Client
Global retail organization
Industry
Manufacturing – premium retail
Primary goal
Modernize finance operations for enhanced efficiency
Technologies
SAP S/4HANA (Alliance: SAP)
Make finance flow
Managing growth and complexity is challenging enough without being constrained by fragmented finance systems. For the U.S. subsidiary of a global retail leader, outdated ERP technology and disconnected finance processes were making it difficult to operate efficiently, scale with confidence, and deliver timely insights to decisionmakers.
Here’s how KPMG Canada helped the organization make the difference, modernizing its finance function through a transition to SAP S/4HANA and establishing a standardized, future ready foundation to support ongoing transformation and growth.
One unified ERP platform
employees experience streamlined HR processes
5+ finance processes standardized
across their U.S. subsidiary
Real‑time insights enabled
for financial and management reporting
Operational efficiency improved
by eliminating redundant processes
Client transformation journey
- Before
- During
- After
Fragmented finance and outdated ERP systems
Keeping the line moving is important in the quick-service restaurant industry, and that means giving your teams all the ingredients they need to succeed, including an efficient HR system.
Wendy’s HR “system” was a patchwork of different technologies, a few of which were highly customized and vendor dependent. Besides the drag on staff time in the restaurants, this technology gap also complicated strategic decision-making and supporting new unit growth opportunities.
The HR user experience lagged well behind Wendy’s focus on quality — and behind the times. Company restaurant employees and managers had limited to no self-service capabilities, and digital self-service and mobile options were sparse. Additionally, the lack of features like streamlined onboarding for new employees was a growing risk in a fiercely competitive talent market.
Transitioning to a unified finance platform
The opportunity was to overhaul the organization’s finance processes and enhance operational efficiency by transitioning to a unified ERP system. This transformation aimed to address immediate operational challenges while positioning the organization as a benchmark for excellence within its sector.
KPMG Canada was engaged to lead the transformation, applying its Powered Enterprise methodology to ensure a smooth and effective transition. The engagement began with a comprehensive review and optimization of existing business processes, ensuring the migration to SAP S/4HANA would support sustainable growth and strong governance.
SAP S/4HANA was implemented as the unified ERP platform for all finance processes in scope, enabling a cost‑effective transition from legacy systems to a modern, agile finance environment.
The project covered core finance processes, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, Asset Accounting, General Ledger, and Management Accounting and Reporting. The approach focused on process optimization, standardization of finance operations, and enabling real‑time financial and management reporting.
A standardized and future‑ready finance function
By eliminating redundant operational procedures and replacing outdated technologies, the organization now benefits from a more streamlined and efficient finance function that supports ongoing innovation and growth.
The transformation addressed immediate operational challenges while establishing a resilient foundation for future initiatives. Through the transition to SAP S/4HANA, the U.S. subsidiary of this global retail leader is better positioned to support future business transformation and continued success in a competitive industry.
How we make the difference
Successful finance transformations require a partner who can connect technology decisions to sustainable business value. This global retail leader chose KPMG Canada for our ability to guide SAP S/4HANA finance transformations with a clear focus on business priorities and disciplined execution. Our collaborative, people-first mindset ensured a smooth transition, empowering the client’s finance team to operate with greater agility, accuracy, and confidence.
If you are considering how to select, design, or implement established SAP solutions to modernize your finance function, please reach out to our team.
KPMG. Make the Difference.
