Case Study | Change Management for Finance Department of Global Logistics Company

Functional Topic

Change Management in Finance

Project Industry

Logistics

Needed Support

Finance Consultant

Duration

3 Months

The Challenge

A global logistics company struggled with inefficiencies in its financial reporting and forecasting processes. With financial data spread across multiple departments, the finance team lacked a centralized, real-time view of the company’s financial health, creating delays in reporting and reducing forecasting accuracy. These issues limited the organization’s ability to make timely, data-driven decisions in cash flow management, inventory control, and capital allocation.

To address these challenges, the company needed an experienced finance consultant for a change management project in the finance department, to design and implement a data-driven solution for streamlined financial reporting and improved forecasting accuracy.

Role of Consultport

The company engaged Consultport, which proposed within 48 hours three finance consultants who could be a good fit for the project. The client chose a professional with over 15 years of experience in digital finance transformation for large, data-intensive industries. This consultant had previously worked with Fortune 500 companies, leading finance analytics projects focused on data integration, cloud-based solutions, and AI-powered predictive modeling.

The consultant’s experience included building and implementing financial control towers, developing interactive dashboards, and utilizing advanced predictive analytics tools. Proficient in platforms such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and IBM Watson, the consultant was also skilled in using Python-based frameworks for custom analytics.

The Approach

The consultants focused on three key actions for driving the change management project in finance.

1. Building a Cloud-Based Financial Control Tower
The first step was designing a cloud-based financial control tower to centralize and streamline data collection. Using Microsoft Power BI and Tableau, the consultant integrated financial data from various departments, including cash flow, accounts receivable, and inventory management. The control tower provided the finance team with real-time access to consolidated financial data, enhancing visibility and enabling quicker, data-informed decision-making. Through Power BI, the consultant developed interactive dashboards with custom views for different stakeholders.

2. Implementing AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
To improve forecasting accuracy, the consultant introduced predictive analytics tools, including IBM Watson and Python-based algorithms. By analyzing historical and real-time data, these tools identified patterns and trends that traditional reporting overlooked. This approach allowed the finance team to generate more reliable demand forecasts, enabling the company to anticipate fluctuations in cash flow, inventory requirements, and capital needs.

3. Customizing Data Visualizations and Reporting Processes
Recognizing that each department had specific reporting needs, the consultant customized dashboards and reports for various user groups. Interactive filters and visualizations allowed managers to access data relevant to their operations, improving understanding and alignment across teams. For instance, inventory managers could monitor stock levels in real-time, while finance heads tracked cash flow metrics.

The Results

After one year from the end of the change management project, the finance department consistently reported improved KPIs thanks to the new digital tools:

40% Reduction in Financial Reporting Cycle Time

With the centralized control tower, the company reduced its financial reporting cycle by 40%, from an average of 10 days to 6 days each month. The streamlined data flow and real-time access to financial metrics eliminated the need for manual data consolidation, allowing the finance team to complete monthly reports faster and focus more on analysis.

Improvement in Forecast Accuracy

The introduction of AI-powered predictive analytics increased forecast accuracy, allowing the company to better predict cash flow needs and inventory requirements, resulting in more efficient capital allocation and reduced stockouts. Accurate forecasting also helped minimize excess inventory, cutting related holding costs by an estimated 15%.

Enhanced Strategic Agility

Thanks to the change management in the finance department, the implementation of the centralized financial control tower enabled executives to adjust strategies in real time, with access to up to date cash flow and account receivables metrics. Operational teams benefited from more reliable demand forecasts, which informed more agile adjustments in inventory.

Increased Cross-Departmental Alignment

The success of the change management project increased alignment between the finance department and the other departments, thanks to customized dashboards and enhanced visibility, as each team could independently monitor and act on relevant financial data.

We’re happy with the consultant’s work. Our forecasting has improved significantly, and reporting is faster than ever. We look forward to working with them again!

— Chief Financial Officer

Find and Book Consultants, Easier Than Ever Before

We find the perfect consultant in 3 simple steps.

Find a Consultant