Bringing Control to Professional Services Transformation
Professional services firms operate in project-based environments where utilisation, margin, and delivery discipline determine performance. Growth introduces further complexity through multi-entity structures, evolving compliance requirements, and the need for integrated systems that support project accounting, billing, and client relationships.
SMC supports professional services leaders with independent, vendor-agnostic advisory to modernise operations, streamline processes, and reduce delivery risk. We work client-side across strategy, selection, implementation planning, and delivery assurance to ensure technology investments deliver measurable business outcomes without disrupting client delivery.
The SMC Guide for Professional Services
Practical guidance for ERP, HR, project accounting and time-and-billing system decisions in professional services firms where profitability depends on utilisation, forecasting accuracy and financial control.
Where Performance and Profitability Break Down
Professional services firms depend on effective utilisation, accurate billing and reliable forecasting to maintain margins. In practice, many struggle to balance capacity across billable and non-billable work, particularly as service lines and delivery models grow.
Time capture, billing and revenue recognition are often handled across separate systems, reducing confidence in utilisation and engagement-level profitability. When ERP, project accounting and time-and-billing platforms are not aligned, visibility across pipeline demand, resourcing and margins deteriorates, limiting a firm’s ability to scale with control.
Solutions to Support Professional Services
Professional services firms typically rely on ERP platforms supporting finance, project accounting, revenue recognition and firm-wide reporting. These systems underpin utilisation, margin control and compliance across consulting, accounting, legal and specialist professional firms.
They are closely integrated with Professional Service Automation platforms handling scheduling and time capture, managing utilisation and supporting invoicing, alongside forecasting and resourcing tools that provide visibility across projects. ERP and enterprise solutions commonly evaluated in professional services programs include Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, TechnologyOne and other fit-for-purpose solutions selected based on delivery and financial requirements rather than firm size alone.
How SMC Can Help
SMC advises professional services firms from the client side, focusing on utilisation, margin control and delivery certainty. We help executives clarify priorities, define requirements and make independent, evidence-based decisions across ERP, project accounting and time-and-billing platforms. As well as leading implementations and delivering the expected outcomes.
Our work is delivered through SMC’s four-stage model (Strategy & Roadmap, Select & Negotiate, Plan & Implement, and Review & Optimise) ensuring system change supports growth and profitability without disrupting live client delivery.
SMC Success for Professional Services Clients
Project
Consultancy’s Finance and Project System Transformation
Project Outcomes
Guided selection of finance, job and project management solutions and implementation partners, delivering process improvement and requirements definition across multiple jurisdictions.
Project
Multi-disciplinary architecture ERP implementation
Project Outcomes
Improved processes and defined requirements across finance, projects, contract management, EDRMS, purchasing, sales, and CRM, leading to a successful Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation.
JP Kenny / Wood Group Kenny
Project
Operational support ERP requirements and selection
Project Outcomes
Led requirements definition and ERP selection to support operational and support functions.
ARRB
Project
ERP, CRM and LMS Transformation
Project Outcomes
Delivered ERP and CRM selection, LMS selection, and implementation planning.
Project
Technology solutions ERP selection
Project Outcomes
Mapped and analysed end-to-end processes, led structured ERP evaluation and selection, and prepared the organisation for implementation.
Project
ERP plan and prepare deployment readiness
Project Outcomes
Led Plan & Prepare for ERP deployment, ensuring readiness across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Project
IT MSP ERP and PSA Transformation
Project Outcomes
Delivered a strategic systems review, selection of Microsoft Dynamics 365, and implementation planning for a national managed and professional services provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
SMC is 100% independent. We do not resell software or receive incentives from vendors. Recommendations are evidence-based and client-driven.
We work within established procurement frameworks and tailor approaches to professional services organisations of different sizes and operating models.
Client-side project management, assurance, data migration leadership, testing coordination, and change support to reduce delivery risk.
Yes. References can be provided subject to client approval and aligned to scope and organisation type.
Our methods embed data governance, privacy, and compliance controls aligned to industry standards and regulatory obligations.
Client-Side Advice for Professional Services
SMC provides independent, outcome-focused advisory and consulting support to help professional services organisations modernise systems, manage risk, and deliver transformation with confidence. If you’re looking to transform your business, book a consultation with your local SMC office.