Why Switching from Sage Intacct to QBO

Sage Intacct and QuickBooks Online serve different types of businesses, with Sage Intacct often preferred by mid-sized and larger enterprises due to its advanced features and scalability. However, many small to mid-sized businesses may find QBO more user-friendly, cost-effective, and better suited to their needs. QuickBooks Online offers:

• Ease of Use: A more intuitive interface and simpler navigation.
• Integration: Seamless integration with a wide range of third-party apps.
• Accessibility: Cloud-based access, allowing users to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lower subscription fees and reduced IT overhead.

Pre-Conversion Considerations

Before initiating the conversion process, consider the following:

• Data Evaluation: Assess the data stored in Sage Intacct. Identify what needs to be migrated, such as customer lists, vendor details, account balances, transactions, and financial reports.

• Data Cleanup: Clean up your Sage Intacct data to remove duplicates, outdated information, and errors. This will make the conversion process smoother and more accurate.

• Plan for Downtime: Although QBO conversion tools aim to minimize downtime, it's crucial to plan for a transition period where some operations may be slower than usual.

• Backup Your Data: Ensure that you have a complete backup of your Sage Intacct data before starting the conversion process. This is a safety net in case anything goes wrong.

Steps to Convert from Sage Intacct to QuickBooks Online

1. Choose the Right Conversion Method

There are two main methods to convert from Sage Intacct to QBO:

• Manual Data Entry: For smaller businesses or those with less complex data, manual data entry may be a viable option. This involves exporting data from Sage Intacct and manually entering it into QBO.

• Third-Party Conversion Tools: For larger businesses with more complex data, using a third-party conversion tool or service is recommended. These tools are designed to handle large volumes of data and can automate much of the conversion process.

2. Export Data from Sage Intacct

Begin by exporting your data from Sage Intacct. Focus on key areas such as:

• Chart of Accounts
• Customer and Vendor Information
• Open Invoices and Bills
• Account Balances
• Financial Reports

Sage Intacct typically allows data export in CSV or Excel formats, which are compatible with most conversion tools.

3. Import Data into QuickBooks Online

Once your data is exported, the next step is to import it into QBO. Depending on the method chosen, this may involve:

• Manual Import: If using the manual method, you’ll need to input the data manually into QBO using the provided import tools.

• Automated Import via Tools: If using a third-party tool, follow the tool's instructions to map Sage Intacct data fields to the corresponding fields in QBO. Most tools will automate this process and handle large data sets efficiently.

4. Reconcile and Validate the Data

After importing the data, it’s crucial to reconcile and validate it to ensure accuracy. Key steps include:

• Reconcile Bank Accounts: Ensure that your bank balances match between Sage Intacct and QBO.
• Check Account Balances: Verify that all account balances, including assets, liabilities, and equity, are accurately reflected.
• Review Customer and Vendor Balances: Confirm that open invoices and bills are correct.
• Run Financial Reports: Compare financial reports from Sage Intacct and QBO to ensure consistency.

5. Customize QuickBooks Online Settings

After successfully migrating your data, customize QBO settings to match your business needs:

• Set Up Users: Configure user permissions and roles based on your team's requirements.
• Configure Chart of Accounts: Tailor the chart of accounts in QBO to align with your business's structure.
• Integrate Third-Party Apps: Connect any third-party applications you were using with Sage Intacct or explore new ones that may benefit your business.

6. Train Your Team

Ensure your team is trained on how to use QuickBooks Online. QBO offers a wide range of resources, including tutorials, webinars, and support, to help users get up to speed.

7. Monitor and Adjust

After the conversion, monitor the system closely for any discrepancies or issues. Regularly review reports and make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Post-Conversion Tips

• Regularly Backup Data: Make it a habit to back up your data regularly in QBO to prevent any data loss.
• Leverage QBO Features: Explore QBO's features like automation, invoicing, and reporting to maximize efficiency.
• Seek Support: If you encounter any challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks support or consult with a QBO expert.