31.10.2023

Åbo Akademi University transfers part of its finance function to Certia

The transfer applies to the operations managed by the accounts receivable group and takes place on 1 February 2024. The accounts receivable group manages supplier invoices, travel and expense reimbursements and travel subsidies.

The terms of employment of the maximum of 9 people transferred to Certia are not affected by the transfer, but they have the right to transfer to Certia as so-called old employees. The work takes place on site in Turku or Vaasa.

“It has been a long process with many discussions and some anxiety, but we have received good support from both personnel services and occupational health care, and the staff has worked hard. We are satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations,” says Tapani Harkila, Financial Director at Åbo Akademi University.

In June 2023, ÅAU began negotiations with Certia regarding a possible transfer of certain financial functions. The negotiations have resulted in an agreement on the transfer of business regarding the ledger. The agreement was signed on 31 October 2023. With the transfer, Åbo Akademi University expects to save about 280,000 € per annum. The transfer is one of the measures that Åbo Akademi University is taking to balance its finances in the long term.

“The aim is to maintain a good level of service. We will review the processes so that the handling of financial matters will also be smooth in the future, and we will regularly inform the staff about practical issues related to the service,” says Harkila.

Ab Certia is an in-house company for Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences and currently delivers not only accounting services but also Åbo Akademi University’s financial system SAP.

“We are very pleased with ÅAU’s decision. The people transferred and their expertise strengthens the company’s knowledge of the business and further deepens the cooperation with ÅAU. As an employer, we want to offer the transferees opportunities to succeed and develop in their jobs. A healthy staff in turn enables a high level of service and customer satisfaction,” says Ulla Laalo, CEO of Ab Certia.

Further information: 

Tapani Harkila, Financial Director at Åbo Akademi University.
Telephone: +358 405362558
e-mail: tapani.harkila@abo.fi 

Ulla Laalo, VD, Ab Certia
Telephone. 040 7255 174
e-mail: ulla.laalo@certia.fi