Almac Group – Finance System Selection Support

Modernising financial systems to support global growth in life sciences.

The client

Almac Group is a leading contract development and manufacturing organisation providing integrated services to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors worldwide. Its services span the entire drug development lifecycle – from R&D, biomarker discovery, API manufacture and formulation development, through to clinical trial supply, IRT (IVRS/IWRS), and large-scale commercial manufacturing.

Privately owned and headquartered in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Almac employs over 5,600 people across Europe, the US, and Asia.

Service: Finance Selection

Industry: manufacturing, health

Location: UK & US

Website: almacgroup.com

The challenge

Through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, Almac’s finance function relied on multiple legacy systems - some of which were no longer vendor-supported - and a heavy dependence on spreadsheets.

As global operations expanded, the Finance department faced increasing workloads, requiring additional headcount simply to manage day-to-day activities. Almac recognised the need to modernise its financial systems to:

  • Replace fragmented, outdated systems.
  • Free finance teams from repetitive, manual tasks.
  • Ensure compliance and scalability for at least the next decade.

Following a strategic review, the Almac Group engaged Gradient to help define a financial systems strategy and guide the selection of a modern solution fit for the future.

The solution

The new finance system needed to empower Almac to achieve more with existing resources and enable the team to focus on value-added activities. Core objectives included:

  • Accuracy and efficiency: Eliminating re-keying of data, spreadsheet workarounds, and document handling inefficiencies.
  • Control and compliance: Automating routine processes to strengthen oversight.
  • Visibility and insight: Providing a single, integrated financial system with user-friendly reporting and analytics.

The approach

Gradient worked in close collaboration with Almac’s finance teams across the Group to deliver a structured, phased approach:

  • Process review: Documenting existing ‘as-is’ processes and identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • Market scan: Reviewing the software market to identify potential solutions, vendors, and indicative costs.
  • Board report: Summarising findings, investment requirements, and potential returns to inform Almac’s decision to proceed.
  • Future-state design: Developing ‘to-be’ processes and translating them into a detailed requirements specification.
  • Vendor procurement: Issuing tender documents, managing responses, and shortlisting vendors.
  • Solution demonstrations: Facilitating structured demonstrations and workshops with shortlisted vendors to ensure the right fit.
  • Commercial guidance: Advising on commercial negotiations and preparing Almac’s finance team for implementation through targeted workshops.

The result

With Gradient’s guidance, Almac confidently selected a modern finance system to support its global growth strategy. The outcome delivered:

  • A clear financial systems strategy aligned with business objectives.

  • A fit-for-purpose finance solution chosen through a structured, transparent process.

  • A finance function positioned to deliver greater efficiency, compliance, and strategic insight.

“The Gradient team provided professional, independent guidance underpinned by best practice throughout, which enabled Almac to stay on track and ensure all requirements were met, both on time and on budget.”

Almac Group

“Gradient provided independent advice, guidance and direction throughout this project, which enabled the Almac finance team to focus on the core requirements and technical aspects of the final finance package.”

“The collaboration between Almac and Gradient was effective, efficient and productive - enabling completion of each phase of the project as planned.”

Almac Group