Background: As part of its migration to a shared services environment, this CTS Impact client was centralizing its worldwide Commissions function, including a new software tool.   Previously, several different software applications were in use supporting various business units, and with disparate business processes with varying degrees of complexity.

CTS Impact Solution:  As an experienced IT Project Manager with hands-on experience with commissions processes, CTS Impact performed the following:

• Requirements definition
  • Define future state model
  • Identify specific reporting needs
• Data mapping and design
  • Research all data inflows and outflows
  • System mapping of over 50 commission plans
• Design and document
  • Process design
  • Document standard operating procedures
• User-acceptance testing (UAT)
• User-training and roll-out support

Background: In a technology-centric operation, this CTS Impact client had identified significant internal control weaknesses which required disclosure in its annual report to the SEC.  Due to the dynamic nature of the client’s environment, numerous applications, hardware, networks and other technical infrastructure were in place due in part to informal IT governance.

CTS Impact Solution: In order to remediate the material controls weaknesses, the first step was to identify ALL systems in use, understanding their connectivity and interaction, and then to address the controls deficiencies. CTS Impact provided a Project Manager and staff to perform the following:

• System mapping
  • Identify critical systems (software, hardware, networks, interfaces)
  • Document comprehensive systems in use (over 100 identified)
  • Identify gaps and inefficiencies
• Analysis and Remediation
  • Perform risk assessment
  • Documentation of key controls
  • Perform IT compliance testing
  • Remediation planning and execution, including development of standard operating procedures

Given the depth of understanding of this client’s systems, business processes, culture and overall environment, CTS also assisted this client with the following other projects:

• IT project management
• Payment Card Industry (PCI) data security compliance
• Treasury workstation design, roll-out and user-training
• Interim Business Analyst — financial systems

Background:
In the midst of unprecedented company growth, this global technology and social networking company’s reporting needs expanded in both complexity and volume. With multi-national operations in over 40 countries worldwide, a standardized and automated reporting tool was mission-critical to produce GAAP-basis consolidated financial statements.

Financial data needed to be mapped from many different financial systems, including multi-currency transactions in 35 different local currencies. Joint venture and minority interest ownership of certain entities were also key issues for the consolidation of financial results.

In anticipation of its planned initial public offering, Groupon accounting staff had limited SEC expertise on staff. Also, the financial and systems controls needed to be reviewed and documented to analyze any potential gaps.

CTS Impact Solution:

Financial Systems Design and Implementation

• Cloud-based financial reporting tool (Host Analytics)–Rapid design and deployment
• Chart of accounts design
• Integration with cloud-based general ledger system (NetSuite)

IPO readiness

• S-1 registration statement preparation support and disclosures
• Interim staffing–financial reporting and consolidations

Corporate Governance and Compliance

• Risk assessment of internal control environment
• Documentation of key controls and processes (Financial and IT)
• Analysis of potential gaps
• Remediation planning

Background: Based on the success of its products, this CTS Impact client explored various strategic transactions, including a potential sale.  As a part of these efforts, the client needed to understand and analyze the financial impact of these potential transactions, in order to make the best decision for the organization.

CTS Impact Solution:

• Prepare pro forma financial information for potential sale
• Prepare budget updates and cash flow forecasting
  • Perform operational analysis
  • Market analysis
  • Competitive analysis of comparable businesses
• Establish electronic data room
• Draft Offering Memorandum
• Coordinate responses to information requests from third parties

Background: With the objective to further automate various financial processes, numerous IT projects were pending. In order to facilitate the prioritization and execution of these activities, CTS Impact provided an Interim Business Analyst:

• Serve as key liaison with business owners and IT department
• Define specific reporting requirements based on interviews with business functions
• Evaluate options to meet requirements
• Design and develop performance metrics reports
• Monitor progress of related IT projects in progress

CTS Impact Solution: With significant real estate accounting operations and JD Edwards system implementation and user experience, the CTS staff performed the following:

• Business process analysis
• Workflow design and documentation
• Testing
  • Develop methodology
  • Script development
  • System and user testing
• Develop user-training  program and manual
• Trouble-shooting and support during go-live