Buying an enterprise-level accounting platform isn't something you can do on a whim. These software packages typically cost thousands of dollars a year and require significant expense for installation, customization, employee training, and more. Understanding these programs' strengths and weaknesses can help you pick the right one before you spend a fortune on it.NetSuite and Intacct are two of the most popular enterprise-level accounting platforms–and for good reason. Read on to determine which one is the best fit for your company.

Sage Intacct

The basics

Sage Intacct is a general ledger accounting platform. Unlike many of its competitors, it was designed as a SaaS application from the beginning. It's a somewhat scalable program that allows businesses to add modules as they grow and their needs change.The basic version of Intacct comes with the following modules:

• General ledger
• Accounts payable
• Purchasing
• Order management
• Accounts receivable
• Cash management
• Reporting and dashboards
• Digital Board Book (a metric-tracking dashboard for SaaS companies)
• Collaboration (a communication program that stores messages in one place and integrates with Salesforce)

Intacct subscribers can purchase and add the following modules as needed:

Multi-entity management and global consolidations

Project accounting

Time and expense management

Contract revenue management

Contract and subscription billing

Sales and use tax

Check Delivery Service (automates check, ACH, and credit card payment runs)

Inventory management

Intacct’s GL setup and presentation are fairly typical, except for one slight oddity: the chart of accounts only uses numbers for the top accounts. Prepaid expenses might be numbered 1400, for example, but the accounts under that one would have labels like “Buildings,” “Vehicles,” “Furniture,” and so on instead of numbers like 1410, 1420, etc.

Pros and cons

Pros: Intacct does a great job of automating basic accounting functions, which allows finance teams to devote their time to more complex processes. For instance, accounts-payable tasks are managed in “workflows” that minimize the need for data entry.

The program uses a simple navigation system that is quite intuitive for most users. It can run on any device that has Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, so it’s possible to use Intacct on tablets or smartphones in addition to computers.

‍Cons: Intacct lacks both payroll and CRM modules, although it does integrate with Salesforce CRM.

Intacct support is only available Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific Time, though users can ask the Sage Intacct Community for help 24/7. Buying the program through a reseller will typically also come with the option to get support from that provider.

Pricing

Like nearly all SaaS platforms, Intacct runs on a subscription model. A basic version of the program may cost as little as $5,000 a year. However, larger companies with more complex accounting needs could end up spending $30,000 or more per year.

Who should choose it?

Intacct is a great choice for businesses that have outgrown QuickBooks and its competitors, but don’t need tons of extra functions. The program can also benefit companies using Salesforce as it integrates well with that CRM.

Oracle NetSuite

The basics

Oracle NetSuite, like Intacct, was intended from the start to be a cloud-based program. In fact, the company NetSuite was a pioneer in cloud software design prior to its acquisition by Oracle. NetSuite is not just an accounting program; it’s packed with other functionalities, including a full-scale CRM.NetSuite comes in a number of different versions that are set up for customers in specific industries, such as nonprofits, education, financial services, and health care. It also comes in different “editions:” Limited Edition, (for companies with fewer than 10 users), Mid-Market Edition (more than 10 users or multiple legal entities), and Enterprise Edition (1,000 or more users).

All three NetSuite editions come with the following functions:

• Financial management
• Financial planning

• Order management

• Production management

• Supply-chain management

• Warehouse and fulfillment

• Procurement

• CRM

NetSuite subscribers can purchase and add the following financial modules as needed:

• OneWorld (supports various multinational functions, such as currency adjustments and foreign taxation compliance)
• Advanced inventory
• Advanced financials (provides enhanced billing automation)

• Advanced procurement

• Contract renewals

• Demand planning (for inventory demand projections; requires the advanced inventory module)
• Fixed assets
• Incentive compensation (for calculating complex sales commissions)
• Point of sale (POS)
• Project costing
• Project management
• Premier payroll

• Recurring billing (for SaaS and other subscription-based companies)
• Revenue recognition
• Resource allocation

In addition, NetSuite subscribers can add modules to support more specialized functions, such as SuiteCommerce (for ecommerce companies) and Manufacturing WIP.

Pros and cons

Pros: NetSuite’s enormous list of functions, modules, apps, and integrations makes it remarkably customizable. Furthermore, you can create custom workflows to manage various processes.Because the program comes in several different editions, it’s easy for companies to upgrade their subscription as needed. That almost guarantees that an organization will not have to go through the process of switching to a new accounting system due to growth.NetSuite subscribers have flexible support options. They can either stick with the basic support package or purchase premium support, which includes 24/7 phone support, telephone case submission, and early notification for new releases.

‍Cons: NetSuite has a search function, but it’s not particularly well designed. This can be challenging given the program's complexity.New NetSuite subscribers must expect to spend a considerable amount of time and money getting the program set up and training finance personnel to use it. Without adequate training, users can easily get lost while trying to navigate through the vast array of screens and functions.

Pricing

Price will vary quite a bit depending on which edition and modules are needed. The base subscription is $999 per month plus $99 per user per month, so the minimum subscription may be almost $12,000. Resellers will likely charge additional fees for setup, support, and other services.

Who should choose it?

Enterprise-level companies who want their accounting platform to do more than just accounting would do well with NetSuite. Businesses that expect to grow quickly might also want to choose NetSuite, since it can scale up easily.

NetSuite vs. Intacct for your company

Both NetSuite and Intacct offer robust finance and accounting features at roughly comparable prices, but they differ in functionality.When choosing an accounting platform, consider not only what you want the program to do now, but also what you will want it to do in the next few years. The answers will tell you whether NetSuite or Intacct is the best choice for your company.