Mid-sized accounting firm (100 employees) seeking knowledge database tool recommendations
A specialist with internal audit experience at a Big Four firm and a large media and entertainment company, currently employed at a mid-sized accounting firm of about 100 people in Southern California, is evaluating knowledge database tools. The existing tool, CCH Accounting Research Manager, performs well in technical accounting publications but lacks risk and control matrices and KPI samples needed for internal audit. The specialist seeks peer recommendations for software suitable for the resource constraints of small and mid-sized firms, noting that customized Big Four tools may not be applicable.
I previously worked at a Big 4 accounting firm and a large media and entertainment company, both of which had excellent internal audit risk, control, and KPI databases. Currently, my small firm (about 100 employees) only uses a tool with limited functionality—CCH Accounting Research Manager (CCH ARM)—and we are evaluating other alternatives. The firm is located in Southern California and primarily serves US GAAP clients.
If you work at a small or mid-sized accounting firm, what software have you found to be both practical and aligned with your firm's resources? Most tools used by the Big 4 are highly customized and may not be suitable for a firm of our size. CCH ARM performs well in terms of technical accounting publications but is weaker in internal audit. For example, when I need to find a risk and control matrix (RCM) or key performance indicator (KPI) sample for a process, CCH ARM provides little help. Thank you in advance for your valuable input!