Shared services and centralized budgeting represent a strategic shift in how organizations manage their resources, moving away from decentralized, siloed functions to a more integrated and efficient model. By consolidating common support functions like finance, HR, and IT into a single unit, companies can achieve significant cost savings, standardize processes, and improve service delivery. This training course is designed to provide you with the framework, tools, and best practices to successfully implement and manage a shared services model, while also leveraging centralized budgeting to drive financial discipline and strategic alignment across the entire enterprise.

This comprehensive program moves beyond the basic concepts to give you a hands-on guide to the operational and change management challenges of implementing shared services. You will learn how to design a service delivery model, establish a robust chargeback system, and use centralized budgeting to enforce financial controls and optimize resource allocation. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to lead a transformation that not only reduces costs but also enhances the strategic value of your support functions, positioning your organization for greater efficiency and competitive advantage.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Shared services managers
• Budget managers and analysts
• Business unit and departmental leaders
• Management consultants
• Human resources and IT leaders
• Strategic planners
• Senior executives
• Operational managers
• Individuals involved in organizational restructuring

Objectives

• Understand the principles and benefits of shared services.
• Master the methodology for designing a shared services center.
• Develop a centralized budgeting framework for financial control.
• Create a robust chargeback and service level agreement (SLA) system.
• Manage the change management process for a successful transition.
• Optimize resource allocation and improve process efficiency.
• Use a centralized budget to enforce strategic priorities.
• Measure the financial and operational performance of shared services.
• Foster a collaborative and customer-focused service culture.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Case for Shared Services

• The principles of shared services vs. traditional business models.
• Key drivers for implementing a shared services model.
• The benefits: cost reduction, process standardization, and service improvement.
• Common risks and challenges to implementation.
• Case studies of successful shared services centers.

Module 2: Designing the Shared Services Model

• Choosing the right scope for shared services.
• The process of centralizing key functions.
• Defining the organizational structure of the shared services center.
• Technology and platform requirements.
• Key considerations for a phased implementation.

Module 3: Centralized Budgeting Framework

• The principles of centralized budgeting.
• How centralized budgeting drives strategic alignment.
• The role of the central finance team in budget creation.
• A step-by-step guide to developing a centralized budget.
• How to balance top-down control with departmental input.

Module 4: Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Chargebacks

• The purpose and components of a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
• Developing clear and measurable SLAs with internal customers.
• Designing a transparent and fair chargeback model.
• Using chargebacks to influence behavior and manage demand.
• Best practices for managing performance against SLAs.

Module 5: Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement

• Identifying and eliminating waste within shared services.
• Using lean and Six Sigma principles for process optimization.
• The role of automation and robotics in shared services.
• Continuous improvement in a service delivery context.
• Measuring operational efficiency and cost savings.

Module 6: Change Management and Communication

• Building a compelling business case for shared services.
• The role of leadership in championing the change.
• A communication plan for internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing employee morale and addressing resistance.
• Training and skill development for a successful transition.

Module 7: Performance Measurement and Reporting

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for shared services.
• Creating a performance dashboard for senior management.
• Reporting on financial savings and service quality.
• Using feedback to continuously improve services.
• The role of governance in a shared services model.

Module 8: Final Workshop and Action Plan

• A comprehensive case study on implementing shared services.
• Participants work in groups to develop a plan for their organization.
• Presenting your plan for a shared services model.
• A final Q&A and best practice sharing session.
• Developing a personal action plan for your organization.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.