NetSuite Accounting Roles You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Do in 2026)

Most finance teams using NetSuite still run like they did before ERP. 

Controllers, accountants, and bookkeepers manage transactions, close books, and chase reports. 

Only now it happens in the cloud.

But the results often look the same: close cycles that stretch past a week, revenue recognition done manually, and reports that still rely on Excel.

That’s because traditional accounting roles were never built for NetSuite. The system can automate half your workflows, but only if the right specialists are behind it.

If your finance team spends more time fixing data than analyzing it, you’re likely missing the roles that turn NetSuite from accounting software into a real performance system.

This guide breaks down seven specialized NetSuite accounting roles that most companies overlook: what they do, why they matter, and how to know which ones you actually need. 

You’ll see how a few smart hires can cut your close time in half, eliminate manual work, and give your finance team room to grow again.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Traditional Accounting Roles Aren’t Enough in NetSuite

Most finance teams that move to NetSuite expect instant efficiency. 

But what actually happens is a digital version of the same old accounting process: transactions recorded, reports exported, and reconciliations done manually. 

The system can do far more. But only if the right expertise exists inside the finance function.

NetSuite isn’t just another accounting tool. It’s an enterprise system that blends finance, automation, and analytics. 

That means the people managing it need to understand both how accounting works and how NetSuite works. Traditional roles don’t cover that second part.

This is where most finance operations stall. 

Controllers know the numbers. Accountants know the debits and credits. But no one knows how to make the system itself more intelligent, more automated, and more useful. 

The result? Teams working harder than ever in a system that was supposed to make life easier.
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Traditional finance team structure

Most NetSuite environments are still staffed like they were in the QuickBooks era:

• A controller or finance manager overseeing the numbers
• Staff accountants handling journal entries and reconciliations
• AR and AP specialists managing collections and payables
• A bookkeeper tying loose ends
• And maybe a part-time IT person who helps when something breaks

These roles are built for accuracy and compliance, not for automation or data optimization. 

The team can close the books, but they can’t always explain why the system is lagging, why reports don’t reconcile, or why close still takes eight days instead of four.

Traditional finance roles keep transactions flowing. But NetSuite is designed to transform how finance operates. 

Without people who understand both accounting and system configuration, that transformation never happens.
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What’s missing

Most teams in NetSuite know how to keep the numbers clean. What they often lack are the people who know how to make the system work harder for them. 

The real difference between a functional setup and a high-performing one isn’t effort; it’s specialization.

What’s usually missing are:

• Deep NetSuite configuration knowledge
• Financial system expertise
• Process automation capabilities
• Advanced reporting skills
• Technical accounting specialization

These are the skills that unlock NetSuite’s full potential. Without them, the team spends more time fixing issues than improving results.
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The cost of that gap

When the right skills aren’t in place, finance teams end up doing great work inside a system that doesn’t support them. The days get longer, the close drags out, and automation stays out of reach.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Manual processes that could easily be automated
• Month-end close taking 7-10 days instead of 3-5
• Reports that still need hours of Excel cleanup
• Compliance gaps caused by missing controls
• Revenue recognition errors that frustrate auditors
• A costly NetSuite system running at half its capability

A $50M SaaS company had a five-person accounting team running NetSuite the traditional way. Their month-end close took nine days, and revenue recognition was mostly manual. 

Atticus helped them add two specialized roles: a Revenue Recognition Specialist and a Financial Systems Analyst. 

Within 3 months, close time dropped to four days, revenue recognition was automated, and the same team delivered better results without adding headcount.
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Role #1: NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist

When revenue recognition goes wrong, it’s never small. It hits financial statements, compliance, and investor trust all at once. 

That’s why the NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist exists: to make sure every dollar of revenue is booked accurately, automatically, and on time.
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What a NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist does

This specialist configures and maintains NetSuite’s Revenue Recognition (Rev Rec) module so it works for your business model, not against it. 

NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialists:

• Configure and maintain the NetSuite Revenue Recognition (Rev Rec) module for your business model.
• Design revenue recognition rules and automated schedules that match complex contracts.
• Apply and test ASC 606/IFRS 15 compliance settings within NetSuite.
• Automate allocation for multi-element arrangements (software + services + support).
• Build revenue recognition dashboards and exception reports.
• Audit data monthly to resolve discrepancies before they reach auditors.

It’s the role that turns revenue recognition from a month-end fire drill into a controlled, automated process.
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Why you need a NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist

Revenue recognition is one of the few areas where “mostly right” isn’t good enough. It’s a high-risk compliance area that can derail a close if it’s handled manually. 

Without a specialist, teams spend hours reconciling spreadsheets and correcting timing errors instead of closing on time.

Here’s why this role matters:

• Complexity: SaaS and subscription models generate timing rules that standard accountants can’t automate.
• Risk: Manual spreadsheets and journal entries invite errors and audit findings.
• Compliance: ASC 606 requires precise configuration and documentation.
• System Potential: NetSuite can automate nearly all of it, but only when built by someone who knows how the module works.

A dedicated Rev Rec specialist turns compliance into a controlled process instead of a month-end scramble.
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Who needs a NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist?

Not every business faces the same revenue complexity, but the ones below almost always do. If any of these describe your environment, this role isn’t optional. 

It’s overdue.

✓ SaaS and subscription-based companies managing recurring contracts
✓ Firms with multi-element arrangements (hardware + software + services)
✓ Businesses combining professional services with product revenue
✓ Pre-IPO or audit-sensitive companies
✓ Teams still tracking deferred revenue manually in Excel

When revenue is your growth metric, this is the person who keeps it trustworthy.
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Skills required for a NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist

This role demands both accounting depth and system fluency. The strongest NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialists can speak the language of auditors and developers in the same meeting.

Key capabilities include:

• Expert knowledge of ASC 606/IFRS 15 principles and application
• Hands-on experience configuring NetSuite’s Revenue Recognition module
• Advanced Excel or data analysis skills for complex contract models
• CPA or equivalent accounting credential
• Experience in SaaS, software, or multi-contract environments

They act as the interpreter between finance policy and system behavior making sure the two never drift apart.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist

Most specialists grow out of senior accounting or audit backgrounds before specializing in NetSuite. 

Their blend of financial rigor and platform expertise makes them hard to find and valuable once hired.

Companies that add this role often see measurable ROI within one or two close cycles as automation replaces manual reconciliation.
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Impact metrics

You’ll know this role is working when key metrics start moving in weeks, not quarters.

• Revenue recognition close time: 5 days → 1 day
• Revenue errors: 2-3 per quarter → < 1 per year
• Audit issues: Reduced by 80%
• Manual effort: Cut by 70%
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Role #2: NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst

When a finance team says “NetSuite feels slow” or “we can’t get the reports we need,” the problem usually isn’t the system—it’s the setup. 

That’s where a NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst comes in. 

This role sits between finance and technology, fine-tuning how the platform works day to day. They make sure NetSuite reflects how your business actually runs, not just how it was implemented years ago.
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What does a NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst do?

A Financial Systems Analyst is part accountant, part systems thinker. They manage the logic behind NetSuite’s configuration so financial data flows accurately and efficiently.

NetSuite Financial Systems Analysts:

• Optimize NetSuite’s financial configuration to match business rules
• Design and build custom financial reports for leadership visibility
• Create saved searches and KPI dashboards to track performance
• Automate workflows for journal entries, accruals, and approvals
• Integrate NetSuite with other financial tools like payroll, billing, or banking systems
• Train finance staff on new features and process improvements

They ensure the finance system works for the team, not the other way around.
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Why do you need a NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst?

Most finance teams only use a fraction of what NetSuite can do. 

Without someone who understands both sides (the accounting and the system), you’re likely paying for automation you’re not using.

