A practical example of an interim assignment at Walo Bertschinger in Zurich
The Walo Bertschinger Group is one of Switzerland’s leading construction companies and has been delivering complex projects both at home and abroad for many years. As part of a group-wide ERP implementation, key finance and controlling processes were migrated to a new system landscape.
As with many transformation projects, managing the system implementation alongside day-to-day operations – despite careful preparation – placed increased demands on organisation, reporting and cross-functional collaboration. At the same time, temporary staff shortages in Controlling led to a need for additional support.
Against this backdrop, Hoffmann & Partner was brought in to provide operational support to the existing team as part of a six-month interim assignment.
Operational support with direct responsibility
The focus of the assignment was on immediately assuming operational responsibility within the Controlling organisation.
Following a brief induction phase, together with another consultant, we were able to:
• assume operational responsibility within the Controlling department
• support reporting processes
• coordinate priorities in day-to-day processes
• facilitate collaboration between specialist departments, the ERP project team and the external ERP service provider
A key component of the assignment was also providing active support in day-to-day operations. This included, amongst other things, handling ongoing controlling and finance matters, coordinating reporting content, assisting with financial closings, and ensuring a smooth flow of information between the departments involved.
The assignment was carried out in close collaboration with the CFO, the ERP implementation project team, the Controlling department, and the Finance and Accounting department. In addition, regular coordination with the external ERP partner was required to ensure efficient collaboration during the transformation phase.
Impact of the interim assignment
Thanks to the rapid operational integration, the existing team was effectively relieved of some of its workload, and the stability of key reporting and controlling processes was maintained throughout the transformation phase. In day-to-day operations in particular, the interim assignment helped to ensure that ongoing tasks were carried out reliably and to cushion the organisation from additional pressures.
A key objective of the assignment was also to ensure the conditions were in place for a timely and reliable 2025 annual financial statement. Through close collaboration with the responsible teams, relevant controlling and reporting processes were continuously supported, and operational challenges were identified and coordinated at an early stage.
At the same time, structured collaboration between specialist departments, the project team and external partners was ensured. This enabled coordination processes to be efficiently supported and further strengthened transparency within the finance and controlling organisation.
The combination of operational support and close collaboration with the responsible teams enabled rapid integration into existing structures as well as targeted support during the ERP transformation.
Testimonial CFO Walo-Bertschinger Gruppe
«Hoffmann & Partner provided our team with effective operational support during the ERP transformation and quickly integrated into the existing structures»
Mario Gugler – CFO, Walo-Gruppe
Interim Management during challenging periods of transformation
ERP implementations, reorganisations or temporary staff shortages place significant demands on finance and controlling departments. In such situations in particular, it is crucial to provide rapid operational relief.
Hoffmann & Partner supports companies by:
• taking on responsibility at short notice
• effectively relieving the workload of existing teams
• ensuring stability during critical phases of the business
In a short conversation with us, you will receive:
• a clear assessment of your current risks
• specific ways to provide support
• an honest assessment of where quick results can be achieved
You can find all contacts and details about our team here.