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From manual to modern - transforming accounts payable for a global CDMO

transforming accounts payable for global CDMO

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Finance transformation

Accounts, compliance, reporting, tax

Our global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) client with over 50 years of experience in small molecule API development expanded rapidly—from a single site in northeast England to five manufacturing locations and three R&D labs across the UK, Europe, and the Americas.
This rapid growth, largely through acquisitions, led to fragmented financial operations and inconsistent accounts payable (AP) processes. Each legal entity operated independently, relying on manual spreadsheets and disconnected systems. Helixr was brought in to evaluate and improve the group’s AP processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enable better financial control.

The challenge

Operating in a highly regulated environment, handling large volumes of supplier invoices across multiple ERP systems meant that manual data entry and invoice matching made the AP process slow, error-prone, and difficult to scale.

Key challenges included:
  • A lack of standardised AP processes across global sites
  • Heavy reliance on manual data input, increasing errors and delays
  • Disconnected ERP and accounting systems
  • Difficulty tracking KPIs and managing compliance
  • Regulatory pressures requiring validated systems in line with FDA and MHRA expectations
  • Helixr was tasked with simplifying and automating the end-to-end invoice process.

Our approach

Our finance transformation specialists performed a full diagnostic of the existing processes, people and technology used to handle supplier invoices . We worked with stakeholders to clearly define the project goals and compliance requirements.

Key steps in our approach included:
  • Reviewing the end-to-end invoice lifecycle across all sites
  • Mapping the variations in process across different ERP and accounting systems
  • Identifying bottlenecks in approval workflows and data entry
  • Assessing leading AP automation solutions in the market
  • We recommended and implemented Esker’s, cloud-based accounts payable automation platform selected for:
  • Its AI-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities
  • Seamless integration with SAP S/4HANA, QuickBooks, and SAGE
  • User-friendly interface for business and finance users
  • Proven ability to support compliance in regulated environments
  • As part of implementation, we led the computer system validation (CSV) of the AP solution using GAMP5 guidelines to ensure it met FDA and MHRA standards. This included documentation, risk assessment, testing, and audit readiness.

After implementing Helixr’s solution, accounts payable is now efficient at processing invoices in a more timely manner, resulting in fewer supplier queries and happy suppliers being paid on time.”

Accounts payable process lead • Ireland

The outcome

  • The client saw measurable benefits within weeks of going live:
  • Streamlined processing: End-to-end invoice handling now automated, including three-way matching
  • Speed and accuracy: Processing times reduced across all sites, with few errors and minimal manual intervention . Days payable parity with industry peers.
  • Audit-ready workflows: Full traceability and automated approval flows across all sites
  • Improved supplier relations: On-time payments resulted in stronger vendor satisfaction
  • Cash flow visibility: Centralised dashboards and insights enabled better financial control and forecasting
  • Compliance achieved: Full GAMP5-validated solution, aligned with industry regulations

The biggest improvement I have seen is the decrease in clerical errors due to the way the software can find important details. This is really helpful in reducing the time needed to review invoices after data entry has been completed. The document storage is also really helpful when you need to locate an invoice quickly.”

Financial Accountant • US manufacturing site

Why Helixr?

Our experts help organisations transform their financial processes using advanced technologies to boost accuracy and efficiency. We move beyond traditional record-to-report methods toward predictive analytics that support better business decisions, while staying adaptable to internal and external challenges.

Through our Finance transformation services, we optimise core activities like accounts payable and receivable, period-end close, and cash flow management—ensuring accurate, smooth, compliant, and efficient daily operations.

Whether you’re navigating rapid growth, managing complexity across systems, or aiming to modernise your finance operations, Helixr helps you get there—efficiently and compliantly.
Our expert
Meet our people
Meet our people

Wood Muk

Solution Architect

Uday Kompella

Solution Consultant

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  • ISO 9001 accreditation is for Helixr Ltd UK only
© 2025 Helixr
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Contact

Helixr HQ

Helixr Innovation

Helixr Ireland

  • +353 1 437 6901
  • Helixr Limited, 92 George Street Lower, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 VR66, Republic of Ireland

Helixr India

  • +91 90100 08310
  • Helixr India Private Limited, P.No.18/2, Sector III, HUDA Techno Enclave, Madhapur, Shaikpet, Hyderabad-500081, Telangana, India
Company
Solutions
  • ISO 9001 accreditation is for Helixr Ltd UK only
© 2025 Helixr
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