6-Step Sage Intacct Implementation Process for Nonprofits

JFW Accounting Services has developed a six-phase process to help nonprofits with their Sage Intacct implementation.

Whether an organization is starting from scratch or is transitioning from a known accounting system to a new one, it can feel overwhelming for team members who have a lot of other important matters on their plates. The end goal is to have accurate, real-time financial reports available at the click of a button. JFW Accounting Services understands non-profits and their boards rely on this information to support decision making and to expand their reach.

JFW Accounting Services has developed a six-phase process to reach the goal without added stress.

Planning

Initial conversations of current pain points, project goals, timelines, SOWs, agreements, and project initiation phase.

Define

Deep dive into reporting needs, Chart of Accounts, vendor lists, customer lists, grants, departments & other tracking dimensions.

Build

JFW maps historical General Ledger data to new Chart of Accounts & Dimension Structure and uploads to Sage Intacct environment.

Model

JFW Accounting Services tests, reviews & verifies data in the system. Organization team offers feedback and approvals.

Deploy

Remaining GL data, open AP bills, etc. mapped & imported, external services synced, go live, and sunset of legacy system.

Refine

Transition to ongoing work in new system, build additional reports & dashboards, training & process improvements.

1. Planning

The planning phase begins with initial conversations to identify and understand the current pain points and challenges the project aims to address. During this stage, project goals are clearly defined, and timelines are established to ensure alignment and realistic expectations.
We relish the opportunity to help you leverage your finances to make the biggest possible impact utilizing Sage Intacct's nonprofit accounting software.

Key activities include drafting and finalizing Statements of Work (SOWs) to outline deliverables, scope, and responsibilities. This is followed by formal agreements and contract signings to ensure all parties are committed and aligned on terms. Once these steps are completed, the project is officially initiated and set in motion.

2. Define

In the Define phase, the team conducts a thorough analysis of the organization's reporting needs, including a detailed review of the Chart of Accounts, vendor lists, customer lists, grants, departments, and other tracking dimensions. This phase also involves evaluating master data, such as cash accounts, users, and user permissions, to ensure proper setup and security.We relish the opportunity to help you leverage your finances to make the biggest possible impact utilizing Sage Intacct's nonprofit accounting software.

During this stage, the JFW team begins configuring the Sage Intacct environment, creating the necessary framework to support the upcoming financial data import and set the foundation for successful implementation.

3. Build

In the Build phase, the JFW team maps historical General Ledger data to the new Chart of Accounts and Dimension Structure, then uploads this data into the Sage Intacct environment. This ensures that all financial information is properly aligned with the new system.
During this stage, the JFW team begins configuring the Sage Intacct environment, creating the necessary framework to support the upcoming financial data import and set the foundation for successful implementation.

Additionally, the team configures other relevant modules and customizes reports to meet the organization's specific needs, ensuring that the system is tailored for optimal functionality and reporting from the outset.

4. Model

During the Model phase, the JFW team conducts thorough testing, reviews, and verification of the data within the Sage Intacct system to ensure accuracy and functionality. This step ensures that all data is correctly integrated and the system operates as expected.

At the same time, the organization's team provides feedback and approvals, ensuring that the system meets their needs and expectations before moving forward to the next phase.

5. Deploy

In the Deploy phase, the final steps of data migration and system integration take place. The remaining General Ledger data, open Accounts Payable bills, open Accounts Receivable, bank reconciliation open items, and credit card reconciliation open items are mapped to the new General Ledger structure and imported into the system.

Additionally, the budget is mapped and imported, ensuring all financial data is up-to-date. Accounts Payable, CRM, Payroll, and other external services are synced to the new system where possible. If a direct sync is not available, data is exported and imported manually.

The team conducts a final review to validate the accuracy of the General Ledger, and initial bank reconciliations are completed. Once everything is confirmed, the system goes live, and the legacy system is retired.

6. Refine

The Refine phase marks the transition to ongoing operations within the new system. During this phase, the team focuses on building additional reports and dashboards to further enhance the system’s capabilities and meet evolving business needs.

Continued training is provided to ensure users are fully proficient with the new system, and process improvements are implemented to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. This phase ensures that the system is continuously refined and aligned with the organization’s objectives.
If your organization is growing and needs improvements in accounting processes and financials reporting, JFW Accounting Services would be glad to help. We can schedule an intro call to discuss how Sage Intacct could help and to tell you more about the process. 
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Gain Complete Confidence in Your Accounting

Your organization’s team should be focusing their time on what matters most – achieving your mission. That’s why we provide nonprofits with accurate data and transparent communication you can trust. With regular meetings to discuss your organization’s financial health, you’ll be confident that your organization is compliant, accountable and strategically utilizing your financial resources.

Individual Approach

We take an individual approach to each and every client, taking the time to thoroughly understand your problems, needs and goals. The result? Customized strategy and solutions that set your organization on a path to success.

Exceptional Customer Service

As an extension of your team, we are available when you need us. Always accurate, professional and on time, we are dedicated to helping everyone harness the power of their numbers to reach their true potential.

Team Of Industry-Leading Professionals

We are a reliable team of experts with decades of experience in business and nonprofit accounting. Our Nonprofit CPA’s are fully certified and regularly pursue professional education opportunities that keep their fingers on the pulse of accounting trends.

Hear From Some of Our Happy Clients

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve proudly partnered with several nonprofits and businesses to enhance their accounting processes, understand their numbers and reach their financial goals.
“Working with JFW Accounting Services has given NCHV the tools and guidance we have needed to improve our accounting processes and offer better accountability to our board and donors regarding our finances. It is rare to find an accountant you truly enjoy working with, but Jo-Anne and her team have become a trusted partners in our organization’s success. Her promptness, wise guidance on the implementation of accounting principles, and attention to detail have provided me with better insights into my organization’s financial picture, improving my ability to lead the organization with sustainability in mind.”
“JFW Accounting Services is an important part of my organization’s success. Jo-Anne is responsive, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. We consider her part of the team and are grateful for her support! “
“We have worked with Jo-Anne Williams-Barnes for over five years and can say unequivocally that she has been a tremendous asset to our organization. Her deep experience, accounting expertise, and general know-how has significantly benefited us. She oversees all aspects of our finances, including our annual audit and tax filings and we would be lost without her. She has a wonderful attitude, is an absolute delight to work with, I highly, highly recommend her!”

We look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals!

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