This role matters because:

• Most finance teams use under 30% of NetSuite’s capabilities
• Custom reports reveal patterns and performance insights faster
• Manual processes (like accruals or reclasses) can be automated safely
• System optimization shortens the month-end close
• It connects finance with IT, reducing dependency on external support

Once this role is in place, the close runs smoother, reports arrive faster, and finance can spend time analyzing—not fixing—data.
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Who needs a NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst?

This role becomes critical the moment your team starts working outside of NetSuite to get things done.

✓ Companies with heavily manual financial processes
✓ Teams frustrated with limited or outdated reporting
✓ Organizations using Excel to fix what NetSuite could already automate
✓ Businesses needing consolidated or departmental reporting
✓ Growing companies outgrowing their original setup

If you’ve ever heard “NetSuite can’t do that,” this is the person who proves otherwise.
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Skills required for a NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst

The strongest analysts combine financial insight with systems knowledge. They don’t just configure NetSuite; they understand why each setting matters to your books.

They typically bring:

• Strong NetSuite Administrator and configuration skills
• A financial accounting or FP&A background
• Expertise in saved searches, custom reports, and dashboards
• Working knowledge of SuiteAnalytics or basic SuiteScript
• A process improvement mindset to reduce manual work and re-entry

They translate accounting needs into system logic that actually works.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst 

These professionals often grow out of accounting or financial planning roles before specializing in systems. Their blend of business and technical understanding makes them indispensable once on board.

Clients that bring in this role typically see measurable ROI within the first two close cycles through faster reporting and fewer manual reconciliations.
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Impact metrics

You’ll notice the change quickly especially in close efficiency and reporting accuracy.

• Report generation time: Hours → minutes
• Manual journal entries: Reduced by 50%
• Close cycle: Shortened by 30%
• Finance team efficiency: Improved by 40%
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Role #3: NetSuite Consolidations Expert (OneWorld)

When companies expand into new markets or add subsidiaries, the complexity of consolidation multiplies fast. 

NetSuite’s OneWorld module is built to handle that scale, but only if it’s set up and managed by someone who knows its structure inside out. 

That’s where the NetSuite Consolidations Expert comes in. 

They keep multi-entity financials accurate, compliant, and ready for review no matter how many currencies or entities you operate across.
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What does a NetSuite Consolidations Expert do?

A Consolidations Expert is responsible for the accuracy of every financial roll-up inside NetSuite. 

They manage the configuration and day-to-day integrity of multi-subsidiary reporting so leadership can trust the numbers coming out of the system.

NetSuite Consolidations Experts:

• Manage multi-subsidiary consolidations in NetSuite OneWorld
• Configure intercompany transactions and elimination rules
• Design consolidated financial statements for management and audit teams
• Handle currency translations across global entities
• Maintain subsidiary hierarchies and ownership structures
• Make sure each report reflects proper segment and location reporting

Their goal is to make group-level reporting a controlled process—not a monthly spreadsheet patchwork.
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Why do you need a NetSuite Consolidations Expert?

Consolidation gets complicated quickly. Each new entity adds variables, e.g., different currencies, ownership structures, tax rules, and timing differences. 

Without an expert, finance teams spend days reconciling what NetSuite could have consolidated automatically.

This role becomes essential because:

• Multi-subsidiary consolidation is complex and time-sensitive
• Intercompany eliminations are highly error-prone if handled manually
• Currency translation rules require precise setup and validation
• OneWorld has deep capability, but needs careful configuration to deliver accuracy
• Manual consolidation risks misstated results and audit rework

A dedicated Consolidations Expert ensures that “global view” reports actually mean something and can stand up to audit review.
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Who needs a NetSuite Consolidations Expert?

Any company managing multiple entities or currencies will hit this wall eventually. The more growth or M&A activity you have, the faster you’ll need this expertise.

✓ Businesses with three or more subsidiaries
✓ International companies dealing with multiple currencies
✓ Firms with complex or layered legal structures
✓ M&A-active companies integrating new entities
✓ Pre-IPO firms preparing for consolidated reporting and audits

If consolidation still happens outside NetSuite, this role will save hundreds of hours every quarter.

Skills required for a NetSuite Consolidations Expert

This role combines accounting precision with system mastery. 

