Client Background
Our client had been using Sage Accounts for over 20 years, maintaining an offline accounting system and relying fully on their accountant to update records, process payments, and produce year-end financials. When they approached us, they were looking to use their financial data to shape a long-term business strategy. However, we encountered a key challenge—accessing accurate financial information.
The Challenge
Two primary issues made it difficult to extract reliable insights:
- The transition from Sage to Xero had not been structured, leading to inconsistencies in financial data.
- Without clear guidance during the migration, discrepancies had developed, creating gaps in financial clarity.
Our Approach
To ensure the integrity of the financial data, we conducted a comprehensive data cleaning and validation exercise.
- We obtained a full backup of the client’s historical Sage Accounts.
- By downloading the entire general ledger from previous years, we identified key financial trends and patterns.
- We compared Sage and Xero records side by side—validating balance sheets, aged creditors, and aged debtors to ensure alignment.
- Our analysis extended to reconciling figures with bank statements, identifying discrepancies, and using sophisticated data validation methods to restore accuracy.
The Outcome
Through this structured approach, we successfully:
✅ Eliminated inconsistencies across both Sage and Xero, ensuring the data fully reflected actual financial performance.
✅ Restored financial clarity, enabling the business to rely on accurate information for decision-making.
✅ Developed a robust financial foundation, allowing the client to confidently project profit and cash flow for future planning.
With clean and reliable financial data, the client is now equipped with the tools needed to enhance their strategy and make informed business decisions. By implementing a structured and transparent approach to their financial systems, we have empowered them with the insight necessary for long-term success.