Within Sage Intacct, the best-in-class financial management system, users will encounter two common terms: “location” and “entity.” While at first the two words may seem to have similar meanings, it is crucial for businesses to grasp the distinctions between the two in order to accurately categorize and report on data.
What is an entity?
In the context of Sage Intacct, an entity is a type of location that typically represents a distinct legal or financial unit within an organization. It can be a company, a business unit, a department, a division, or any other discrete entity that requires separate financial reporting.
Each entity maintains its own set of books and financial data, allowing for individualized tracking and analysis. Entities are available when a business operates multiple divisions or has subsidiaries that require separate accounting and reporting. They provide a clear delineation of financial information, so businesses can assess the performance and profitability of each entity independently.
What is a location?
In Sage Intacct, a location is a dimension that can be defined by the company. It can be any physical or virtual site where business activities occur, such as a physical office, a retail store, a warehouse, or a website. Locations are used to track and allocate financial transactions associated with various operational sites.
Locations offer valuable insights into the performance of specific geographical areas, branches, or departments within an entity. By associating transactions with their respective locations, businesses can better understand the profitability and efficiency of different operational units.
The importance of knowing the difference
Understanding the distinction between location and entity ensures that financial data is accurately categorized and reported. By assigning transactions to the appropriate entity and location, businesses can generate precise financial statements, performance reports, and budgets for each segment.
In addition, by using entities and locations effectively, businesses can evaluate the financial performance of different segments within their organization. Entities enable comparative analysis of subsidiaries or divisions, while locations provide insights into the performance of specific operational sites. This information helps identify areas of strength and weakness, enabling targeted improvements and strategic decision-making.
Get the support you need
The experienced professionals at ACI Consulting can help you evaluate and implement the latest ERP and financial accounting solutions to help your business optimize payroll operations, save time and resources, and focus on core competencies. Contact us to learn more about our team and all of the services and solutions we offer.
