Case Study: a small 150+ year-old liberal arts university streamlines financial operations with BDO

Small 150+ Year-old Liberal Arts University streamlines finance operations with BDO and presents grounded budgets for the first time in years

A small liberal arts university over 150 years old faced severe financial instability, driven by a structural deficit, declining enrollment, and outdated accounting practices. These challenges threatened its long-term viability. The university enlisted BDO, leveraging their nonprofit and higher education expertise, to guide a comprehensive financial transformation and stabilize operations.

BDO implemented a hybrid outsourcing model for the university's finance and accounting functions, pairing an offshore team with onshore leadership to cut costs. They also provided consultative support for HR transitions and financial system improvements. As a result, the university achieved streamlined operations, presented grounded budgets and detailed cash flow analysis to its board for the first time in years, and improved financial reporting and audit compliance.