For chief financial officers (CFOs), staying ahead of technology trends, managing data and IT security, and navigating constant regulatory changes are pressing challenges. CFOs may also face additional hurdles as the business continues to grow.
As middle-market organizations get bigger, so do their needs. The demand for new technology likely means many are outgrowing legacy systems like QuickBooks and seeking more scalable, compliant cloud-based accounting software solutions.
As a value-added reseller (VAR) and implementor of Sage Intacct, Cherry Bekaert helps organizations make the transition from QuickBooks to Sage Intacct. Read on to examine the key differences between QuickBooks and Sage Intacct and why now may be the right time to make the switch.
Why Choose a New Accounting Software?
A 2020 survey by Accounting Today revealed that a growing number of middle-market organizations are facing friction with their current accounting systems, particularly as they deal with increasing technology demands. The survey also points out that 60% of organizations plan to increase tech spending in 2025, up from 50% in previous years, indicating a push toward more advanced systems.
This shift is largely driven by:
- The need for multi-entity and multi-location support
- Real-time financial visibility
- Automated workflows and compliance features
- Integration with other enterprise systems
Having an outdated accounting platform can cause several paint points, such as bottlenecked processes, low employee job satisfaction and time-consuming data reporting. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it could be time to upgrade our accounting software to a more robust platform.
QuickBooks vs. Sage Intacct: A Comparison
QuickBooks and Sage Intacct differ significantly in their capabilities, making them suitable for different types of organizations.
QuickBooks: A Small Business Solution
Developed by Intuit, QuickBooks is a business accounting software that can be used on-premises or over the cloud.
QuickBooks has typically been used by small businesses with straightforward accounting needs, offering basic financial management tools. Its main purpose is to track expenses, generate basic financial reports, invoice customers and manage payroll.
Sage Intacct: A Middle-Market Platform
In contrast, Sage Intacct is designed for mid-sized to large organizations that require robust financial operations. It excels in multi-entity consolidation, customizable dashboards, real-time reporting and compliance with complex regulatory standards.
Built as a cloud-native platform, Sage Intacct also integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems, making it a more scalable and strategic solution for growing businesses.
|
Category |
QuickBooks |
Sage Intacct |
|
Scalability |
Limited scalability |
Supports multi-entity, multi-currency and global consolidation |
|
Deployment |
Desktop and cloud versions |
Cloud-native, real-time access from anywhere |
|
Reporting |
Basic financial reports |
Advanced, customizable dashboards and real-time reporting |
|
Integrations |
Integrates with many small business tools |
Integrates with enterprise systems like Salesforce and ADP |
|
Compliance |
Basic user permissions |
Role-based access, approval workflows and audit-ready controls |
When To Switch to Sage Intacct From QuickBooks: Example Scenario
Now that you understand the differences between QuickBooks and Sage Intacct, let’s examine a typical case of why a company might switch to Sage Intacct.
A middle-market technology company experienced tremendous growth over the last five years and expanded its operations throughout the United States.
The organization had been using QuickBooks since its inception. While it worked in the early stages, the finance team began facing serious limitations, including manual financial tracking across spreadsheets, delayed reporting to board members and no audit trail for compliance with federal requirements.
The finance director spent hours reconciling data, preparing reports manually and worrying about audit readiness.
The technology company knew it needed a new accounting software solution and chose Sage Intacct for its accounting capabilities tailored to multi-entity and multi-dimensional reporting, automated workflows for approvals and allocations, and real-time dashboards for leadership.
By switching to Sage Intacct, the company transformed its finance function from reactive to strategic. This freed up time, reduced risk and enabled smarter decisions across the organization.
The Impact of Shifting to Sage Software
When an organization transitions from QuickBooks to Sage Intacct, the shift is not just technological, it’s also cultural. This change requires teams to move from a reactive, manual approach to a more strategic, data-driven mindset.
Less Workarounds, More Collaboration
QuickBooks typically fosters a culture of workarounds and spreadsheet dependency, where finance teams spend significant time on data entry and reconciliation.
In contrast, Sage Intacct introduces new tools, which demand a new way of thinking about processes, collaboration and decision-making. The enhanced integration makes it possible to capture data without having to use more time-consuming processes, helping reducing errors.
Less Bottlenecks, More Access to Data
One of the most important cultural shifts is the empowerment of non-financial stakeholders. With Sage Intacct’s customizable dashboards and role-based access, department heads, program managers and executives can access the financial insights they need without waiting on the finance team.
This democratization of data encourages accountability and faster decision-making across the organization.
Less Manual Tasks, More Strategic Leadership
Additionally, the finance team can evolve from being a back-office function to a strategic partner. With less time spent on manual tasks, finance professionals are able to focus on forecasting, scenario planning and advising leadership. This shift often requires training, change management and a willingness to embrace new workflows and technologies.
Ultimately, the success of a Sage Intacct implementation depends not just on the software but on the organization’s ability to embrace a culture of transparency, agility and continuous improvement.
How Cherry Bekaert Can Help You Switch
Collaborating with professionals is crucial for a smooth, efficient and successful transition to Sage Intacct. Our Digital Advisory team is equipped to guide businesses through implementation, offering:
- Skilled Data Migration: Our professionals understand how to accurately extract, clean and port financial data. This reduces the risk of data loss, duplication or errors that could disrupt your operations.
- Customized Configuration: Sage Intacct offers powerful customization options, including dimensions, workflows, dashboards and permissions. Our professionals help tailor the system to your organization’s structure and reporting needs.
- Integration Support: If you use other systems (e.g., customer relationship management, payroll, billing), our professionals can help integrate them with Sage Intacct, creating a seamless ecosystem and eliminating manual data entry.
- Compliance & Controls: Our team helps set up internal controls, audit trails and compliance features to meet standards like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), ASC 606 or nonprofit fund accounting requirements.
- Training & Change Management: We provide role-based training and support to help your team adopt the new system confidently and efficiently, minimizing downtime and resistance.
- Faster Time to Value: With a guided implementation, you avoid common pitfalls and delays, allowing you to benefit from Sage Intacct’s features sooner.
Your Guide Forward
Cherry Bekaert offers professional guidance to help your organization confidently transition from QuickBooks to Sage Intacct. With deep experience in financial system implementations and a strong understanding of industry-specific needs, we provide end-to-end support — from assessing your current processes and configuring Sage Intacct to managing data migration, training your team and optimizing workflows.
Our collaborative approach allows for a smooth, efficient migration while aligning your new system with strategic goals and empowering your finance team with real-time insights, automation and scalability.
