The University is introducing a new finance system called Unit4, which will replace Agresso and is planned to be available in Summer 2026. This is a positive step that will ensure a fully supported finance system as the University moves towards more flexible, cloud-based systems.
This update explains why the change is happening, what it means in practice and what support will be available over the coming months.
Why are we adopting Unit4 as our finance system?
Our current finance system is coming to the end of its life
- The version of Agresso currently in use will no longer be supported after December 2026. Running a core finance system on an unsupported platform is not an acceptable risk for the University.
This is our first major move of a core business system to the cloud
- Finance will be the first of our core systems to move fully into the cloud. Through the CLEAR programme, we are learning how to do this and putting in place the right digital, integration and operating foundations.
We are modernising more than finance
- Alongside Unit4, we are implementing a new solution for managing how data is exchanged between business systems and replacing our outdated system for managing user access. This groundwork will support future improvements across the University.
What this means for colleagues
Depending on how you use the finance system day to day, some colleagues will notice slight differences, while others will experience a few changes in how they work. Some processes will change, even if things look familiar.
- If you already use Agresso on the web: Unit4 will look and feel familiar.
- If you use the desktop version: You will notice some changes in how things look and work. It may take a little time to get used to, but early feedback from testing reflects finding it easier to use.
There will be a learning period and support will be available from our Finance & Procurement Change Champions and through training.
Sam Cunningham, Finance Manager who currently uses the desktop version of Agresso and is a Change Champion, shares her experience of testing Unit4. Sam says:
We are in the testing phase with the new system and working through processes and workflows. I have been using the desktop finance system, the Unit4 web app version is new for me.
What I have noticed at this early stage is that the menus are clearer to navigate, which does make the new system easier to use.
Moving to the cloud
Unit4 will be accessed through the web for all users, rather than as now, when some core users are accessing the system via a desktop application. This supports the University’s move towards cloud-based systems.
In practical terms, this means:
- You can access the system from any device with a browser
- There is no software to install
- Everyone uses the same up-to-date version
- There will be 2 apps available for mobile devices – one for expenses and one for workflow approvals
- Inbuilt support with Knowlys (self-help guides) and an AI assistant called AVA.
What is happening and when
We are taking a staged approach to implementing Unit4.
Spring 2026
A group of core finance users across Finance and Procurement are learning what is new and what is staying the same, so they can support colleagues and feed back into the project. This is also an opportunity to adjust the system where needed based on real user feedback.
System Testing takes place, where we will focus on the end-to-end processes within Unit4, to make sure they do what we need and are consistent with the design documents.
Summer 2026
Finance User Training - takes place, with sessions and materials to help colleagues feel confident using the system.
User Acceptance Testing – this is where a much wider group of colleagues from across the finance system user community will test Unit4, and we will also test the integrations, which means how Unit4 works with our other university systems.
Unit4 available - once the training and testing are completed and we are confident in the robustness of the system, we will go live.
Who to contact and how to get involved
Change Champions
We have a network of Finance & Procurement Change Champions supporting the Unit4 implementation.
They are working closely with colleagues to test the system and share feedback from the focus groups, helping us identify where improvements can be made and where new features will add value.
Our Change Champions are listening carefully to what works and what doesn’t, using this insight to refine the system and make improvements before it is introduced.
Your Change Champions are:
- Anne Winchester - Payments Team Manager
- Nik Kosy - Management Accountant
- Michael Morgan - Income Office Process Systems Officer
- Jo Hulin - Accounting Technician
- Richard Backholer - Procurement Systems Analyst
- Emma Hoar - Assistant Accountant
- Rebecca Smith - Income Office Manager
- Alison Bradley - Procurement Systems Coordinator
- Stephen Coles - Financial Compliance and Training Officer
- Sally Thurbin - Accounting Technician
- Sam Cunningham - Finance Manager
Contact the Change Champion team by asking a question.
Current Agresso User Group
The Agresso User Group is open to colleagues who are Faculty/ School/ Department finance contacts. It is a space to:
- Ask questions
- Share feedback
- Hear updates about Unit4.
If you have any questions about the group, please contact Steve Coles
What support will be available?
The training plan for the wider Finance user base is currently being developed. In addition to the training that will be provided, Unit4 has built-in support with Knowlys (self-help guides) and an AI assistant called AVA. Training documentation from our implementation partner G7, will also be available for colleagues to view and refer back to, as and when required.
Over the next few months, we will keep sharing updates, so everyone knows what is happening and when.
We aim to make the introduction of Unit4 as straightforward as possible for all colleagues, whether you use the system every day or more infrequently.