How Strategy First Finance Slashed Reporting Time by 75% with Acterys
- Strategy First Finance
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
At Strategy First Finance, we've always believed in treating our clients' businesses as investments, focusing on value creation and risk management. When Owner & CFA Matt Goldberg set out to find a solution that would transform our financial reporting processes, he discovered Acterys—a platform that would fundamentally change how we serve our clients.
The Challenge We Faced
Like many modern accounting firms, we were drowning in data management challenges. Our team was spending 80% oof our time simply building reports, with another 15% dedicated to verifying data accuracy. That left us with only 5% of our time for actual analysis and strategic insights for our clients.
The specific pain points included:
• Difficulty integrating data from multiple sources accurately
• Lack of tools simple enough for non-IT professionals to use effectively
• Inability to customize reports to meet our specific client needs
• Manual processes that consume time are better spent on client service
Why We Chose Acterys
After evaluating several solutions, Acterys stood out for three key reasons: robust data integration capabilities, a user-friendly interface that didn't require IT expertise, and the flexibility to create customized reports in Excel and Power BI.
The platform offered everything we needed: the ability to create sub-ledgers, automate journal entries, and significantly reduce manual data manipulation—all while ensuring data accuracy and consistency across our financial reports.
The Transformation: Results That Matter
The impact was immediate and dramatic:
75% Reduction in Reporting Time
By automating data integration and report generation, we transformed our workflow. What used to take hours now takes minutes. Our team can refresh and update reports with reliable data at the click of a button, giving clients up-to-date information efficiently and accurately.
20% Time Saved in Data Preparation
The automation of complex accounting entries—accruals, allocations, and other intricate calculations—freed up significant time. We no longer spend hours validating data; Acterys ensures accuracy from the start.
Enhanced Analytical Capabilities
As Matt explains: "We can drill down into detailed financial data, automate complex accounting entries, and significantly reduce our time to close." This capability has transformed how we understand our clients' financial positions and the quality of insights we can provide.
Better Client Relationships
Perhaps the most valuable outcome has been our enhanced ability to engage with clients. With accurate, customizable reports readily available, we're having more meaningful conversations about strategy and growth rather than spending time verifying numbers.
Our vetted formulas ensure reliable reports that spark productive discussions. Clients frequently return with new requests—analyzing data by geography, adding variables, or exploring different scenarios. This ongoing collaboration creates tremendous value and deepens trust.
Operational Excellence
Internally, Acterys has enabled us to standardize workflows across all clients. We've created core data sets for financials, sales, and payroll that work consistently across our client base. This standardization ensures consistency in reporting and analysis while making it easier to manage multiple clients efficiently.
The Bottom Line
Acterys has become the core tool we use daily, both for client reporting and internal processes. "Acterys has become the core tool we use daily, both for client reporting and internal processes," Matt notes. The platform gives us a competitive edge in delivering value to our clients while operating more efficiently as a firm.
The transformation has been remarkable: from spending the majority of our time on data preparation and verification to focusing on analysis and strategic guidance. Our clients receive better service, and our team has more time to do the work they find most rewarding—helping businesses grow and succeed.
Learn More
Watch CEO Matt Goldberg discuss Strategy First Finance's experience with Acterys.
See the full article here: Strategy First Finance Slashes Reporting Time | Acterys
If you're interested in learning how we can help your business achieve similar results with better financial reporting and analysis, please contact us.
About Strategy First Finance
Strategy First Finance is a Dallas, Texas-based accounting firm that goes beyond traditional accounting services. We view our clients' businesses as investments, focusing on value creation and risk management. By leveraging cutting-edge technology like Acterys, we deliver accurate, timely financial insights that help our clients make better business decisions.