The best Consolidations Experts understand how intercompany and multi-currency logic play out inside NetSuite down to every elimination rule and translation rate.

They typically bring:

• Deep knowledge of consolidation accounting principles
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite OneWorld
• Strong background in multi-currency accounting
• Expertise in elimination entries and intercompany balancing
• CPA or equivalent qualification for compliance oversight

They’re the difference between a clean consolidation and a month of cleanup.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Consolidations Expert

Consolidations Experts are seasoned professionals who have seen what happens when financial roll-ups go wrong. 

Their experience ensures group-level accuracy that scales with the business.

Most Atticus clients recover the investment quickly with fewer audit adjustments, faster consolidation, and stronger visibility across global entities.
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Impact metrics

When consolidation is handled by the right person, accuracy and turnaround improve immediately.

• Consolidation time: 5 days → 1 day
• Elimination errors: Reduced by 80%
• Multi-currency accuracy: Near 100%
• Audit prep time: Reduced by 60%
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Role #4: NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator

For most finance teams, month-end feels less like a process and more like a controlled scramble. 

Tasks overlap, checklists live in spreadsheets, and everyone’s waiting on someone else to finish their part.

A NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator brings order to that chaos. They give the close a clear structure, automate what’s repetitive, and keep every stakeholder accountable in real time.
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What does a NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator do?

This role owns the close from start to finish. A Month-End Close Coordinator makes sure every task, approval, and reconciliation happens on schedule—and inside NetSuite.

NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinators:

• Manage the full month-end close process across accounting and operations
• Build and maintain digital close checklists within NetSuite
• Coordinate tasks between AR, AP, FP&A, and leadership teams
• Monitor progress through real-time dashboards
• Identify and resolve delays before they slow the close
• Create automation for recurring steps like journal postings and reconciliations
• Generate management dashboards to track status and performance

With a dedicated coordinator, the close becomes predictable, transparent, and significantly faster.
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Why do you need a NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator?

Without clear ownership, every close becomes a reaction cycle. Teams work in silos, tasks get duplicated, and small delays snowball into week-long slowdowns. A Close Coordinator prevents that by giving the process structure and accountability.

This role is essential when:

• The month-end close is consistently chaotic or unclear
• Cross-functional dependencies cause recurring delays
• Task tracking lives in disconnected spreadsheets
• Leadership lacks visibility into close progress
• The same issues repeat every month without resolution

When one person is responsible for orchestrating the close, everyone else gets to focus on doing their best work instead of managing follow-ups.
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Who needs a NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator?

Any company that’s outgrown a simple checklist or is tired of late closes will benefit from this position.

✓ Organizations with close cycles longer than five days
✓ Businesses involving multiple departments in the close
✓ Finance teams struggling with limited visibility or accountability
✓ Companies facing recurring month-end errors or missed deadlines
✓ Pre-IPO firms needing reliable, faster reporting for audit readiness

This role is the difference between “we’re closing soon” and “we’ll be done tomorrow.”
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Skills required for a NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator

A strong Close Coordinator blends project management discipline with solid accounting knowledge. They don’t just track tasks; they understand what each step means and how it impacts the books.

Key skills include:

• Strong project management and coordination experience
• Working knowledge of NetSuite accounting modules
• Understanding of close dependencies across functions
• Hands-on experience with workflow automation and reporting tools
• A process improvement mindset focused on predictability and accuracy

They’re the conductor that keeps every moving part of the close in sync.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator

These professionals usually come from accounting roles before specializing in operations or systems. They combine the attention to detail of an accountant with the structure of a project manager.

Many Atticus clients see immediate improvements in cycle time and team morale within the first two months of adding this role.
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Impact metrics

The success of a Close Coordinator shows up clearly in both time and quality metrics.

• Close cycle: 8 days → 4 days
• Close-related errors: Reduced by 65%
• Team overtime: Reduced by 50%
• Close visibility: Full real-time dashboard tracking
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Role #5: NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect

As finance teams scale, reporting becomes one of their biggest pain points. 

