Ecommerce Accounting Software

Unlocking Sales vs Delivery Insights with Smart Data Modeling 📊 Ever wondered how to track not just when sales happen, but when they actually get delivered? Here's a powerful data modeling technique that transformed how we analyze sales performance: The Setup - We have a sales fact table connected to TWO calendar tables: • 📅 Calendar Table #1 → linked via Sale Date • 📦 Delivery Calendar Table → linked via Delivery Date The Magic - When you build a matrix visual with: • Rows → Weeks from the Sale Calendar • Columns → Weeks from the Delivery Calendar • Values → Sales Measure You get a powerful cross-analysis showing - ✅ When sales were booked (rows) ✅ When those sales were actually delivered (columns) Why This Matters - • Spot delivery delays instantly • Understand your fulfilment patterns • Identify bottlenecks between order and delivery • Make data-driven decisions on inventory and logistics This is the beauty of role-playing dimensions in action! Same date logic, different business contexts, massive analytical value. Have you used multiple date dimensions in your data models? What insights did you uncover? #PowerBI #DataModeling  

IT General Controls (ITGC) Checklist Financial data's accuracy and reliability depend on the robustness of systems and data controls. These controls may fall under the jurisdiction of IT. However, ensuring these controls are implemented and monitored should be the paramount priority of the finance leaders. Specifically, the head of accounting must work closely with the head of IT to ensure the security of systems and data. Security, reliability, and accuracy of financial data is your responsibility. You need to take charge of the process. Please review this checklist with your IT department to ensure your financial data is secure and reliable. This is what you need to ensure: 1- Access Controls - the accounting system is capable of role-based controls. 2- Change Management - system changes are logged, monitored, and reviewed. 3- Backup & Recovery - disaster recovery policies and processes are in place to backup and restore data. 4- Incident Management - security breach incidents are monitored and addressed promptly. 5- Network Security - intrusions are detected and dealt with without losing or impacting financial data. 6- Data Privacy - sensitive data is encrypted in transit and stored. 7- Monitoring & Logging - the logging mechanism is implemented and reviewed to detect security incidents. 8- Vendor Management - when contracting with vendors for cloud-based services, ensure they comply with the company's internal security protocol. 9- Compliance & Audit - third-party monitoring and assurance are paramount to ensuring a regular review of the controls. Abdul Khaliq

APIs do more than connect systems—they enable consistent, secure, and scalable interactions across applications. As products grow and diversify, REST API design becomes essential for ensuring that these interactions are reliable, maintainable, and optimized for performance. To build an API that stands the test of time, it must adhere to key REST principles: 1. Code on Demand - Flexibility to download and execute code for specialized actions. 2. Uniform Interface - Standardized methods to simplify and unify API operations. 3. Layered System - Enables scalability by allowing intermediaries like load balancers. 4. Statelessness - Each request from client to server must contain all the necessary information. 5. Client-Server - A clear separation between client and server concerns ensures modularity. These principles allow APIs to be scalable, manageable, and versatile in various architectures. HTTP Methods for CRUD Operations REST APIs primarily rely on HTTP methods to perform Create, Read, Update, Delete (CRUD) operations, making interactions predictable: - GET - Retrieve information (e.g., fetching user data). - POST - Add new resources (e.g., creating a new entry). - PUT - Update existing resources. - PATCH - Partially update resources. - DELETE - Remove resources. Using these methods thoughtfully ensures your API is intuitive and easy to maintain for both current and future developers. To provide a seamless experience and robust data handling, consider these design factors: - Simple and Fine-grained Resources - Avoid overloading endpoints; focus on specific, manageable resources. - Pagination & Links - Ensure data is accessible in manageable chunks with options like first, last, next, and prev links. - Filtering & Ordering - Allow users to query and sort data to meet their specific needs. - Resource Naming - Stick to clear, consistent naming conventions (e.g., /users/{id}), enhancing readability and predictability. - Versioning - Ensure backward compatibility by introducing versioning (`/v1/users`). Security & Reliability Modern APIs must handle sensitive data securely and reliably. Key security practices include: - CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) - Control who can access your API to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. - Idempotence - Ensure certain operations, like DELETE, can be repeated without unintended effects. - Authentication & Authorization - Implement secure, token-based access to protect user data. - Input Validation - Sanitize and validate user inputs to prevent security vulnerabilities. - TLS (Transport Layer Security) - Encrypt data in transit to prevent interception. Additional Best Practices 1. Use Self-descriptive Messages 2. HATEOAS (Hypermedia as the Engine of Application State) 3. Monitoring & Logging 4. Caching         Have I overlooked anything? Please share your thoughts—your insights are priceless to me.

