
- Business, Sage, Sage Intacct
Is your organisation getting the full benefit from Sage Intacct — or are you in the early stages of considering an implementation? Introducing a modern cloud accounting solution like Sage Intacct is more than just a software change; it lays the groundwork for enhanced financial operations, clearer insights, and scalable growth. But successful implementation isn’t just about technology — it takes careful planning, a committed team, and a well-defined process from start to finish.
Given how demanding and fast-paced implementation projects can be, it’s easy to miss some of the steps that make the difference between a smooth launch and a stressful one. Based on our team’s experience delivering successful Sage Intacct implementations in the UK and Ireland, here are five key lessons that have helped our clients — and can help you too.
1. Be clear on what success looks like – and what it doesn’t
“One of the most important parts of any successful implementation is defining the project scope — both what is included and what will be deliberately left out of the initial rollout.”
A clearly defined scope is vital. It means pinpointing the exact challenges your new system needs to resolve, and deciding which features or phases can wait until later. Without this clarity, projects can stall due to moving targets, last-minute change requests, or non-essential “nice-to-haves” that slow down delivery.
In one of our recent projects, our client approached their implementation with a strong sense of what they needed: robust multi-entity consolidation, efficient revenue recognition, and improved visibility over cash flow. By anchoring the implementation around these core needs, we delivered meaningful improvements quickly — without being sidetracked by lower-priority features.
Setting firm boundaries also helps manage expectations across the business. When everyone knows what’s included (and what’s not), you can avoid scope creep, protect your budget, and stay on schedule.
2. Follow a proven framework – a real-world example from a not for profit
“A defined, structured methodology — such as PRINCE2 — keeps everyone informed of their responsibilities and timelines from day one.”
Consistency in process is essential for success. At Envisage, we follow PRINCE2 principles — a proven, widely-used project management framework that promotes defined roles, staged planning, and ongoing justification for each phase of the project.
Our work across sectors has shown that a structured approach makes all the difference. In a recent Sage Intacct implementation for a not for profit organisation, we supported multiple departments — including finance and fundraising — all working toward a common goal. With clear roles established from the outset (decision-makers, process owners, and key users), we maintained alignment and accountability throughout. Regular checkpoints helped surface and resolve issues early, keeping momentum high and the project on track.
Having a tried-and-tested methodology allowed both our consultants and the client’s internal team to move forward with confidence — and the adaptability of Sage Intacct’s not for profit accounting software meant the solution could flex to support their unique needs.
3. Prioritise smooth handovers between teams
“Strong handovers — both between sales and implementation, and implementation and support — are often overlooked, but crucial for continuity.”
A lot can get lost during the handover phases. Whether it’s from pre-sales to delivery, or go-live to ongoing support, each transition is a chance for miscommunication — unless it’s handled properly.
That’s why we embed our Sage Intacct implementation team into discussions early, even during the pre-sales phase. This ensures they fully understand the client’s expectations and business priorities before the project even begins.
When implementation wraps up, we perform a structured handover to our support team. It includes not just technical specs but context — how the system is being used, which users have been trained, and what customisations were applied. That way, the client never feels left to manage on their own post go-live.
This approach paid off for a college we recently supported. Their Sage Intacct setup involved complex reporting needs spanning various departments and funding sources. Thanks to a thorough transition process, our support team hit the ground running and provided fast, effective assistance — building trust and ensuring post-implementation success.
4. Put people first – not just the technology
Sage Intacct is a powerful platform for finance teams — offering automation, dashboards, and advanced consolidation features. But technology alone doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome.
People do.
Successful Sage Intacct implementations depend on:
• Internal champions who actively support the change.
• An engaged project team that understands financial processes.
• Open communication between consultants and users.
One client running a multi-office rollout across Europe stressed how important user involvement was to their success. By involving stakeholders from each location in the setup and decision-making process, they saw faster adoption and reduced the need for extensive post-launch training.
It’s a valuable reminder: the most advanced features in the world mean little without the right people using them confidently and consistently.
5. Keep the momentum going after go-live
Going live isn’t the finish line — it’s the start of ongoing optimisation. Once your Sage Intacct implementation is complete, there’s still work to do to maximise value.
We continue supporting clients with everything from module expansions to report refinement and team training. A successful implementation should grow alongside your organisation, evolving as your needs shift.
Staying proactive ensures your investment continues to deliver long after the system is live — not just as a tool, but as a strategic asset.
Final Thoughts
The most successful Sage Intacct implementations are those grounded in clear goals, structured planning, open communication, and continued support. At Envisage, we work closely with organisations across the UK to deliver implementations that don’t just meet expectations — they exceed them.
Ready to take the next step? Speak to our team about how we can help you roll out Sage Intacct in a way that’s strategic, collaborative, and built for long-term growth.
About the Author

Steve Boyes
Steve Boyes, the COO at Envisage, brings over 20 years of experience in accounting and IT to the table. With a robust background in specifying, designing, implementing, and supporting strategic solutions for SMEs, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations, Steve excels in addressing clients' real business problems and requirements rather than just focusing on technology. His approach has led to the successful execution of projects with some of Ireland's best-known companies.