Executives want visibility. Investors want precision. And the finance team is stuck exporting, merging, and formatting data in spreadsheets every month. 

A NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect eliminates that cycle. They turn data into insight, building the reporting foundation that decision-makers actually rely on.
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What does a NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect do?

This role designs how information flows from NetSuite to the people who need it. 

The Financial Reporting Architect shapes the entire reporting ecosystem, from financial statement templates to KPI dashboards, so every report tells a clear, consistent story.

NetSuite Financial Reporting Architects:

• Design an enterprise-level financial reporting strategy
• Build custom financial statement templates for management and board use
• Create executive dashboards and KPI tracking systems
• Develop full board reporting packages that update automatically
• Integrate NetSuite data with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker)
• Train finance staff to generate reports without manual exports

Their goal is simple: make reporting fast, accurate, and presentation-ready at all times.
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Why do you need a NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect?

NetSuite’s built-in reports are good for operations, but not enough for executive or investor-level visibility. 

Without someone who understands both the accounting data and reporting tools, teams end up spending hours in Excel every month.

You need this role when:

• Standard NetSuite reports no longer meet leadership’s needs
• Board or investor reports require heavy Excel rework
• KPI tracking happens manually or inconsistently
• Leadership lacks real-time visibility into performance
• The finance team spends more time formatting than analyzing

A NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect ensures that your data works as hard as your team does.
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Who needs a NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect?

Any company reporting to external stakeholders or tracking multiple performance metrics will benefit from this expertise.

✓ PE/VC-backed companies with investor reporting requirements
✓ Public or pre-IPO firms preparing for disclosures
✓ Companies with recurring board reporting obligations
✓ Businesses with complex KPI and department-level reporting
✓ Organizations building toward self-service reporting for leadership

If you’re tired of “one-off” reports for every meeting, this role brings consistency and speed.
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Skills required for a NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect

This role combines financial literacy, system mastery, and storytelling. The best Reporting Architects can make complex data clear and automate the process behind it.

Core capabilities include:

• Advanced knowledge of NetSuite financial reporting tools
• Hands-on SuiteAnalytics and saved search experience
• Strong grasp of financial statement structure and presentation
• Data visualization and BI integration skills
• Confident executive communication and reporting design expertise

They bridge technical setup with strategic presentation, turning numbers into narratives that drive decisions.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Financial Reporting Architect

Most Reporting Architects come from senior accounting or FP&A backgrounds before specializing in reporting systems. 

Their value lies in accuracy, speed, and clarity under pressure.

Atticus clients often see immediate ROI when this role replaces manual report-building with automated, real-time dashboards.
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Impact metrics

Once reporting automation is in place, the finance team can close faster and report smarter.

• Board package preparation: 3 days → 4 hours
• Custom report requests: Reduced by 70%
• Executive insight quality: Dramatically improved
• KPI visibility: Available in real time
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Role #6: NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager

As companies grow, their biggest risks shift from missed transactions to unseen control gaps.

NetSuite can enforce approvals, restrict access, and log every change, but most teams don’t have anyone fully owning that configuration. 

A NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager ensures the system isn’t just accurate, but compliant and audit-ready year-round.
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What does a NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager do?

This role designs, implements, and monitors the internal control framework within NetSuite. 

They align permissions, workflows, and audit trails to your organization’s risk policies so compliance isn’t something that only happens at year-end.

NetSuite Compliance and Controls Managers:

• Design and implement internal controls directly inside NetSuite
• Configure role-based permissions and segregation of duties to prevent conflicts
• Build audit trails and on-demand compliance reports
• Manage SOX compliance processes where required
• Create and test approval workflows for sensitive transactions
• Continuously monitor system activity and remediate control violations

The Compliance and Controls Manager turns NetSuite into a living part of your audit and governance framework, not just an accounting tool.
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Why do you need a NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager?

Weak internal controls are one of the most common (and costly) issues found in NetSuite audits. Many setups start strong, then lose integrity as teams grow, roles change, and permissions are added reactively. 

