Budgeting and Reporting Software Analysis

Evaluating the current budgeting software, Questica, and how it can be used more effectively. Exploring the market on other software budgeting options.

Background Information:

The City of Hamilton’s finance staff is looking to maximize the efficiency of their budgeting and reporting system as demands on current processes grow. The current software, Questica, is likely underused by staff as there is a high level of reliance on manual data dumps and data manipulation in other programs like Excel. We are looking for assistance to better understand the full potential of our existing software by researching what other cities across Canada and the US are using for budgeting and reporting software and what the best practices are in order to make full use of the program. Also, we are looking for a recommendation about potential bolt-on options to supplement Questica or other full-service solutions.

Background Research:

City of Hamilton Budget:

https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/city-administration/city-budget/2023-tax-rate-budget

City of Burlington Budget:

https://www.burlington.ca/en/council-and-city-administration/proposed-budget.aspx

City of Mississauga Budget:

https://www.mississauga.ca/council/budget-and-finances/city-of-mississauga-budget/

Questica Website:

https://questica.com/

City staff: Maja Walters

Instructor name: Aadil Merali, Assistant Professor, Accounting and Financial Management Services, Director, Graduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy

Course name: BUSADMIN BL710

Number of students: 11

Project Agreement