Accounting system for medium sized group of comps

Any recommendations for a new system for global group company structure?

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We're currently running Microsoft GP/Dynamics but Microsoft have withdrawn support and are no longer investing in development of this product.  The company has grown significantly in the last 10 years meaning the system as it is now, is no longer set up right.  This means either a complete overhaul and reimplementation of MSGP, or do the work and invest in a newer system that meets more of our needs.  I'm at the stage of inviting demonstrations, does anyone have any recommendations with the info below in mind?

Company turnover £70m+

Global business with approx. 30 companies

English and Spanish required

Multi currency

Intercompany transactions

Consolidation tool

Low volume accounts payable transactions

High volume accounts receivable transactions

Online expenses submission and app would be advantageous

Revenue is predominantly on a subscription basis, and so is deferred over 12 months

Replies (8)

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By Accountant A
27th Feb 2017 18:30

For that size/complexity I'd be seeing what the auditors suggested.

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By tom123
27th Feb 2017 19:29

Whatever you do, not Syspro - it is a bit of a pig.

I use Sage 200 - but we are only a few million, so that could be too small.

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By WhichTyler
28th Feb 2017 09:32

Worth looking at MS Dynamics NAV.

But at this scale & complexity it is all about how you specify the system, how much customisation it needs for your particular processes. For instance, how much integration with other systems (such as stock keeping, online sales shop) do you need? Is the system going to be centrally controlled or will the local offices be running it too? So do you need support & training in the overseas companies? What expertise will you need in house

so while each system has its pros & cons, you need to choose the right partner to implement it...

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AS
By AS
28th Feb 2017 10:00

You need to decide whether you want an accounting system only or a full ERP system or integrated CRM system, integration with web sales, look at issues with local VAT/sales tax rules, how many users will be using the system, etc.

For a global multi-lingual system, you need to look at the few big systems that are available like Microsoft Navision, Oracle Financials, etc.

I have been involved in a Microsoft Navision implementation across 22 countries around the world. It works well if you have a good supplier that implements it properly for you. The total cost can be over £1m!

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RedFive
By RedFive
28th Feb 2017 10:59

Take a look at Sage X3

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By NeilRH
28th Feb 2017 11:59

Accountant A wrote:

For that size/complexity I'd be seeing what the auditors suggested.

The only issue I see with an auditors suggestion is that they'll probably suggest what is best from an audit/financial accounting perspective only, not necessarily what's suitable for the business overall. I've worked in industry for virtually all my career, the auditors I've dealt with have never cared what system we had, only how we use it etc.

RedFive wrote:

Take a look at Sage X3

I'd be interested in hearing your experiences with Sage X3 (not truly a Sage product!), I've used systems ranging from Sage 50 trough to Oracle, with various others of varying size/complexity in between, X3 was by far the system I would rank lowest, to the point of advising a steer clear.

Overall it's not just the system, but how it's set up for you (a good vendor can be worth their weight in gold here), your own protocols for using the system and on going support/updates (again, a good vendor!). The best system I've used is Epicor, we had it as "all singing, all dancing" as we could and needed, resulting in excellent work flow and minimal need of other systems/processes or extra work in spread sheets etc. We did have a top class vendor who knew the system inside out and were able to offer good quality and pro-active support.

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By James_Whitelegg
02nd Mar 2017 11:47

We have recently implemented Netsuite, and it will do everything on the list, provided you buy the "one world" option. It's also cloud based which reduces admin. We looked at X3 (as we were also looking at Sage 50), and Microsoft Nav, but both were too expensive.

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By steve charlick
02nd Mar 2017 20:48

Have a look at NetSuite..it will soak up a company size and structure such as yours..it's 100% cloud full crm and Erp functionality. I've implemented it accross a number of verticals and it does the job..very well

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