A Compliance and Controls Manager prevents those cracks from forming.

This role is critical because:

• Internal controls in NetSuite often degrade without active management
• Audit findings on access and approvals are common and expensive to fix
• Manual compliance tracking is unreliable and slow
• SOX compliance requires specific configurations and continuous monitoring
• Without proper controls, the risk of fraud or data exposure increases significantly

This person doesn’t just help you pass audits. They make sure you’re always ready for one.
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Who needs a NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager?

Any organization operating in a regulated space or preparing for public reporting will benefit immediately from this position.

✓ Public companies that must maintain SOX compliance
✓ Pre-IPO firms getting audit-ready
✓ Regulated industries like healthcare, finance, or utilities
✓ Businesses that have received audit findings on access or controls
✓ Organizations with growing teams and rising fraud or security concerns

If your NetSuite permissions haven’t been reviewed in over a year, this role should be your next hire.
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Skills required for a NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager

A strong Compliance and Controls Manager balances audit discipline with system fluency. They understand not just the what of compliance, but the how and they implement it directly in NetSuite.

They bring:

• Background in internal audit or regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of SOX, COSO, and internal control frameworks
• Hands-on expertise with NetSuite roles, permissions, and workflows
• Skill in risk assessment and documentation
• Working knowledge of automation and alert systems for control monitoring

They help finance leaders sleep better, knowing the system is doing half the policing automatically.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Compliance and Controls Manager

These professionals usually come from public accounting or audit firms before moving in-house. They combine governance expertise with technical confidence in NetSuite’s security architecture.

For most companies, this role pays for itself through fewer audit issues, faster remediation, and reduced risk exposure.
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Impact metrics

You’ll see the value of this role in cleaner audits and tighter oversight within weeks.

• Audit findings: Reduced by 80%
• Control violations: Detected and resolved in real time
• SOX readiness: Achieved on first review
• Segregation of duties: Maintained at 100% compliance
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Role #7: NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst

Every finance team has invisible friction. The small, daily inefficiencies that eat hours of time but never make it onto a project plan. 

A NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst finds those inefficiencies and removes them. 

They look at how work actually gets done in NetSuite, redesign the process, and build automations that give the team time back.
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What does a NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst do?

This role focuses on continuous improvement inside finance operations. 

The Finance Operations Analyst evaluates how transactions move through NetSuite, from billing to collections, and identifies where automation or redesign can save time.

NetSuite Finance Operations Analysts:

• Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies across finance workflows
• Build automation for repetitive or high-volume tasks
• Optimize AR, AP, and billing operations for accuracy and speed
• Reduce manual touchpoints through system configuration and scripting
• Measure and improve finance KPIs such as DSO, close time, and error rates
• Partner with operations and IT to align systems across departments

They’re the system-minded problem-solver who keeps NetSuite evolving with the business.
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Why do you need a NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst?

Most finance teams still spend up to half their time doing manual work; work that NetSuite could already automate. 

Over time, these inefficiencies become normal, until they quietly limit output and morale. A Finance Operations Analyst breaks that cycle by focusing entirely on process improvement.

This role matters because:

• Finance teams lose 40-60% of capacity to manual tasks
• Many workflows were designed for smaller, pre-ERP environments
• Continuous improvement rarely has a dedicated owner
• Manual workarounds replace system-based solutions as companies scale
• Without attention, inefficiency compounds faster than growth

With this role in place, NetSuite starts working at the same pace the business does.
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Who needs a NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst?

Any company feeling the strain of growth or rising transaction volume will see quick results from this hire.

✓ Growing companies scaling their finance operations
✓ Teams overwhelmed by manual reconciliation or reporting work
✓ Companies processing high transaction volumes daily
✓ Businesses with recurring process inefficiencies or rework
✓ Organizations building toward operational excellence in finance

If your finance team works late every close, this role pays for itself almost immediately.
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Skills required for a NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst

The right Finance Operations Analyst combines technical problem-solving with process design thinking. They see both the workflow and the data behind it.

