“Having been on the client side, I understand the challenges businesses face when implementing new systems. My goal is always to make that transition as smooth and impactful as possible.” — Kristina Conner

Kristina Conner, Practice Director at BPM LLP, has been a driving force in delivering innovative financial management solutions using Sage Intacct. With over 20 years of experience as a CPA and a decade specializing in Sage Intacct implementations, Kristina’s unique combination of public and private accounting expertise empowers her to create tailored solutions for clients across industries. Her commitment to understanding each client’s distinct needs exemplifies her consulting philosophy: “every client is unique, and consulting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Kristina’s career journey began in public accounting, followed by roles as a controller and CFO in private practice. Experiencing firsthand the limitations of outdated accounting software, she became interested in leveraging cloud-based technology to enhance operational efficiency. This newfound interest led her back to public accounting six years ago, where she focused exclusively on Sage Intacct, a cloud-ERP solution known for its strong financial management capabilities and scalability.

A Consulting Philosophy Rooted in Client-Centric Solutions

Building on her extensive experience in both public and private accounting, Kristina approaches consulting with a deep appreciation for the unique challenges her clients face. Her philosophy is simple yet impactful: every client has distinct needs that require a tailored solution.

“Consulting isn’t just about implementing the software—it’s about listening, understanding, and creating a system that works for each client’s present and future goals.” — Kristina Conner

Kristina’s time as a controller and CFO gave her invaluable insights into the operational struggles many businesses face, from clunky legacy systems to inefficiencies that hinder growth. This perspective informs her approach to consulting, where she strives to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. 

A crucial element of this approach is recognizing the value of an outside perspective. Kristina points out that business leaders often become so immersed in their day-to-day operations that they struggle to see the bigger picture. “When you’re deeply involved in your daily operations, it’s easy to overlook opportunities for improvement,” she notes. “That’s where a consultant can bring clarity and help uncover new possibilities.”

By combining her technical expertise with an empathetic understanding of client pain points, Kristina ensures that every Sage Intacct implementation is both effective and transformational.

Leveraging FISPAN for Seamless Bank Integration and Automation

As part of her commitment to providing the best solutions for clients, a key part of her approach is leveraging Sage’s partnership with FISPAN. She highlights how FISPAN has proven to be a game-changer, particularly for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals who need seamless bank integrations.

“Where other third-party aggregators might struggle, FISPAN ensures automated bank feeds work flawlessly, which is a huge benefit for our clients who need real-time financial visibility and streamlined workflows.” — Kristina Conner

Kristina recognizes FISPAN’s value in helping her clients overcome challenges, making it a tool she frequently recommends to clients looking to improve their financial processes.

Modernizing Family Offices with Sage Intacct for Scalable Growth

“Consultants are typically the catalyst for innovation and transformation. We blend the client’s vision with the strategy to ensure their goals become a reality.” — Kristina Conner 

One of Kristina’s most notable achievements was leading an end-to-end Sage Intacct implementation for a large family office managing over 200 entities. The project involved transitioning from multiple QuickBooks environments to a consolidated Sage Intacct system, introducing automations that streamlined operations and reduced inefficiencies. 

With younger generations stepping into leadership and pushing for modernization, this type of transformation is becoming increasingly common. “Newer generations expect real-time financial insights and automation,” Kristina explains. “They want scalable systems that support strategy rather than just administration.” This shift is driving demand for cloud-based solutions like Sage Intacct, which can handle complex entity structures and financial consolidations with ease.

A key challenge during the project was data migration, a process often fraught with unexpected complexities. “It’s not just about moving information; it’s about understanding how the client wants to use that data and ensuring it supports their long-term goals,” Kristina explains. Despite the client’s initial skepticism from leaving QuickBooks, Kristina took a methodical approach. Through careful planning, open communication, and ongoing collaboration, she ensured a seamless migration and tailored the new system to meet both immediate needs and future growth.

The project was delivered on time, within budget, and exceeded the client’s expectations, earning significant praise for its impact. “There’s no better validation of our work than a client recommending us to their peers,” Kristina says. This project reinforced BPM’s reputation as a trusted partner, paving the way for future engagements and continued growth.

Building Success with a Growth Mindset and Technical Expertise

Kristina attributes her success to a combination of technical expertise, a growth mindset, and strong problem-solving skills. For her, consulting is as much about adaptability as it is about knowledge.

Being a consultant isn’t just about following a checklist. Every client’s needs are different, and you have to be curious, adaptable, and ready to troubleshoot unexpected challenges.” — Kristina Conner

A key part of Kristina’s approach is her ability to analyze problems and create solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. “You can’t expect everything to work perfectly the first time,” she shares. “Successful consulting requires creating workarounds, troubleshooting issues, and analyzing the root cause of challenges to ensure the solution fits the client’s specific goals.”

Continuous learning is another cornerstone of Kristina’s approach. From staying updated on Sage Intacct’s quarterly releases to engaging with industry-specific groups like the Family Office Exchange and Construction Financial Management Association, she ensures her knowledge remains cutting-edge.

“Consulting is an evolving field,” Kristina notes. “To deliver the best results for clients, you need to constantly refine your methods and embrace new technologies that can transform how businesses operate.”