- Business, Sage, Sage Intacct
Is your organisation getting the most out of Sage Intacct, or are you currently considering an implementation? Implementing a modern cloud accounting system like Sage Intacct isn’t just about installing new software – it’s about setting the foundation for smarter financial operations, better visibility, and long-term growth. A successful implementation requires more than just technical expertise; it demands careful planning, the right people, and a clear process from start to finish.
Yet given how busy and complex implementation projects can be, it’s easy to overlook some of the most critical steps that make the difference between a smooth go-live and a stressful one. Based on insights from our own implementation team, here’s a look at what has helped three of our Sage Intacct clients go live successfully – and what other organisations can learn from their journey.
1. Define what success looks like – and what it doesn’t
“The first key element in a successful implementation project is defining the scope. What issues are going to be addressed and, just as importantly, what items are not going to be included (at least in the first phase).”
Every successful implementation starts with a clear scope. This means understanding exactly what challenges the new system needs to solve – and which features or modules can wait until later. Without this clarity, projects can easily become overwhelmed by shifting requirements, last-minute requests, or “nice to have” extras that delay progress and dilute focus.
In one of our recent projects, our client approached their implementation with a strong sense of what they needed: robust multi-entity consolidation, efficient revenue recognition, and improved visibility over cash flow. By clearly defining these as the primary goals, we were able to focus the implementation around delivering value quickly, without getting side-tracked by lower-priority functionality.
It’s also important to set boundaries. Knowing what won’t be included in the initial phase helps manage expectations and prevents scope creep, keeping the timeline and budget on track.
2. Stick to a proven process – a real-life example from a not for profit using Sage Intacct accounting software
“It is also important to follow a proven project implementation process, typically adhering to the principles of PRINCE2. This ensures that all stakeholders involved are aware from the start what their role in the process is, and what will be expected of them and others (and when).”
A structured, transparent process is essential for keeping everyone aligned throughout the project. At Envisage, we apply the core principles of PRINCE2; an industry-standard project management methodology that emphasises clarity of roles, stage-based planning, and continuous business justification.
From our experience working across different sectors, having a structured project methodology is critical. For example, in a recent implementation with a not for profit organisation involving multiple departments; from finance to fundraising – the project had the potential to become fragmented. However, by establishing clear responsibilities from the outset, including defined decision-makers, process owners, and key users, we maintained alignment across teams. Regular progress checkpoints ensured that any issues were flagged early and addressed efficiently, keeping the project on track.
By following a defined methodology, both our team and the client’s team stayed on the same page – working collaboratively towards a shared outcome, with fewer surprises along the way. The structure and flexibility of Sage Intacct not for profit accounting software also played a vital role in supporting the organisation’s unique operational and reporting needs.
3. Ensure strong handovers between teams
“We find another key to success is a formal handover process between the pre-sales (or solution definition) team and the implementation team. This is also true once the project has been completed, this time between the implementation and support teams.”
Too often, valuable knowledge is lost during transitions. Whether it’s moving from the sales phase to project delivery, or from go-live to ongoing support, each handover carries the risk of misalignment or a loss of momentum.
That’s why we place a strong emphasis on handovers throughout the lifecycle of a Sage Intacct implementation. From the beginning, our implementation team is brought into conversations during the pre-sales phase to ensure they fully understand the client’s challenges, goals, and expectations.
Likewise, when the implementation is complete, we carry out a structured handover to our support team. This includes not just technical documentation, but insights into the client’s processes, any customisations made, and user training delivered. The result? A seamless transition where the client feels continuously supported – not dropped once the system goes live.
This handover model recently proved successful for a college we worked with. Having implemented Sage Intacct to support their complex reporting needs – spanning departments, funding sources, and compliance requirements, we ensured that the support team was fully briefed on the system configuration and user setup. This enabled them to respond quickly and effectively to any follow-up queries. It made a tangible difference to the college’s post-go-live experience, building confidence and trust in the new system.
4. Focus on people, not just product
While Sage Intacct provides powerful tools for finance teams; real-time dashboards, automation, and multi-entity consolidation, to name a few – it’s the people behind the project that determine its success.
A successful Sage Intacct implementation requires:
• Engaged stakeholders who champion the project internally.
• A responsive project team with a deep understanding of financial operations.
• Clear communication between consultants and client-side users.
One of our clients highlighted the importance of internal buy-in when rolling out Sage Intacct across international offices. By involving key users from each region early on and giving them input into how the system was configured, they fostered greater adoption and reduced training time post-launch.
It’s a simple but powerful reminder: the best technology won’t make a difference unless the people using it are equipped, empowered, and engaged.
5. Keep improving after go-live
Going live is not the end of the journey – it’s the beginning of real impact. After implementation, we continue working with clients to review usage, optimise processes, and plan for future phases of development.
Whether it’s rolling out additional modules, refining custom reports, or training new team members, successful implementations stay dynamic. They evolve with the business, growing and adapting as needs change.
Final Thoughts
Sage Intacct implementations succeed when they’re built on strong foundations – clear scope, proven methodology, effective communication, and ongoing support. At Envisage, we believe in delivering more than just a technical setup. We work closely with our clients to ensure they’re ready to make the most of Sage Intacct; today and into the future.
Thinking about your next financial system upgrade? Talk to our team about how we can help you implement Sage Intacct in a way that’s efficient, collaborative, and built for long-term success.
About the Author
Steve Boyes
Steve Boyes, the COO at Envisage, brings over 20 years of experience in accounting and IT to the table. With a robust background in specifying, designing, implementing, and supporting strategic solutions for SMEs, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations, Steve excels in addressing clients' real business problems and requirements rather than just focusing on technology. His approach has led to the successful execution of projects with some of Ireland's best-known companies.
