The University has engaged Accenture—a global professional services firm with deep expertise in strategy, operations, and technology—to conduct a comprehensive review of our budgeting processes and help us reimagine our financial framework.

Why we’re doing this

This is a proactive measure to ensure our budgeting practices are as effective and efficient as possible and aligned with the University’s strategic priorities. This review was not prompted by concerns or problems.

What’s happening

The Accenture team will benchmark our current practices against industry and higher education best practices; identify inefficiencies or inconsistencies; recommend process improvements and modern budgeting models; and help us create an implementation road map to guide improvements.

When this is happening

The project is unfolding across multiple phases between July 2025 and December 2025 (please see infographic). Accenture is expected to conclude their fieldwork and deliver their final report in October. BU leadership will evaluate their proposals before presenting them to the University’s Board of Trustees in December.

Please check back for progress and updates.

In the meantime, if you have questions or recommendations, please don’t hesitate to “Ask the CFO.”

  • Planning

    July

    Establish and kick off the Working Group. Plan project development and ensure alignment on objectives, roles, and expectations.

  • Discovery

    August

    Fact-finding and data collection. Includes interviews with unit leaders, focus groups, surveys, and workshops.

  • Description

    September

    Tech assessment and benchmarking against industry standards and peer institutions. Findings reviewed and recommendations developed.

  • Creation

    October

    Create future budget model framework, process, and recommended tech. Prepare final report and implementation road map. Senior leadership evaluates and approves proposals before presenting to the Board of Trustees in December.