector since 1978. Part of the family-owned MSSI Group, the company works on some of the largest schemes in the UK, including the HS2 project as a Diamond Partner to Network Rail.
Financial Controller Damian Botha joined the McGinley team at a time when they were facing a huge decision regarding their business system – and only a small window in which to take it.
McGinley was using NetSuite as its ERP system but had noticed inefficiencies. The system had been poorly configured, making reporting complex and cumbersome – especially for contract-level reporting.
There was a sense that the system was too big for McGinley’s needs – and, increasingly too expensive. “We were facing a significant fee increase – around 20% – yet we were only using about 8% of the system’s capability,” Damian explains.
Change, it was clear, was needed – and any new system needed to be aligned with the way the business actually operated. As part of a group of companies, McGinley needed a solution that could support reporting by entity and contract, while also providing consolidated visibility across the wider group structure.
Beyond reporting, the company needed stronger internal controls. Manual, email-based approvals for purchase orders and invoices were no longer sustainable, so automated workflows and clearly defined approval hierarchies were essential. The new solution also needed to integrate with planning and analysis tools, offering the flexibility to grow with the business.
Adding to the challenge, McGinley had only a two- to three-month window in which to implement the new system. Finding an implementation partner that could provide practical guidance, responsive support and confidence during this significant transition, was imperative.
Damian and the team scoured the market for an alternative system before deciding on Sage Intacct. “We explored a couple of alternative providers, including Microsoft Dynamics 365, but they didn’t quite fit,” he recalls.
“When we engaged with your Business Engagement Team, we connected straight away – and Sage Intacct felt like a better fit for the business. The pricing was also more competitive than NetSuite, which gave us the opportunity to invest in additional bolt-ons.”
Work began between McGinley and Thinc to scope out the implementation. The solution was configured to support multi-entity reporting and contract-level visibility, ensuring the system reflected the operational and structural realities of the business. Consolidated reporting was enabled through Intacct’s top-level structure, allowing the finance team to move seamlessly between entities while maintaining a consistent reporting environment.
The additional modules available through the Sage Intacct Marketplace afforded McGinley even more options, and Datarails was chosen to enhance planning and analysis capability.
“It helps that Sage Intacct is endorsed by accounting bodies such as AICPA and CIMA,” says Damian. “From a financial management perspective, it feels robust and well designed.”
Despite the tight turnaround required from decision to go-live, the project was delivered successfully, thanks to the close collaboration between the finance team and Thinc’s consultants and project management team. Regular communication and a structured implementation approach ensured the business was operational on Intacct, on time.
“The timeframe was a stressful prospect,” admits Damian. “However, Thinc’s team assessed whether it was feasible and confirmed that, provided we stuck to deadlines and maintained strong communication, it could be achieved. It wasn’t easy, and I wouldn’t recommend a two-month implementation as standard practice. However, Thinc worked hard to get us there.”
Since implementing Sage Intacct, the finance function has reported a significant improvement in both control and visibility. Consolidated reporting across five entities is now seamless, with the ability to switch between entities while maintaining a consistent reporting structure. Financial information is more accessible, more reliable and better aligned with management needs.
The introduction of automated workflows has strengthened governance and reduced operational friction. All purchase orders must now be raised and approved before costs are incurred, and invoices are processed within a structured approval matrix that escalates higher-value transactions automatically. This has eliminated email-based approvals, improved transparency for department heads and ensured costs are clearly tracked before payment.
The business has also begun leveraging automation within Accounts Payable, reducing manual processing and creating opportunities for further optimisation. Combined with responsive ongoing support, the new system has positioned the finance function to operate more efficiently while providing greater strategic insight to the wider organisation.
First we listen. It's our priority to learn who you are, how you work and the unique challenges you face.
Through this understanding we come together guiding you to the right solution to create tailored solutions built to your precise needs.
We continue to work hand-in-hand with you, supporting you as you grow and helping your business maximise its potential.
Ready to unlock your potential with Sage Intacct?
Fill out the form below to connect with our team. If you’re an existing customer, please visit our Support page.
–
