January 1st is a popular Go Live date for any software implementation, and we certainly see that with our Unanet clients. The benefits of starting a new accounting system at the beginning of the year include several things such as:
- Less detail data conversion
- Less cost of implementation
- YTD General Ledger reconciliation to the Job Reports
- 1099 processing in Go Live year
Although the benefits are obvious, there are also some complications with a January 1 Go Live date:
- Holidays and PTO impact implementation staff availability
- Other year-end processes are also happening (W2s, 1099s, year-end close, etc.)
- Often in tandem with a payroll implementation, staff benefit changes, etc.
It is imperative to the success of the implementation to stay on schedule with routine transaction entry to ensure processes do not bottleneck and cause issues with cash flow or missed external reporting deadlines.
So, what is a healthy timeline for implementation items completion for the January 1 Go Live date? Where are those companies in the status of their implementation at this point in the year? At Redstone GCI, we play a huge role in the Go Live process for training purposes as well as quality assurance for the Unanet system design and process. We ensure that our new clients are immediately able to utilize the different functions of the Unanet system so daily transactions are accounted for as we wait to load the final data for prior year. It is our goal to have a timely January 2024 close to ensure that the system can meet the needs of the company and the staff can administer the system independently.
If you’ve implemented Unanet on January 1st and you’re struggling to use the system in real time, we can assist you. Additional training, system design review, and subledger reconciliations are all important aspects of post Go Live support that we focus on at Redstone GCI.
Katherine (Katie) Donnell serves as the Director of Unanet Practice Services at Redstone Government Consulting, Inc., where she leads the firm’s Unanet consulting practice in delivering expert implementation, optimization, and compliance support to government contractors. With extensive expertise in DCAA-compliant Unanet Time & Expense Tracking, Project Portfolio, and Financials, Katie plays a vital role in helping contractors build and maintain compliant, efficient financial and project management systems. As one of the first Unanet Certified Implementers, Katie was part of Unanet’s initial pilot certification program for non-Unanet consultants, investing over 300 hours in training, system development, and rigorous testing to obtain her certification. She holds Unanet Advanced Project Management training credentials and is also a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Her technical expertise and real-world implementation experience make her a trusted advisor, frequently called upon by Unanet’s internal teams to support implementation projects as an external expert. Katie is also responsible for the continued growth and strategic oversight of Redstone GCI’s Unanet Practice, ensuring that quality of service, client support, and consultant development remain at the highest standard. She is committed to advancing the professional development and expertise of Redstone GCI’s Unanet consulting team, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry best practices and evolving compliance requirements. At Redstone GCI, Katie serves as a primary point of contact for numerous small business clients, providing ongoing government cost accounting and compliance support. She regularly assists with monthly accounting close processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting for program management and executives. Her unique combination of software system expertise and compliance knowledge allows her to provide strategic, hands-on guidance to government contractors navigating complex regulatory and financial landscapes. With extensive experience in government contract accounting and compliance, Katie has assisted contractors with DCAA audit readiness, including SF1408 pre-award accounting system audits, provisional billing rate submissions, forward pricing rate development, and incurred cost submissions. She also helps clients design and implement compliant policies and procedures to support an adequate DCAA-approved accounting system. Prior to joining Redstone GCI, Katie worked in public accounting and government contracting, gaining operational experience with Unanet, QuickBooks, SpringAhead, Deltek T&E, ADP, Paychex, and QB Payroll. Her extensive background in accounting, compliance, and financial systems ensures that Redstone GCI’s Unanet clients receive the highest level of technical and regulatory expertise.