I’ve been an FRx consultant since 1995. It’s just about all I do.
Many companies certainly have the talent on board to work with this software, but they just don’t have the time to create the reports that will take full advantage of FRx capabilities. That’s where consulting comes in.
Typical FRx consulting projects
Most of my engagements fall into one of four categories:
- New implementations: It’s so important to get FRx set up right the first time! If not, see “revamp” below.
- New reports: Adding new reports to existing FRx reports. Usually these consist of more advanced reports or charts.
- Revamp existing reports: Financial managers often inherit FRx implementations and want to clean them up. Or perhaps you know instinctively that there’s an easier way. I do a lot of fixing existing reports. And quite often I can reduce the number of reports by a better implementation of reporting trees. I always look for these opportunities; I get such a kick out of making your life easier by presenting you a smaller number of reports to maintain.
- FRx Training: I can train your users either after the fact or during new or revamp report development.
Quite often financials live in Excel, usually in a complicated model based on a trial balance, and need to be created in FRx. I know Excel quite well and do lots of these. For more information, see the post Recreating Your Excel Financials in FRx.
Engagement Length
Most of my engagements run from two days to two to three weeks.
Where I Work
I do most training onsite, but most consulting engagements are remote. I have a blazing fast fiber optic internet connection and a quiet office. On occasion, if the reporting requirements are especially difficult, I’ll start an engagement onsite but finish remotely. I work all over the country including Alaska and Hawaii. Have also been to London for an FRx job!
Who I usually work with
Client Profile
My clients run a variety of ERP systems and most have revenues from about $30 million to $500 million, although I do see some smaller companies and some much larger publicly held companies.
The ERP I see most is Dynamics GP. I also see lots of Dynamics SL and AX, Epicor, Sage, and some specialized ERPs like Viewpoint, SyteLine, and Datatel. (I don’t work with these systems; I only work with FRx. The interface is the same no matter what the ERP.)
I work directly with the accounting department—managers and analysts and controllers. Sometimes I’m hired by IT to work with the accountants. Sometimes I work with a hands-on CFO.
My experience as an FRx consultant
I’ve been a CPA for 25 years—so I’m not exactly a spring chicken, but I do have the experience to work one on one with CFOs.
I’ve been working as an FRx consultant for 15 of those years. I’ve worked with FRx exclusively for almost 10 years. I have both of the official FRx certifications: Authorized FRx Consulting Professional and MBS Certified FRx Specialist.
I have tons of experience with unusual reporting requirements. Every industry is different. It’s my job to determine how to successfully present the stats and ratios you want, and I’ve done just that many times.
Over the years, I’ve developed my own FRx Best Practices, techniques that give consistent and successful results when implemented. Things like using a separate area for new reports (so your existing reports aren’t touched) and printed documentation for each report. I have a checklist and use these techniques on every engagement.
I give focused attention on every engagement. I work only on a handful of clients at a time.
I know a lot of tips and tricks that streamline engagements, and I know quite a few traps to avoid as well.
I believe in simple, practical, elegant designs: each report is as simple as possible within the constraints of the job it has to do. So your maintenance is simplified as much as possible.
Want to talk about hiring me?
If you want to talk about working together, please email me at jlh@jharrigan.com.
Sooner or later I’ll need the following information, so please attach these to your email if you want a headstart:
1. The answers to the FRx Questionnaire.
2. Your spec set if you have existing FRx reports: see Send Me Your Spec Set.
3. Examples of the reports you want to create, if applicable: see Send Example Reports.
You will normally hear back from me very quickly. If you don’t, a spam filter probably intercepted one of us, so please call 512-425-0600.
We’ll use email to set up a time to talk live about your project without any obligation whatsoever: your project needs, what can be accomplished and what can’t, timing, etc.
If you decide to proceed, I have a simple Letter Agreement that specifies the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Nice to have things spelled out in advance. My letter agreement has a confidentiality section, but I’m happy to execute any NDA agreement you may have. I maintain and use a commercial shredder. I’m serious about confidentiality. Enough said.
For a few short engagement case studies and client comments, see FRx References.
My job is to make your FRx life easier, and I look forward to hearing about your project.