Deltek Inc.
04/30/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 08:48
BRS Overcomes Operational Challenges with Deltek Ajera and Deltek Pros®
BRS Overcomes Operational Challenges with Deltek Ajera and Deltek Pros®
April 30, 2024
In the dynamic realm of architecture, the success of a firm hinges not only on design prowess but also on effective financial management. Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture (BRS), a firm with 40 employees is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and has an additional office in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1975 as a generalist firm, the company pivoted its focus to community recreation and aquatic centers starting in the 1980s, carving a niche for itself in the architectural landscape. Their journey towards financial optimization truly began when Keith Hayes, Principal and Business Partner, took on the role of CFO and recognized the need for streamlined financial operations.
Keith, a trained architect, understood the basics of firm operations, including budgeting and cash flow; however, like many architects, he found that managing finances wasn't his primary forte. Understanding the critical role financial operations played in the firm's success, he sought to bridge the gap between design creativity and fiscal responsibility.
"Most architects' education and training does not focus on accounting and running a firm's financial operations. The last thing architects care about is accounting. We get excited creating beautiful designs," said Keith.
Deltek Ajera Transforms Financial Reporting
When Keith inherited the role, he knew the firm's back-end financial processes would benefit from implementing the right software to ensure operations flowed smoothly. In 2013, BRS turned to Deltek Ajera, an easy-to-use project management and project-accounting system that automates manual processes and delivers timely and accurate data for projects, finances and the overall business.
The firm began to see results immediately regarding financial reporting. Keith remarked, "Before Ajera, we had difficulty getting reports out of our system; soon after implementing the software, we got the financial reports we needed to inform strategic decisions."
Deltek Pros Helps Conquer Staffing Challenges
In 2020, one of the firm's accountants left the business, leaving a hole in the firm's financial operations. Instead of hiring a full-time replacement, BRS outsourced their project accounting process to the Deltek Pros for Ajera from Stambaugh Ness. Deltek Pros are trusted professionals with industry experience and expert knowledge of Deltek solutions. BRS' strategic decision to outsource their project accounting services not only saved the firm staffing costs but also ensured access to expert product knowledge, enhancing the firm's utilization of Ajera.
"Instead of having two full-time project accountants on staff, our Deltek Pro is providing the service we need for less than the cost of a single full-time employee."
- Keith Hayes, Principal & Business Partner
The partnership proved transformative, empowering BRS to leverage Ajera's full capabilities. From invoice processing to creating insightful dashboards, their Deltek Pro became more than a service provider - they became a mentor, guiding BRS through the nuances of financial management.
Keith attests to the profound impact of this collaboration, noting that BRS now utilizes 95% of Ajera's financial capabilities, particularly in accounts payable, accounts receivable, staff scheduling and client tracking. The monthly metrics provided by the Deltek Pro serve as a compass, steering BRS towards financial success. "The Deltek Pros from Stambaugh Ness have served as a CFO finishing school for me," Keith added.
Gaining Financial Confidence and Operational Efficiency
The benefits extend beyond numbers; the firm's Deltek Pro instilled a deeper understanding of accounting principles within BRS, fostering trust in financial processes. No longer are there discrepancies between internal and external financial presentations - instead, there's alignment and clarity, empowering the firm to make informed decisions.
Outsourcing project accounting to the Deltek Pros from Stambaugh Ness not only eliminated the need for additional hires but also bolstered BRS's confidence in its financial data. With newfound clarity and expertise, BRS became more proactive in financial matters, leading to increased profitability and a stronger foundation for growth.
Keith reflects on the journey with gratitude, emphasizing the expertise and reliability of their Deltek Pro. "It's been a great experience working with them, they really know what they are doing. We encourage people who are considering outsourcing accounting services to look at Deltek products and more importantly find Deltek Pros for these services to optimize architectural firm operations."