Once your business or nonprofit organization has made the decision to shift to accounting on Salesforce, an obvious question arises: Who should implement the accounting package? Should you handle it internally or hire an expert and if it’s the latter, what kind of expert is best?
Before we look at the options, let’s first take a look at what it takes to effectively integrate accounting on Salesforce.
Implementation requirements
The first requirement for implementing Salesforce is technical knowledge of the platform at an architectural level. If you’re thinking about handling implementation in-house, you need to be sure that your IT team has an in-depth understanding of how Salesforce works, so they can not only implement the software but also troubleshoot any issues that arise during and after implementation.
The implementation should also be done by someone who understands accounting and topics like debits and credits. Most, and potentially all, of your business tools will share data in real time with Salesforce, so all of those tools need to be set up to communicate transactions to the accounting system. Salesforce’s integrated framework makes data sharing instantaneous and automatic but only if it’s implemented correctly.
Along with technical know-how, Salesforce implementation requires extensive project management experience and skills. A typical deployment will run in phases including project launch, system configuration, testing, transitioning, and follow-up. Every phase requires a project manager to oversee and direct the collaboration, timelines, and goals. If handling this in-house, it’s necessary to find a manager who has the capabilities as well as the time to see the implementation through from beginning to end.
Choosing the right option for your organization
You have several options when deciding who should implement accounting on Salesforce. If you have in-house staff available who possess IT knowledge, accounting and Salesforce expertise, and project management skills, it may make sense to handle implementation internally.
Most organizations do not have all of those capabilities, as well as the time needed to handle all phases of the implementation. In that case, you will want to consider hiring a Salesforce consultant. Look for a certified Salesforce Implementation Consultant who not only understands Salesforce software in general but is also able to identify your accounting process requirements and translate them into functional specifications for custom implementations.
Get the implementation support you need
Clear Cloud One connects Salesforce with Accounting Seed and Sage Intacct, the leading accounting apps, to give businesses one platform that speaks one language. Our CPAs and Salesforce certified professionals provide implementation support, ongoing maintenance, and customizations to tailor workflows and integrate existing and future business systems.
