- Not-For-Profit, Sage Intacct
Not-for-profit organisations face many of the same pressures as commercial businesses – but with tighter budgets and greater public scrutiny. Rising costs, growing demand, and new reporting requirements leave many charities wondering how to stay compliant and keep delivering essential services.
Transparent financial management isn’t just a legal obligation. It’s what builds trust, attracts funding, and keeps vital work moving forward. In Ireland, interest in charity finances is growing fast: the Charities Regulator reported a 43% jump in public views of charity records last year. At the same time, more charities are modernising their accounting systems to stay ahead of stricter rules and higher expectations.
Accountability is under the microscope
According to the Regulator’s latest annual report, nearly 500 concerns were raised about Irish charities, and one in five related to financial control or transparency. A new public “traffic light” system now highlights whether a charity has filed its annual report on time. Miss a deadline or submit incomplete data and you risk not only removal from the register, but a loss of donor confidence.
In this environment, accurate, timely financial reporting is no longer just an internal task but a public promise. Finance teams and boards need tools that can keep that promise.
Why the right accounting software matters
Charities have unique financial needs that spreadsheets or generic accounting tools often struggle to meet. Grant tracking, multi-fund reporting, and detailed audit trails require a specialised solution. This is where Sage Intacct accounting software comes in. Designed specifically for not-for-profits, it helps organisations stay compliant while keeping finances clear and accessible.
The charities we work with consistently tell us how Sage Intacct has transformed their financial management. Real-time dashboards and automated reporting give boards and executives an instant view of the organisation’s financial health. Being able to drill down into every figure makes audits and compliance checks far less stressful, while providing the transparency needed to satisfy donors, regulators, and trustees.
As a trusted Sage Intacct partner, Envisage has guided not-for-profits across Ireland to make the most of these capabilities. By combining the software with our sector-specific expertise, finance teams gain confidence in managing multiple grants, tracking funds accurately, and reporting clearly.
Putting it into practice: Sage Intacct features for not-for-profits
Sage Intacct provides tools that help not-for-profits manage finances more effectively, maintain transparency, and make decisions with confidence. Beyond basic accounting, it gives finance teams clarity and control, so they can focus on the organisation’s mission rather than being slowed down in manual processes.
• Tracks funds and grants with confidence:
Managing multiple grants and restricted funds can be complex, with each having its own rules and reporting requirements. Sage Intacct centralises fund tracking, making it easier to allocate, monitor, and report on every euro. This ensures funds are used as intended and provides a clear, auditable record for donors and regulators.
• Built-in audit trails:
Every transaction is automatically logged, creating a reliable audit trail. This helps charities answer questions quickly, stay audit-ready, and reassure boards and leadership teams that all financial activity is transparent.
• Automation that frees up resources:
Routine tasks like journal entries, supplier payments, or procure-to-pay processes can take up significant time. Sage Intacct automates these processes, reducing errors and freeing staff to focus on strategic priorities such as planning, analysing performance, or engaging with donors.
• Powerful visual insights:
Rather than wrestling with spreadsheets, finance teams can use dashboards and visual reports to quickly see trends, measure impact, and communicate results. Visual insights make it easier for boards and donors to understand how resources are being used and the outcomes they are creating.
• Flexible and secure in the cloud:
With staff and volunteers often working across different locations, cloud access is essential. Sage Intacct allows secure access to financial processes from anywhere, supporting collaboration, resilience, and continuity without expensive IT infrastructure.
• Easy integration with other systems:
Most charities rely on multiple platforms for fundraising, operations, and donor management. Sage Intacct integrates smoothly with these tools, reducing duplication and providing a single, accurate view of finances. This makes everyday tasks simpler and ensures teams can focus on delivering their mission.
Partnering for Success
Software alone isn’t enough. Working with an experienced Sage Intacct partner ensures you get expert guidance on setup, configuration, and ongoing support. At Envisage, we help not-for-profits implement Sage Intacct in a way that aligns with their specific processes and regulatory requirements, giving finance teams the confidence to focus on their mission.
Having the right guidance also makes it easier to meet compliance standards, which protects more than just your organisation – it builds trust with donors, volunteers, and the communities you serve. Purpose-built tools like Sage Intacct help charities handle today’s reporting requirements while preparing for future challenges, so finance teams can feel confident and supported.
Whether you’re managing multiple grants, preparing for a detailed audit, or simply tired of relying on outdated spreadsheets, Sage Intacct can make a real difference. Let us help your not-for-profit thrive, contact us today for expert advice tailored to your organisation’s needs.
About the Author
David Burke
David Burke, the Technical Director for Envisage, is responsible for developing bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions, including easyDD for Sage. In 2023, he achieved accreditation as a Sage Intacct Implementation Certified Consultant.
