Our client’s need

In preparation for hiring a new chief human resources officer (CHRO), a large state university needed help with reviewing its existing HR structure and shared services model, as well as with developing the CHRO position description and qualifications with consideration to industry-leading practices.

Baker Tilly solution

Baker Tilly gathered input from diverse stakeholders to determine the most optimal approach for delivering human capital management services in a shared services environment. Our team held 24 one-on-one and focus group interviews, ranging from 150 to 200 faculty and staff, representing executive leadership, shared services staff, HR managers, and HR staff, to understand the HR organizational structure, the relationship between HR shared services and central HR, and the CHRO characteristics needed to be successful in a complex HR environment. We also reviewed documentation to understand current processes, procedures, roles and responsibilities and identify gaps.

Results achieved

We presented our observations, including strengths, opportunities for improvement, and a future state road map, as well as:

• leading industry practices
• HR organizational structure options
• a process gap analysis
• HR staff qualifications
• CHRO qualifications

Our team’s assessment and recommendations provided the steering committee, executive leadership, and the future CHRO with comprehensive guidance on how to strategically improve the HR structure to better serve the university community and provided a critical roadmap for the new CHRO.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact our team.