IMPAKT Housing & Support: Modernising finance to support growth and improve operational efficiency
IMPAKT Housing & Support is a not-for-profit organisation providing accommodation and support services to people in housing need across Bedfordshire. Since its formation in 1986, the organisation has grown significantly, expanding its services and operations while continuing to support vulnerable individuals and communities. Following it’s rebrand from YMCA Bedfordshire in 2021, IMPAKT sought to modernise its finance function to support the next stage of its growth.
After more than a decade using Sage 50, the finance team found themselves increasingly reliant on manual processes and spreadsheets. While the system had served the organisation well, it no longer provided the automation, reporting capability or operational efficiency required to support a growing organisation.
The objective went beyond simply replacing legacy software. IMPAKT wanted a modern, cloud-based finance platform that would automate routine tasks, deliver real-time financial insight, and free the finance team to focus on analysis rather than transaction processing. Stronger budgeting, fund reporting, purchasing controls, and VAT compliance were also priorities, both for operational and statutory reporting purposes.
Working closely with IMPAKT’s project team, 4PointZero implemented Xledger as a fully integrated finance solution, tailored to the organisation’s specific requirements.
The implementation involved redesigning the chart of accounts to enable multi-dimensional reporting, allowing financial data to be analysed by department, project, fund, and other key dimensions. Purchasing workflows, approvals, and commitment accounting were introduced to strengthen financial controls, while automated invoice processing, budgeting, fixed assets, expenses, and timesheets were consolidated within a single platform.
The solution also provided a scalable multi-entity structure, supporting both existing organisations and future expansion, with the flexibility to integrate with other business systems over time. Throughout the project, comprehensive user training and HyperCare ensured the finance team had the confidence and guidance needed to make a successful transition.
The move to Xledger transformed how financial information is managed and reported across IMPAKT.
Manual administration has been significantly reduced, reporting is now available in real time, and finance users have greater visibility of budgets, funds and operational performance. Automated workflows and stronger financial controls have improved governance while reducing the reliance on spreadsheets and manual intervention.
With a modern cloud platform in place, IMPAKT’s finance team is now better positioned to support strategic decision-making, respond to future growth, and continue delivering vital services to the communities they serve.
"Having 4PointZero involved alongside the Xledger implementation team gave us an additional level of confidence throughout the project. Their experience helped us challenge existing processes, validate key decisions and ensure the new system was built around best practice."
"We’ve gained far more visibility into our financial position since the new system was implemented. Real-time reporting and improved tracking have helped us make more informed decisions. 4PointZero’s experience and support made the process much easier to manage, even with our small team."