Core skills include:

• Process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar)
• Deep knowledge of NetSuite workflow and automation tools
• Hands-on finance operations experience (AR, AP, billing, or GL)
• Strong data analysis and metric-tracking skills
• Change management and cross-department collaboration

They’re the rare hybrid who makes technical change easy for non-technical teams.
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Typical experience & cost of a NetSuite Finance Operations Analyst

These professionals often grow out of accounting or financial operations roles before specializing in ERP process optimization. 

Their work frees capacity without adding headcount.

Atticus clients often see measurable ROI in 90 days, with faster processing times and happier teams.
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Impact metrics

You’ll feel the effect of this role almost immediately in turnaround times, workload balance, and reporting accuracy.

• Manual tasks: Reduced by 50%
• Invoice processing time: Cut by 65%
• Collection cycle: Shortened by 20%
• Finance team capacity: Increased by 35%
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How to Determine Which NetSuite Accounting Roles You Need

Every finance team feels pain in different places. 

For some, it’s slow closes. For others, it’s messy reports or audit findings that never seem to go away. 

The goal isn’t to hire all seven roles at once. It’s to identify where you’re losing the most time or accuracy and start there.

Think of this section as a quick self-audit. 

If two or more boxes apply under any role, that’s your signal: the skill gap behind that role is already costing your team hours each month.
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ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

Do you need a Revenue Recognition Specialist?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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Do you need a Financial Systems Analyst?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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Do you need a Consolidations Expert?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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Do you need a Month-End Close Coordinator?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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Do you need a Financial Reporting Architect?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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Do you need a Compliance and Controls Manager?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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Do you need a Finance Operations Analyst?

→ If 2+ checked, you need this role
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How to Add these roles to your team

Once you know which skill gaps are holding your finance team back, the next question is how to fill them without overextending budget or bandwidth. 

The good news: there’s more than one way to build your NetSuite accounting capability.

Whether you grow talent internally, hire locally, or bring in offshore specialists, the right setup depends on your timeline, priorities, and cost tolerance.
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Build vs hire vs offshore

Every approach has tradeoffs. What matters is matching the strategy to your team’s stage and the urgency of your needs.

Option 1: Upskill your current team
This path works when you already have a strong foundation but need to add new technical depth.

• Pros: They already understand your business and culture.
• Cons: Development takes time and may not meet immediate needs.
• Best for: Companies needing one or two specialized skills, like reporting or automation.

Option 2: Hire locally (US)
Hiring in-market gives you a full-time resource who’s deeply embedded in your operations.

• Pros: Dedicated focus, hands-on collaboration, strong institutional knowledge.
• Cons: Expensive ($75K-$135K range) and increasingly difficult to recruit.
• Best for: Larger teams or companies with critical compliance or leadership-level roles.
  
  

Option 3: Hire offshore
Offshore hiring provides immediate access to specialized NetSuite accounting talent at a fraction of local cost.

• Pros: 50-60% cost savings, faster hiring timelines, deep ERP expertise.
• Cons: Requires remote management and time zone coordination.
• Best for: Most specialized roles that rely on technical system work rather than on-site collaboration.
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Cost comparison

Here’s what the cost gap looks like between US-based and offshore NetSuite accounting specialists.

Companies that engage offshore talent through Atticus typically reach breakeven within one or two quarters.
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Implementation roadmap

Hiring specialized NetSuite accounting roles doesn’t need to happen all at once. A phased approach helps you move fast, measure early results, and build confidence before expanding.

Phase 1: Assess (Week 1-2)
Start by understanding where your gaps are.

• Review your current finance setup using the assessment framework above.
• Identify your top one or two high-impact roles.
• Estimate the ROI for each role (time saved, compliance gains, or automation lift).

Phase 2: Define (Week 3-4)
Lay the groundwork before hiring.

• Write detailed job descriptions that match your process needs.
• Set measurable success metrics for each role.
• Decide whether to hire locally, offshore, or through a hybrid model.

Phase 3: Recruit (Week 5-8)
Once you know what you’re hiring for, move quickly.

