- Client: FMCG Import & Distribution Company
- Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (Supermarket Supply)
- Client Base: Supplying to major supermarket chains across Australia
- Engagement Start: 2022
- Service: Bookkeeping, AR/AP Management, Operational Finance, Compliance
The Challenge
A mid-sized FMCG distributor supplying to leading supermarkets was experiencing major operational and financial challenges:
- Mounting customer claims and chargebacks eroding margins
- Weak invoice verification controls, leading to financial leakages
- Overstretched internal team struggling with AR/AP management and reconciliations
- Complex multi-entity structures creating compliance risks
These gaps strained cash flow, increased financial risk, and distracted the management team from focusing on growth.
Our Solution
Sapphire Digital Accounting partnered with the business to streamline finance and operations through a customised outsourcing model:
- Implemented a claims management process to dispute and reverse invalid supermarket deductions
- Introduced a 3-step invoice verification system (PO match → authorised job check → ledger posting)
- Delivered weekly AR/AP ageing reports and vendor reconciliations for tighter cash flow control
- Built tailored operational finance reports (stock valuation, landed cost, promotional expense vs. sales)
- Took ownership of month-end close including inter-entity reconciliations and BAS compliance
This structured approach provided transparency, accuracy, and sustainable financial improvements.
The Results
Tangible Outcomes
- $1 million recovered in disputed claims within the first year
- 30% reduction in AR overdue balances
- Invoice approval cycle cut from 7 days to 2 days
- 100% BAS, GST, and reconciliation compliance
Intangible Benefits
- Stronger supplier and supermarket relationships
- CFO and management freed to focus on strategy and expansion
- Greater confidence in financial reporting and governance
Client Testimonial
"Working with Sapphire has transformed our finance function. From claim recovery to cash flow management, their team has delivered consistent results. We now have the financial visibility and confidence to grow sustainably."
Security & Compliance at the Core
We ensured all work was handled under strict compliance and security frameworks:
- ISO 27001:2013 Certified – Information Security Management
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified – Quality Management Systems
- Secure VPN & Cloud Infrastructure with enterprise-grade protection
Key Takeaways
- Robust outsourcing processes prevent financial leakage
- Transparent reporting drives stronger decision-making
- Scalable solutions reduce operational pressure on in-house teams
- Compliance and governance remain central to sustainable growth
Conclusion
This success story highlights how Sapphire Digital Accounting helped an FMCG distributor strengthen operational finance, recover significant revenue, and achieve compliance excellence. Our structured, secure outsourcing model empowers Australian businesses to operate smarter, scale faster, and grow with confidence.