📤 Designing Better Bulk Import UX (+ Figma Prototypes). With practical guidelines to design better bulk operations in complex digital products ↓ 🤔 Bulk operations are heavily underused in most products. ✅ Bulk means running repetitive tasks in large batches. ✅ It enables fast iterations/updates across large data sets. ✅ It also reduces time on task, human errors, manual actions. ✅ Many flavors: bulk import, edit, disable, move, update, archive. ✅ For import, first define core bulk attributes for mapping. ✅ For each attribute, we define a data profile, optional/required. ✅ Then, we study file types, encodings, max. file sizes, metadata. ✅ Usually we support Excel, CSV, copy/paste, preview, auto-fill. ✅ We write error messages for broken files, unmatched columns. ✅ Design 5 stages: pre-import, file upload, mapping, repair, import. 🚦 Pre-import: set up guardrails, give an example/Excel template. ✂️ File upload: support drag-and-drop, keyboard-only, copy/paste. 🚎 Mapping: map header columns, check values, add inline editing. 🧰 Repair: flag duplicates, allow users to see only rows with errors. 🗂️ Import: show a summary, support tags, labels or categories. Probably the most challenging part about bulk operations is helping users fix issues — be it columns mismatch, missing data, contradictory details — *within* the bulk feature itself. Many interfaces simply dismiss the file with generic and technical jargon — labelling it as "corrupt", "invalid", "incompatible" or "wrong". We can prepare users about the expectations on data format, sizes and attributes ahead of time. We could provide a sample template to consult or use. Map column headers but then allow users to fix errors. Look ahead: there might be duplicate records already, so before overwriting them, flag them and ask users to confirm how they'd like to manage them. And: once an import has completed, usually it’s very difficult to reverse the process — so help users categorize, tag or add some extra metadata (e.g. source) to tell the "new" data apart from the "old". You might not be able to reverse the process, but you can help users navigate around it if needed. Useful resources: Bulk Upload Feature UX, by Livinda Christy Monica https://lnkd.in/exMu32zd Making A Bulk of Payouts, by Divya Kotian Article: https://lnkd.in/ejjkkWTK Figma prototype: https://lnkd.in/e7UF2dVP Bulk Import UX For CSV & XLXS, by Yooshan Chandran Article: https://lnkd.in/ed5p8kbp Figma prototype: https://lnkd.in/eQnJwZBT Building a Seamless CSV Import, by Flatfile https://lnkd.in/e7BW6-gR #ux #design

Can you explain what happened here asks Josh Aharonoff, CPA If you can't, your business may be in BIG trouble. Let's learn how to interpret + present this by walking through this report together 👇 ➡️ PROFIT & LOSS SUMMARY Your P&L might look decent at first glance... We beat our bottom line net income by 14% 🙌 But a closer look reveals some important details... - Revenue is down 10% ($50K below budget) This is a pretty alarming metric and may mean that your assumptions are too aggressive. Was it because your conversion rates were lower than expected? Was churn higher than expected? - COGS is BETTER than expected by 40% This makes sense...your revenue was lower, so your COGS should also be lower. But there's something more interesting to address here... Your gross margin was 80%, compared to your projected 70%. While the variance is favorable, it highlights an important question: Do you have a strong grip on your unit economics? - Operating expenses are 10% favorable compared to the budget. That's good...but why? Which accounts? Was it timing? Was it a change to your plans? - Net Other Income was -$10k compared to your projected +10k. Accounts here typically relate to interest income/expense, depreciation/amortization, and non-core business activity. Although $10k may not seem like a lot, it warrants a critical analysis. This leads to a $15k favorable net income, 14% higher than expected. All done with our analysis? Not quite... We've analyzed the PROFITABILITY of our business, now it's time to analyze our CASH FLOW. ➡️ CASH FLOWS SUMMARY This is where things get puzzling: - Collections are down $70k (78% below target 🤯 ) - Inventory up by $20k over budget - Total cash flows is $35k below budget Woah! We beat earnings but missed our cash flows by 27%. Believe it or not, this story happens all the time...and it's up to you to see the forest beyond the trees and take action QUICKLY. ➡️ PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Your P&L looks OK, but there are some strong indicators that you lack a grip on unit economics, and your revenue projections may be overstated. But the biggest issue is your cash flow. You were supposed to collect $90k more than you invoiced this month, but instead, you only collected $20k. That may not be too material if you have $1m in the bank. But if you have $200k in the bank? Now things get more dangerous. That's why it's crucial to review this report each period; you don't want to be taken by surprise. === How would you interpret these results? What actions would you take? Share your analysis in the comments below 👇 ---------- 📘 Order our new book now: https://bit.ly/4h2P9AA 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3XNrdKf 📺 FinanceMaster on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bSBut6 📢 Join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3WWGOrc 👩🏫 Our LinkedIn Learning course: https://bit.ly/4a5fB9l 📻 FinanceMaster Podcast: https://bit.ly/3NLSt73 📄 FinanceMaster resources: https://lnkd.in/eC_zuCU4

