Customer Story: The Tapscott Learning Trust

Founded in 2018, The Tapscott Learning Trust began with three schools, each operating independently using outdated, server, based FMS systems. As the Trust expanded, so did the complexity of managing finances across multiple sites. Taz Mansuria, a strategic and pragmatic CFO, recognised the need for a smarter, cloud, based solution that could unify operations and reduce inefficiencies.

“We’re not a profitable business. We get money from the government and spend it wisely. Access helps us do that simply and effectively.” 

Taz’s mission was clear: simplify financial management, empower staff, and ensure every pound spent was accounted for with precision and purpose.

Centralised finance: One system, Multiple schools

Thanks to Access Education Finance & Budgets, The Tapscott Learning Trust has successfully centralised its finance function. Now, just two full-time finance officers manage the finances across all schools, working flexibly from any location. This isn’t about cutting staff, it’s about working smarter. The Trust has restructured its operations so that finance officers can support multiple schools remotely, without the need to be physically present. 

“We’ve centralised our finance function. Now, two finance officers can sit anywhere and manage finances for everyone.” 

If they had to place a finance officer in every school, it would cost around £40,000 per person, that’s a significant expense. By operating a cloud-based system, they only need two, and the savings can be reinvested directly into the classroom where they make the biggest impact.

This shift has unlocked significant savings, streamlined workflows, and enabled the Trust to operate with agility. Finance officers can now process invoices and purchase orders from any location, and headteachers can approve transactions digitally, no printing, no delays.

Smarter reporting: Insight at every level

One of the most transformative benefits has been the ability to produce accurate, real, time reports that inform decision, making at every level.

“Reporting has changed massively. Now we deliver insights from school level right up to the board.” 

Taz has developed reports that compare forecasts, actuals, and budgets in one view. These reports are easily exported from the Access software, allowing for customisation and deeper analysis. In a climate of tighter budgets and increased accountability, this level of insight is invaluable.

Strategic budgeting: From reactive to proactive

Access has enabled the Trust to take a strategic approach to budgeting. By consolidating budgets centrally, Taz and his team can allocate resources based on need, rather than simply dividing funds equally.

“Last year, we centralised our building budget. We saved money and improved our estate by directing resources where they were needed.”

This approach has extended to contracts and SLAs, with analysis codes providing granular visibility into school, level spending. The result? Smarter decisions, better resource allocation, and improved outcomes across the Trust.

Accuracy & trust: Reducing risk, Increasing confidence

Manual data manipulation is a thing of the past. With Access, data flows directly from the system, reducing errors and increasing trust in financial reporting.

“The more you manipulate data, the more risk you introduce. Access gives us trustworthy, accurate data.”

This reliability is especially important when consolidating budgets or preparing reports for auditors and stakeholders. With Access, the Trust can be confident in the integrity of its financial data.

User friendly for all: Finance for non-finance people

Access is designed with schools in mind. Its intuitive interface means even non-finance trained staff can use it confidently and effectively.

“90% of school finance staff aren’t finance qualified. Access is simple enough for them to thrive.” 

From finance officers to headteachers, users across the Trust have embraced the system. Even external auditors and financial controllers have praised Access for its ease of use and effectiveness.

Flexibility & efficiency: Empowering staff anywhere

Access has revolutionised the way finance staff work. With cloud, based access, team members can choose to work remotely, focusing on tasks without the distractions of a busy school environment.

“Our finance officers choose a day to work from home and get more done without school distractions.”

The system supports end-to-end financial processes, from raising a PO to completing a BACs payment, without needing a printer or physical paperwork. This not only saves time and money but also supports a modern, flexible working culture that boosts productivity and morale.

Support that delivers: Service beyond the sale

Beyond the software, Taz highlights the exceptional customer support from Access. From responsive account managers to comprehensive training resources, the Trust has felt supported every step of the way.

“The sell was good, the service has been even better.”

Whether it’s a quick query or a training need, the Access team is always on hand to help. The support portal is easy to navigate, and answers are just a click away. The aftercare and ongoing support you receive is exceptional, far exceeding what we’ve experienced with other providers.

The power of Access Education Finance & Budgets

For The Tapscott Learning Trust, Access Education Finance & Budgets has been more than just a software solution, it’s been a catalyst for transformation. It has enabled the Trust to:

• Centralise operations and reduce staffing costs
• Empower staff with flexible, remote working
• Deliver real, time insights for smarter decision, making
• Streamline reporting and reduce risk
• Allocate resources strategically across schools
• Support non, finance users with intuitive tools
• Receive outstanding customer service every step of the way

“Access enables our organisation to deliver the outcomes we want, effectively and efficiently.”

Ready to transform your trust’s financial future?

Discover how Access Education Finance & Budgets can help your school or trust simplify operations, save time, and make smarter decisions. Whether you're looking to centralise your finance function, empower your team, or gain deeper insight into your budgets, Access is here to help.