Remote Accounting Operations engagements include five phases, adapted to the special requirements of process-oriented engagements: Click to view larger image Initiation – Client provides overview of the business, information on the specific accounting applications (e.g. documentation, reports), roles and responsibilities for accounting operations, bank and other external financial information, such as key client invoicing cycles and business goals for considering remote support. The Ascella team analyses the current accounting system and operations using standard models, identifies special elements such as current reconciliation issues, lack of procedures, staff constraints, schedules, etc. and prepares a preliminary estimate, draft concept of operations and draft SLA. Clarification and negotiation followed by contract execution. Inception—Short planning phase focused on confirming preliminary information gathered during Initiation, test transaction processing for the accounting system, discussions with accounting staff regarding current procedures, review of reporting and control processes, Draft of Concept of Operations, preparation of a detailed project plan and implementation of management and QA processes Analysis—With client assistance, Ascella gathers detailed transaction records and prepares plan for reconciliation, works with client to re-engineer each key accounting process, refines Concept of Operations specifying future state document processing, analyzes control issues and risks. Begin organization change management. Reconciliation—Complete detailed reconciliation, enter required accounting information and document changes. Implement new accounting cycles, including billing, collections, payable and payroll. Support client reporting and acceptance. QA all processes and manages potential scope changes. Assist client with organization training and change management. Support—Execute normal operational cycles, collecting assessment data to establish benchmarks for future productivity enhancements. Collect and analyze new recommendations and propose long term goals for client review. Manage and report against SLA