"#FinOps in Real Time: How #DataStreaming Transforms #Cloud Cost Management" FinOps is reshaping how companies manage their cloud costs. But batch reports and delayed insights are no match for cloud-native scale. That’s why more organizations are turning to real-time data streaming with #ApacheKafka and #ApacheFlink. With streaming pipelines, teams can process billing data, Kubernetes metrics, and infrastructure logs as they happen. This supports: - Instant visibility into cloud spend - Real-time alerts for budget spikes - Stronger compliance with GDPR and audit rules - Faster, decentralized decisions from engineering to finance Data streaming doesn’t just make FinOps faster—it makes it trustworthy, automated, and collaborative. Read more in my latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/eKwTfmGg How are you aligning financial and technical decisions in your organization today?

5 ways to effectively export data from any finance or ERP system  (Ranked by cost effectiveness…) 1. Direct Database Queries Direct queries are great If you’re good with data, and know how your system’ structured. - Common mechanisms include SQL queries or ODBC - Great for specific, custom data exports. - Some technical skills required. [Note - You can modify your database with SQL queries, so be careful!] PRO Tip: Use the ‘From other sources’ facility in the Excel data tab to setup an ODBC connection. 2. Built-in Export Features The simplest and least technical option if your reporting is ad-hoc. - Common mechanisms include ‘Export to Excel’ or ‘Download’. - Great if the data’s already roughly in the format you want. - Accessible for all skill levels. PRO Tip: Data not quite in the format you want when exported? Use a simple bit of VBA or Python code, and set it to run as soon as the file’s downloaded to a folder. 3. Third-Party Data Connectors For the automation enthusiasts who prefer a no-code approach. - Platforms include Zapier, Make & Power Automate. - Great if your exporting data on a schedule. - Some technical skills required. [Note - Not every system has a connector (especially the more complex ones), so make sure you ‘try before you buy] 4. Marketplace Apps Sometimes it’s easier to use something pre-built. - Mechanisms include Power BI or Tableau connectors. - Great if you’re already using a BI or Data tool. - No technical skills required. PRO Tip: Try searching for ‘[Your system] + marketplace’. Xero, Quickbooks, Intacct, Dynamics (Appsource) all have them. 5. API Integration For when you need something totally bespoke. - Common API toolkits include .net, node.js, and PHP. - Great if you have a lot of complexity. - You’ll need a developer. PRO Tip: Have a look at the API documentation for your system. No point commissioning a developer if it doesn’t give access to the datapoints you want. Data export doesn’t have to be a mystery. There’s a solution for all sizes and budgets. BUT, cost effective does not equal time efficient. Balance your spend against time efficiencies wisely. P.S - Which of these are you using right now? Type 1-5. ------ Liked this? If you're a finance pro looking to win back your time, develop your tech skills, and stay ahead of the game. Subscribe to 'Framework Friday' at www.techforfinance.com

