Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Certinia (FinancialForce)
Side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Certinia (FinancialForce) — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Certinia (FinancialForce) at a Glance
| Criteria | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Certinia (FinancialForce) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mid-to-large companies in the Microsoft ecosystem | Professional services firms already on Salesforce |
| Starting Price | $70/user/mo | $100/user/mo |
| Pricing Model | per-user | per-user |
| Deployment | cloud, hybrid | cloud |
| Company Size | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ | 251-1000, 1001-5000 |
| Implementation | 6–14 months | 3–7 months |
| Typical Cost | $150K–$1M+ | $100K–$500K |
Module Comparison
| Module | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Certinia (FinancialForce) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Manufacturing | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| CRM | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| HR & Payroll | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Project Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Procurement | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Warehouse Management | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Ecommerce | ★★ Moderate | — N/A |
| Business Intelligence | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Quality Management | ★★ Moderate | — N/A |
| Field Service | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Asset Management | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Pros
- +Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, and Power BI
- +Modular — buy only the apps you need (Finance, SCM, Sales, etc.)
- +Strong field service and project operations modules
- +Copilot AI features across all modules
Cons
- -Per-app licensing can get expensive when stacking modules
- -Implementation complexity varies widely by partner
- -Customisation via extensions can become hard to maintain
- -Some modules (Commerce) still maturing
Certinia (FinancialForce)
Pros
- +Runs natively on Salesforce platform — single data model with CRM
- +Best-in-class professional services automation (PSA)
- +Real-time project profitability and resource planning
- +Seamless Salesforce ecosystem and AppExchange integrations
Cons
- -Requires Salesforce licenses on top of Certinia
- -No manufacturing, warehouse, or asset management
- -Not suited for product-based businesses
- -Total cost is high when including Salesforce platform fees
When to Choose Microsoft Dynamics 365
- You need an ERP best suited for mid-to-large companies in the microsoft ecosystem
- Your company has 251-1000 or 1001-5000 or 5000+ employees
- You operate in Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services
- You prefer cloud / hybrid deployment
- Your budget aligns with $70/user/mo starting price
When to Choose Certinia (FinancialForce)
- You need an ERP best suited for professional services firms already on salesforce
- Your company has 251-1000 or 1001-5000 employees
- You operate in Professional Services, Software / SaaS
- You prefer cloud deployment
- Your budget aligns with $100/user/mo starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 better than Certinia (FinancialForce)?
It depends on your business needs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is best for mid-to-large companies in the microsoft ecosystem, while Certinia (FinancialForce) is best for professional services firms already on salesforce. Microsoft Dynamics 365 starts at $70/user/mo and Certinia (FinancialForce) starts at $100/user/mo.
How does Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing compare to Certinia (FinancialForce)?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 uses a per-user pricing model starting at $70/user/mo, while Certinia (FinancialForce) uses a per-user model starting at $100/user/mo. Microsoft Dynamics 365 typical total cost is $150K–$1M+ vs $100K–$500K for Certinia (FinancialForce).
Which is better for professional services: Microsoft Dynamics 365 or Certinia (FinancialForce)?
Both vendors serve professional services companies. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is typically chosen by 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee organizations, while Certinia (FinancialForce) targets 251-1000, 1001-5000 employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
Need a personalized recommendation?
Tell us about your business and we'll help you shortlist the best ERP systems for your needs.