What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central used for in finance?

Business Central is Microsoft’s all-in-one finance and operations platform. For finance teams, it covers accounting, reporting, compliance, forecasting, and multi-company management — all in one place.

How is Business Central different from Sage or Xero?

Sage and Xero are great starter systems, but they hit limits as businesses grow. Business Central is built to scale, with built-in consolidations, advanced reporting, audit trails, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365.

Is Business Central suitable for small and medium-sized businesses?

Yes. Business Central is designed for SMEs. Our KickStart package makes it affordable, fast to implement, and focused on the finance features you need first.

How much does Business Central cost in the UK?

Visit our KickStart page for a full breakdown of costs, including licensing and implementation.

How long does it take to implement Business Central?

With our KickStart approach, finance teams are typically live in weeks, not months. Traditional ERP projects drag on — we streamline the essentials so you can start seeing value quickly.

Does Business Central support VAT and Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Yes. Business Central includes built-in VAT functionality and is fully compliant with HMRC’s MTD requirements, with regular updates to stay aligned with UK legislation.

Can external accountants or auditors access Business Central?

Yes. Business Central includes a dedicated Accountant role that allows secure, role-based access for external advisors, so they can log in and do their work without compromising your system.

Is Business Central secure?

Yes. Business Central is hosted on Microsoft Azure, using enterprise-grade security, encryption, and compliance certifications (ISO, GDPR, SOC). It’s updated automatically, so you’re always protected.

What reporting and dashboards come with Business Central?

Business Central includes financial statements, budget reports, cash flow, aged debtors/creditors, and more. For deeper insights, it integrates directly with Power BI for interactive dashboards and visual reports.

Can Business Central integrate with Excel and Microsoft 365?

Yes. Business Central works seamlessly with Excel, Outlook, and Teams. You can export, edit, and publish data straight from Excel, or raise invoices directly inside Outlook.

Does Business Central work for multi-company or group accounting?

Yes. Business Central includes multi-entity and multi-currency consolidation features, so you can handle subsidiaries, international operations, or group reporting without manual workarounds.

What support does Dynamics Fanatics provide after go-live?

We don’t just walk away. Our team provides ongoing support, training, and guidance to make sure you get the most out of Business Central. As Microsoft releases new features, we help you adopt them at the right time.

Ultimate Guide:
Business Central for Finance Teams.

Helping UK finance teams move beyond spreadsheets, Sage, and Xero – with a clear, fixed-price route to Business Central.

Written by:

Steve Harper, Business Central Consultant

Last updated: 18th September 2025

Why Finance Teams Are Looking Beyond Legacy Systems

Finance teams sit at the heart of every business. But too often, they’re held back by outdated tools and disconnected systems:

📊 Manual reconciliations that drain time each month

⏱️ Slow month-end closes that leave leadership waiting for answers

🗂️ Disconnected data across finance, sales, and operations

🔍 Limited visibility into real-time performance

⚠️ Compliance pressures from VAT, MTD, and audits

Starter tools like Xero, Sage, and spreadsheets can only go so far. As your business grows, you need a system built to keep pace.

What is Business Central?

Business Central is Microsoft’s cloud-based ERP solution designed for SMEs – and for finance teams, it’s a game-changer.

It’s an all-in-one platform that gives you:

Core financial management
Automated reconciliations & reporting
Multi-company and multi-entity accounting
Audit trails & compliance-ready workflows
Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, Teams)
Real-time insights powered by Power BI

With Business Central, your finance team becomes a strategic partner – delivering insights, not just processing numbers.

Why Finance Teams Choose Business Central

Finance leaders across the UK are switching to Business Central because it provides:

✅ Real-time reporting – dashboards that show the bigger picture instantly

✅ Faster VAT & compliance workflows – stay HMRC-ready without the stress

✅ Audit-ready processes – approvals, permissions, and full trails

✅ Multi-company management – consolidate reports at the click of a button

✅ Forecasting & budgeting tools – built-in intelligence for planning ahead

✅ External accountant access – invite auditors or advisors securely

✅ Microsoft ecosystem – work seamlessly with Excel, Teams, and Outlook

Key Features of Business Central.

Functionality You Will Love

01

Financial Management

The General Ledger in Business Central provides a consolidated view of your financial data. With Accounts Receivable and Payable, you can manage your cash flow effectively.

02

Reporting and Analysis

Advanced Reporting allows you to generate detailed reports for in-depth analysis. Data Analysis and Customisable Dashboards provide real-time insights into your business performance.

03

Compliance and Security

Regulatory Compliance ensures that your business adheres to all relevant laws and regulations. Data Security is paramount in Business Central, safeguarding your sensitive business information.

04

Integration and Automation

Seamless Integration allows Business Central to work in harmony with other systems. Process Automation helps to streamline your business operations, reducing manual tasks and increasing efficiency.

Dynamics Fanatics: Our Kickstart Approach

Fixed Price, Fixed Scope

No hidden extras.

You’ll know exactly what’s included and how much it will cost before we start. No creeping scope, no surprise invoices.

Go Live Fast

Days, not months.

Traditional ERP projects drag on. KickStart is streamlined to deliver the essentials finance teams need most, so you see value quickly.

Best Practice Setup

Built for finance.

We provide tried-and-tested templates: chart of accounts, dimensions, and workflows designed for UK finance teams. Less guesswork, more confidence.

Scales With You

Expand when you're ready.

KickStart gets you live quickly, but it doesn’t box you in. Add automation, AI, reporting packs, or industry-specific modules when the time is right.

This is how you start smart.

Configuration

We configure your system to industry best practices

Training

We train you on the modules you'll use from day one

Support

You are live and off with flying colours - with support on standby when you need it.

Data Import

We upload your data based on templates we'll send you

Monitor

Ready to rock? Test and make sure everything is working correctly

Once you are live and are used to the system, this is when we can look at your different priorities for setting up additional phases of the project.

7 Day Implementation

From Sage & Xero to Business Central

Many finance teams start with Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks. These tools are fine for small businesses – until the cracks start to show.

Business Central is the natural next step when your finance team outgrows entry-level tools.

Case Study:

Transforming Accounting with Business Central

Company Background

An accountancy company based in Sheffield is a mid-sized accounting firm that provides comprehensive financial services to various businesses. With a team of dedicated accountants, they strive to deliver accurate and timely financial information to their clients.

Conclusion

The implementation of Business Central, guided by a professional consultant, revolutionised the operations at the accountancy company. It not only addressed the challenges but also added value by improving accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making capabilities. This case study demonstrates the transformative potential of Business Central in modernising accounting practices when implemented with expert guidance.