• Partner with specialized NetSuite recruiters or staffing firms.
• Screen candidates for both accounting depth and NetSuite expertise.
• Validate cultural fit and communication skills before an offer.

Phase 4: Onboard (Week 9-12)
A structured onboarding is what turns a good hire into a fast contributor.

• Follow a 30-day onboarding plan focused on context and key systems.
• Set clear goals for the first month (“quick wins”).
• Document recurring processes to speed up future hires.

Phase 5: Optimize (Month 4+)
Once the new roles are settled in, start measuring impact.

• Track improvements in close time, accuracy, and automation.
• Use metrics to refine workflows or justify additional roles.
• Repeat the assessment quarterly to identify what’s next.
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NetSuite Accounting Roles Assessment Guide

Most companies have already invested in NetSuite, but not in the specialized roles that make it truly perform. 

The result is a system that runs at half capacity while teams work overtime to fill the gaps. Adding even one or two of the right roles can change that.

Most finance teams operate with 50-70% of NetSuite’s potential untapped. 

By introducing one or two targeted roles, you can shorten close cycles by up to half, eliminate repetitive work, and finally get real-time visibility into your numbers.
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Seven underutilized NetSuite Accounting roles

Each of these roles unlocks a specific layer of NetSuite’s financial power:

1. Revenue Recognition Specialist: For SaaS, subscription, or multi-element contracts
2. Financial Systems Analyst: For system optimization and custom reporting
3. Consolidations Expert: For multi-subsidiary and multi-currency management
4. Month-End Close Coordinator: For faster, more predictable closes
5. Financial Reporting Architect: For executive and board-level reporting
6. Compliance and Controls Manager: For internal controls and SOX compliance
7. Finance Operations Analyst: For process improvement and automation

Most finance teams only need two or three of these roles to see major gains in output and control.
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Impact potential

When these gaps are filled, the improvements are measurable and immediate.

• Close cycle reduction: 30-60%
• Manual task elimination: 40-70%
• Revenue recognition time: 80-90% faster
• Reporting efficiency: 70-85% improvement
• Audit readiness: Stronger and more consistent

These aren’t hypothetical numbers. They reflect what Atticus clients have achieved after adding specialized NetSuite talent to their teams.
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Cost considerations

The efficiency gains often outweigh the cost of new hires within a few months.

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Prioritization framework

Not every gap needs fixing at once. Start where the friction is most visible, then build from there.

1. Revisit the assessment checklist. If two or more boxes are checked, that’s a hiring signal.
   Quantify your pain points in hours lost, manual steps, or cost.
2. Rank each role by impact and urgency to guide your first hires.
3. Start with one or two roles to prove ROI before expanding.
4. Consider offshore talent for technical or support-heavy positions to maximize cost savings.
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Quick wins

If you’re unsure where to begin, these roles usually create the fastest turnaround:

• NetSuite Financial Systems Analyst: Delivers visible reporting improvements in weeks.
• NetSuite Month-End Close Coordinator: The fastest fix for teams closing in 6+ days.
• NetSuite Revenue Recognition Specialist: Immediate time savings for SaaS and recurring revenue businesses.

Offshore hiring can cover nearly all these roles effectively except senior leadership or audit liaison positions that require on-site presence.
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Not Sure Which NetSuite Accounting Roles You Need?

If your finance team is doing good work but struggling to scale, you might not need more people… just the right ones. 

Atticus can help you pinpoint where your team is stretched thin, which roles would deliver the biggest payoff, and how to fill them without blowing up your budget.

Our free NetSuite accounting team assessment gives you a clear picture of what’s missing and what to do next.

You’ll get:

✓ A review of your current NetSuite setup and accounting workflows
✓ Role prioritization and ROI analysis based on your team’s bottlenecks
✓ Ready-to-use job description templates for each specialized role
✓ A full cost comparison (US vs. offshore talent)
✓ Access to pre-vetted NetSuite accounting specialists ready to start within weeks

[Schedule Free Assessment →]