Zero Based Budgeting

The University of Exeter is looking to appoint an external consultant to work in partnership to operate ZBB, to review existing budgets, identify efficiencies and savings whilst improving our future planning process and upskilling University staff.

The below are the required deliverables we expect the consultant to deliver:

1. - Scope, design, build and develop a digital model and guiding principles and approach to successfully roll out / implement a tried and tested ZBB model. The model will need to be compatible (excel format or similar) to ensure smooth integration with our existing finance application.
2. - Develop a project plan to successfully roll out / implement the ZBB model and have it reflected in the budget by 31/03/22 and outline a plan for ongoing use (i.e. what does a typical budget cycle look like for finance staff deploying the ZBB model)
3. - Work as a critical friend to Identify and propose process efficiencies and saving opportunities whilst prioritising and categorising activities and savings
4. - Deliver specialised knowledge transfer and upskilling sessions to Finance Services colleagues (what they need to do what they need to watch out for) to enable them to confidently build ZBB, how to operate, manage through the budget cycle and sustain the annual ZBB model (new build and sustain thereafter)
5. - Deliver knowledge transfer and upskilling sessions to Finance Services colleagues to enable them to clarify the Budget holder responsibilities for the ZBB model
6. - Develop material and help support stakeholder sessions to promote a vision of success to move to ZBB, initially and on an ongoing basis to ensure buy-in, a positive and successful experience.
7. - Propose Report formats to help define spending needs within each business unit to justify the funds allocated each year to feed into the ZBB model - do these differ at month-end forecasting, year-end activities?
8. - Outline resources and skills required to build into an operating model