Microsoft/Accenture OneFinance

What happens when a world-class company discovers one of its key functions is less than world class?

For software giant Microsoft, the answer is simple. They fixed it. In 2006, Microsoft embarked on a complete reengineering of its major global finance processes and operations.

Called the OneFinance initiative, the effort outsourced back office finance transactions spread across 95 countries to Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Accenture clients include 92 of the Fortune Global 100.

The course correction was more than a muscular approach to physically implement the required changes; it required Microsoft’s best brains and a shift in mindset that opened the door to a completely new way to approach outsourcing.

The result was an awardwinning strategic outsourcing relationship with Accenture with the goal to transform Microsoft’s entire back-office finance processes, including AP, Expense reports and invoices, the Requisition to Purchase Order process and general accounting.

The Microsoft and Accenture partnership began in early 2007, with an original contract term of seven years at a value of $185 million. The Vested contract closely Follows the Vested© Five Rules of Outsourcing.

Together Microsoft and Accenture have transformed Microsoft’s global finance operations, winning multiple awards from industry peers, including the Outsourcing Center, the Shared Services Outsourcing Network and the International Association for Outsourcing Professionals.