CaseWare IDEA vs. FloQast

One example of specific scenario in [CaseWare] IDEA is the ability to run samples separately and then based off of the results, compare and contrast the values recorded and easily discern if there are any variables or discrepancies within the data itself. Also, we can test journal entries with certain parameters to check the audit for any issues that may arise pertaining to the criteria. By testing, we are able to make sure the data is accurate and sufficient.

Incentivized

If complex close items need to be done in the correct order or multiple subs, FQ makes it a breeze to track. If your close is simple, or done with only a few people, their system might not be a great benefit. With a team of 20, we need a tool like this to keep everyone on the same page!

Incentivized

• Easy to understand and easy to use.
• Can use on large quantities of data and quickly analyze them.
• Uses logic that can be followed if one is an auditor. I, for example, could understand the logic in a number of samples, i.e how the number of samples thrown changes when risk changes from low to moderate in proportion taking in consideration the materiality.
• Other audit firms are using 2 software for the process that IDEA alone can do. So IDEA has a definite advantage here.
• Customizable by the company.

• Provides a clear status of the month end close.
• Allows us to analyze tasks by team member and reassign as needed.
• It syncs with our ERP Netsuite to ensure balance sheet reconciliations can be tied out directly.
• It also connects with Slack to notify users of key deadlines and changes in review status for team tasks.

Incentivized

• Bit of a learning curve for the advanced features as a beginner.

Incentivized

• A setting to allow for attachments to automatically be opened within the app (Adobe, Excel, etc.) rather than as a separate tab in the browser
• Some of our tasks are quarterly or annual so assigning a very specific date would be helpful
• Eliminate the need of "closing" review notes. Once we change the status to Resolved, that should be sufficient. Make Resolved and Closed one and the same

Incentivized

It has proven to enhance our procedures with closing. It is an effective tool that I would recommend to create a more efficient closing procedure and get the team more aligned. It increases the accountability among the staff and helps to keep us on task and on time. It is easy to sign into and has reminder emails for tasks that are coming up or late.

Incentivized

FloQast is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. The only reason I don't give it a 10 is that the Flux Analysis feature is not great in terms of getting the information into the system. Once it's in, fantastic! But some work is needed

We have only noticed a slight slow down in accessing FloQast on a couple of occasions (near the beginning of a month when many people were likely trying to get online to close their books). The issue has always resolved itself with three to five minutes, so it's never been a hinderance.

FloQast's performance is great. The pages always load quickly, and reports are completed fast! I've never noticed any slowdown in our ERP from the interface with FloQast.

I would rate it a 9 because I never really needed support on this but if I did, there was the necessary support given promptly.

They are rapid in their response. If they can't immediately offer a solution, they continue to keep in contact with you to let you know where they are in resolving your issues. The staff is friendly & speaks to you in layman's terms, not so high-tech that you can't understand

Incentivized

The FloQast team members are just so personable. FloQast has clearly done a great job hiring people who are not just good at what they do, but are also fun to work with! They have placed people in the right roles and the customer benefits from this. I have enjoyed every opportunity I've had to work with a FloQast team member on training.

The online training is good. But like all online, pre-recorded training, it is never quite as good as in-person or live training where one can ask questions or get clarification. That said, FloQast has an extensive training library and most of the time, if one finds they need help on a topic, it can be answered by going to the online training and watching appropriate recording.

Implementation occured before I started with the company (but despite the instruction to skip the question if I did not participate, the site required I put in a rating in order to move on to the next page)

I have used Microstart and would definitely vote for IDEA because IDEA combines what Microstart does with the help of one/more softwares. Where Microstart just gives a number of samples, IDEA selects the number of samples based on materiality, risk, and other factors. It selects those samples from the population leaving out line items that are invalid/ zero. I would prefer using IDEA any day.

We evaluated BlackLine along with FloQast and ultimately decided to sign up with FloQast. Our team really liked the ability to leverage their existing Excel reconciliation templates that could link to the FloQast user interface. Comparatively, the pre-made reconciliation templates that were demonstrated in BlackLine felt a bit more inflexible and felt like it would invite a longer implementation/conversion timeline.

Incentivized

I did not help in the purcase

We started using it with one client/customer and now use it with fourteen entities and plan to add two more in the next couple of months. It has made it possible to grow our business without hiring additional personnel. We can do more work with the same number of people

• We were able to save time by over 200 billable hours over our last busy season cycle
• We saved roughly 12% on costs compared to the last program we used.

Incentivized

• ROI has been quick. Using Floqast we were able to put off hiring additional headcount for a year due to the efficiencies we were able to garner.
• Floqast also helped with change management and process documentation. It centralized work papers into one easy to find location where in the past workpapers were disorganized.

Incentivized