International software projects

Global SAP customizing means an individual challenge

What are the challenges for viable ERP solutions in an international environment?

Reto Bartmann, ACN: We develop viable accounting and controlling solutions for internationally active organizations. As ACN, we have been working in SAP Finance, Accounting and Controlling for over 25 years. Over the years we have identified the requirement drivers and aligned our approach accordingly.

Reto Bartmann,
Board of Directors,
ACN Germany

What exactly do you do?

Bartmann: In principle, we follow the following structure or questions: Many companies operate as part of complex group structures with multiple subsidiaries, joint ventures and affiliates. Consolidating the financial data of these companies presents challenges for data integration, reporting consistency and intercompany transactions. As ACN, we take a very specific approach to this complex environment in our solutions, using a process model we have developed to solve the issues outlined below for our customers and to map them in appropriate information systems and make them available to the people in the companies.

Does this mean you work internationally?

Rudolf Poppenberger, ACN: As companies expand across borders, corporations face the complexity of dealing with multiple currencies, different accounting standards, tax regulations and legal requirements. Consolidating financial statements in different jurisdictions while remaining compliant is becoming increasingly difficult. Corporate groups are often involved in numerous, internal transactions, such as transfer pricing, royalties, and shared services. Ensuring fair and accurate allocation of costs and revenues between entities within the group while complying with tax regulations and transfer pricing guidelines requires effective financial accounting and controlling processes.

Rudolf Poppenberger,
Managing Director, ACN Austria

Why is this a challenge?

Poppenberger: Legal requirements for financial reporting and disclosure have become increasingly stringent in recent years. In-house groups must comply with standards such as International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, GAAP, and provide transparent and accurate financial information to stakeholders, including shareholders, investors and regulators.

Why have the tasks fundamentally changed?

Bartmann: Advances in technology have transformed financial accounting and controlling practices. Internal groups must implement and integrate robust financial systems, ERP software, data analytics tools, and automation solutions. Managing data integrity, privacy, and cybersecurity risks while leveraging technology is a major challenge. Internal groups need accurate financial information and reporting systems to measure the performance of individual units, business units and the group as a whole. They need to develop key performance indicators, establish benchmarks, and analyze financial data to support strategic decision making and improve performance.

Are there challenges outside the corporations?

Bartmann: Accounting standards and regulations are constantly evolving. Internal groups need to keep abreast of changes and adjust their accounting policies and practices accordingly. New standards, such as revenue recognition, IFRS 15, and leases, IFRS 16, require comprehensive assessments and implementation measures. To
meet these challenges, our clients' finance and accounting professionals must develop robust governance structures with ACN, leverage technology solutions, conduct regular risk assessments and maintain open communication channels between entities. Working with external auditors and seeking professional advice helps ensure compliance and effective financial management within organizations.

What are the criteria for success for you?

Poppenberger: Managing international software projects requires careful planning, effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and coordination of distributed teams. Ensure that all stakeholders, both local and international, have a common understanding of the project goal and expected outcomes. Assemble a team with diverse cultural backgrounds and expertise. This diversity can bring different perspectives, innovative ideas, and a better understanding of the target market. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that values and respects cultural differences.

Bartmann: Establish robust communication channels and protocols to enable effective collaboration between team members across different time zones and locations. Leverage collaboration tools such as project management software, instant messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing platforms. Encourage regular status updates, progress reports, and open dialogue to promptly address communication gaps or misunderstandings.

What else can help an existing SAP customer?

Bartmann: Consider adopting agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban for international software projects. Agile frameworks encourage iterative development, frequent feedback, and close collaboration between teams. This approach enables flexibility, adaptability and faster response to changing requirements or market dynamics. And implement robust quality assurance and testing procedures to ensure software meets desired standards and user expectations. Develop a comprehensive testing strategy that includes functional, performance, security, and localization testing. Allocate sufficient time and resources for testing activities and include international team members in the testing process to address region-specific requirements.

In the end, what do you get?

Poppenberger: Document key project information, decisions, and lessons learned throughout the project. Develop a knowledge-sharing platform or repository to store and share project documentation, best practices, and guidelines. Encourage team members to contribute to knowledge sharing and foster a culture of continuous learning. And conduct a thorough post-project evaluation to assess the success of the project, identify areas for improvement, and capture lessons learned. Gather feedback from team members, stakeholders, and customers to understand their perspectives and incorporate their insights into future projects.

E-3: Thank you for the interview.