As we approach a new academic year, we would like to acknowledge the major activities that occurred this summer to implement the Financial Management Modernization (FMM) program. 

The FMM go-live efforts represent a major milestone and the culmination of several years of planning, development, and cross-campus collaboration, which involved more than 100 UCSB staff members across nearly 40 departments. While ongoing efforts to enhance both financial operations and the FMM implementation continue, this is a moment to recognize and celebrate the people who made it possible. 

Since the July 1 launch of Oracle Financials Cloud (OFC) and the Common Chart of Accounts (CCOA), we've made significant strides in transforming our financial systems. We've since rolled out a new financial reporting portal, updated our financial operating model to support more robust accounting and budgeting processes, and implemented new tools for financial planing and transfers. We've also established the framework for an annual budget and resource planning cycle and reintroduced several updated systems, including Gateway and Concur. Additional tools will continue rolling out in the coming months. 

To every team member, partner, and colleague who contributed - THANK YOU!

From the very early planning stages to the recent months of go-live, your commitment, flexibility, and hard work have been truly exemplary. We want to especially acknowledge: 

  • The program and implementation teams - for leading this complex transition with focus, tenacity, and care. 
  • The training team - preparing hundreds of users with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. 
  • The testers and subject matter experts - for helping build and refine a system that will serve our campus well into the future. 
  • Departmental staff across UCSB - for your resilience during fiscal close, system downtime, and the significant changes that this modernization has required, as well as your unwavering commitment to supporting your departments while learning and adjusting to new tools. 
  • Faculty - for your patience and partnership in navigating this transition while continuing to support research and academic priorities. 
  • Campus leadership - for recognizing this transition as a strategic priority and championing this program within your respective areas. 

We also want to thank the broader campus for your engagement in this momentous undertaking. We know this work came on top of full workloads, at peak times, and often behind the scenes. Your commitment to this transformation - while also supporting students, faculty, and campus operations - reflects the strength and spirit of the UCSB community. 

While the new system is officially live, we recognize our journey is just now beginning. Stabilizing our financial landscape and continuing to support campus users remain a top priority. Our support channels, including office hours, ServiceNow, and our call center, remain available to assist you with any questions or challenges as we settle into this new financial landscape together. Once we are stabilized, the new chart and system will enable more efficient processes, improved financial reporting, and expanded capabilities to support campus planning and decision-making. 

This achievement belongs to all of us. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and above all, your effort.