Case Study
THE CHIEFS
The Chiefs score big with streamlined budgeting and reporting from IDU
ABOUT THE CHIEFS
Sports Shared Services provides financial and information support for Chiefs Rugby and its subsidiary unions Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Counties‑Manukau, covering accounting, payroll, reporting, and budgeting. The Chiefs, officially known as the Gallagher Chiefs, are a professional rugby union team based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Their home ground is Waikato Stadium, and they compete in Super Rugby as one of New Zealand’s five franchises.
THE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Sports Shared Services, supporting Chiefs Rugby and its subsidiary unions, faced a complex budgeting environment. Cost centres were geographically dispersed, and managers were more focused on sports and operations than financials, leading to limited buy‑in. Many budget owners lacked formal financial training, making the process difficult and frustrating.
Compounding the challenge, multiple entities with differing agendas and requirements — from stadium management to catering, academies, marketing, and sponsorship — meant budgets were inconsistent and slow to prepare. The lack of a unified system hindered accountability and left managers struggling to balance financial responsibilities with their core sporting and operational roles.
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THE SOLUTION
In 2012, Sports Shared Services implemented IDU‑Concept’s Budgeting and Reporting Modules. The web‑based system was designed with non‑financial users in mind, making it easy to use and empowering managers to take ownership of their budgets, forecasts, and expenses. This shift created greater accountability and simplified financial management across all four entities.
The consolidated platform provided online visibility, mobile access, and faster preparation of budgets. Reports circulated more quickly, and processes became streamlined, saving time and allowing staff to focus on achieving sporting excellence. By centralising management while empowering individual cost centres, IDU transformed budgeting into a transparent, efficient process that supported both operational and strategic goals.
A PARTNER IN SUCCESS
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“Using IDU‑Concept has simplified and streamlined Sports Shared Services’ budgeting and reporting, saving time and allowing them to focus on sporting excellence. It’s no coincidence the Chiefs went on to win back‑to‑back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.” – Kevin Phillips, CEO, IDU
“I’ve been very impressed at how IDU has not only made our whole budgeting process much simpler and speedier, but also meant that our management team have a real understanding of their budgets and take proper ownership of their financial performance.”
CEO, Chiefs Rugby
THE RESULT
Simplified budgeting process, accessible to non‑financial users.
Faster reporting cycles, with quicker circulation of information.
Greater accountability, as managers took ownership of financial performance.
Mobile visibility, enabling cost‑centre managers to access data anytime, anywhere.