Discounts are a hammer that makes every problem in the business look like a nail. Businesses look at challenges like: - Excess inventory - Mediocre products - Low CLTV - Poor retention …and slap on the discount duct tape. The end result? Weak margin. A cheapened brand. And consumers who are conditioned to only buy from you if they get a hefty discount. We help retailers shift from one-size-fits-all discounts to targeted, efficient incentives. The exact playbook varies a lot by brand, but the approach needs to be both Technological (granular data in promo rules, and a wide range of incentive types) and Organizational (measuring marketers on margin & profit, and setting guardrails for offers). Some sample tactics include… 1️⃣ Shift to buy-more-save-more and bundle offers 2️⃣ Use 'challenges' for customers to work towards specific incentives 3️⃣ Require data capture (form, survey, preference center) to get a deal 4️⃣ Scope offers to specific SKU parameters, not entire categories 5️⃣ Don't show discounts too early or to high-propensity customers 6️⃣ Ensure marketers can use all customer, cart, and SKU data in offer rules 7️⃣ Make more offers 'final' (no returns on attractive deals) 8️⃣ Communicate non-discount value on item level (bonus points, gift with purchase) 9️⃣ Shift value prop to experiences & exclusivity with known users 🔟 Optimize promotions & loyalty program to get to break-even (e.g. 5th purchase, not 1st) But the goal is almost always to discount LESS, and to ensure that the remaining discounts are extremely efficient & targeted. Here are a few examples of what this discount discipline has meant for Talon.One customers: → Ecommerce company ($300m revenue) that decreased discount spend by 20% by switching to personalized coupon wallet → Clothing retailer ($1 Bn revenue) that increased promotions margin by 7.7% with shift to ‘buy more, save more’ playbook → Grocery delivery ($100m revenue) that decreased acquisition spend by 50% while ‘exiting’ customers who only buy with a hefty deal Is your business discounting itself to death? Send me a DM; happy to brainstorm ways to break the cycle.

How much time ⏳ do some Vendors steal from the channel? Today, efficiency is key, yet vendors requiring distributors and partners to use separate portals for quoting or ordering create a massive time and resource drain. Breaking this down: - Let’s say completing a quote takes 20 minutes on a vendor's portal (I know some are way worse) - Additional 30 minutes for duplicating this task internally - And add 20 minutes for revisions due to competitive pressures. This totals to a hefty 70 minutes per quote (and I haven’t included any other vendor's products that maybe needed on that quote!) Imagine a user processing just 10 quotes daily. This scenario translates to 700 minutes, or roughly 12 hours – far beyond a regular workday, dedicated solely to manual and repetitive data entry – for just 10 quotes 😱 So to be clear that is just a single user in a single day... Multiply that by all the channel partner users are across the globe are quoting in your products... (there is no Emoji scary enough to illustrate this statement) This process is not just time-consuming but prone to errors, leading to further inefficiencies. For international partners it, this inefficiency is magnified. They must constantly adjust quotes to account for fluctuating foreign exchange rates, adding another layer of complexity and time consumption. Such continuous recalculations exacerbate the already burdensome process, increasing the likelihood of errors and missed opportunities. Enter the solution: API integration (I know it's not even new tech 🙄😃!). By connecting systems, the need for redundant data entry is eradicated. Data seamlessly flowing between systems saves time, reduces errors, and adapts in real-time to market changes, including currency fluctuations. A quote entered once is automatically updated across platforms, cutting the time per quote from 70 to merely 20 minutes. This isn't just about time management; it's about strategic resource allocation. Time saved can be redirected to fostering customer relationships, strategic planning, and driving sales. In an era where time is money, API integration isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for competitive survival. Businesses can no longer afford the luxury of isolated systems; the future lies in interconnected, efficient ecosystems that optimize operations and enhance productivity. [PS Apologies for not adding the Distributor quote time cost in this calculation as well but I didn’t want to completely freak you out 😉] #revops #API #channelstrategy iasset.com 💬 comment 👍🏼 Like  📢 share  🔔 ring the bell

What’s Revenue Recognition and why can it make or break your funding round? Imagine you run a toy shop. A customer pays you ₹1,000 today for a toy that you’ll deliver next month. Do you count that ₹1,000 as today’s revenue? No. Because you haven’t delivered the toy yet. That’s revenue recognition. You only record sales when you’ve actually delivered what you promised. Here’s where it gets tricky in real businesses: SaaS startups: Collect a year’s subscription upfront. If they count all of it today, their P&L looks inflated until an investor digs deeper. Exporters: Ship goods in March, but payment clears in April. Which financial year does it belong to? D2C brands: Marketplace shows “sales booked” but half are returns. If you book it all as revenue, your numbers are not real. At FAB MAVEN, we’ve seen this repeat often: Startups showing “hockey-stick growth” but without factoring return rates. SaaS firms losing credibility when MRR ≠ reported revenue. Exporters paying tax on money not yet received. Revenue recognition isn’t just an accounting rule but it creates a legit difference between appearing fundable and actually being fundable.  Have you ever caught a revenue number in your business that looked too good to be true?