CUSTOMER STORY

Ahead

How AHEAD scale by automating data exchange and transformation processes?

With the aim of accomplishing its organizational goals, AHEAD embarked on a journey to replace its existing financial system, Intacct, with Certinia Accounting (Certinia ERP Cloud Accounting and Financial Reporting).


The objective was to centralize and streamline business activities by migrating Order Management, Accounting, and Project Delivery Activities to the Salesforce platform, eliminating the need for separate and disconnected legacy systems. 


To support AHEAD’s growth, their IT team integrated the accounting system into Salesforce using Certinia with the help of VFP. This streamlines operations and handles increased volume from acquisitions


However, the implementation process faced hurdles as a result of the intricate nature of the existing Salesforce environment, requiring the development of a solution capable of effectively adapting to all the complexities already established.

 

Realized efficiencies by consolidating all systems on to one platform

Sales and project activities aligned through direct platform connection.

Clear view of professional services resourcing

IT director breaks digital glass ceiling with Agile approach

Using Certinia, Ehrlich’s team integrated AHEAD’s accounting system into Salesforce to handle the volume from the acquisitions and streamline operations. “The project wouldn’t have been possible without VFP Consulting, they helped us implement Certinia and Salesforce.” Elricih mentioned. 

 

VFP Consulting, worked closely with AHEAD’s IT and accounting departments to configure the product and move all the data over from the previous general ledger system.

 

VFP Perspective

At VFP, our mission is to help companies evolve and that starts with an implementation that lays the groundwork for scalability and flexibility.

When working with Gabe and Central Square, what we were able to do was give visibility much earlier on in the process so they could start to staff their project managers 30 to 60 days earlier than they were able to before giving them the ability to start their projects a lot faster and get up and running and start to recognize that revenue and get those billings out the door and be more productive as a team and as an organization. 

The real key there is collaboration and openness to new ideas, as well as being willing to kind of take some challenges and work your way through that process to arrive at the best end result.

 

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Raul Acosta

Sales Director

As an agile, focused and collaborative team player Raul strives to consistently take a holistic approach and make an impact with each networking experience and partnership forged.

 

With 15+ years of experience in sales strategy, application sales, and relationship management, he excels at solving complex business challenges through data-driven insights, superior customer service, and relevant Salesforce expertise.

 

As a former trusted advisor at Certinia and Salesforce, Raul has successfully implemented strategies that drive revenue, align business units, engage target audiences, strengthen brand image, maximize productivity, develop people, transform processes, and improve overall customer experience, showcasing his commitment to clients, partners, and colleagues.

Michael Kelly

Engagement Director & Head of Project Management

Michael, with a background in project financial management and analysis, has spent over a decade in various project management roles. Leading clients, project teams, and fellow project managers, he ensures successful project deliveries and implementations. Michael’s PMP Certification enables him to stay current with the latest industry standards and project management practices.

 

Passionate about his field and role, Michael finds fulfillment in successful projects, tangible results, and meeting client needs.

 

Throughout his experience in engagement management Michael has successfully led over 25 clients, projects, and go-lives. He has overseen a project budget portfolio of $25 million per year, managing 21 separate project engagement efforts concurrently for his client base. In his career, Michael has hired, trained, and personally managed a team of over 50 project managers.

 

He has also contributed to the development and training of new agile project methodologies in multiple companies.

 

Currently, at VFP, Michael has played a crucial role in implementing the new agile methodology across all active projects for their client base in 2023.

Greg Plaisance

Managing Consultant

Throughout his career at VFP, Greg has progressed from the role of Consultant to Senior Consultant and currently serves as a Managing Consultant.

 

With 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Greg possesses a diverse skill set that spans Retail Banking, Post Audit, and Consulting. He holds 3 Salesforce certifications and 2 Certinia certifications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Billing, and leadership strategy. Greg’s extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of financial processes, enabling him to offer valuable insights and guidance to clients within the industry.

 

Passionate about process improvement, efficiency, and leadership he helps companies by managing the systems that support their core objectives, allowing them to focus on their key goals.

 

Greg aims to build VFP into a premier consulting firm that is highly sought-after by both clients and professionals as a desirable place to work.

Kristin Hubbard

Managing Consultant

Kristin, a seasoned Salesforce and Certinia professional since 2011 specializes in Financial Management, specifically focusing on areas such as Billing, Revenue, and Accounting.

 

With a degree in Accounting, Kristin began her career as a Billing Specialist, where she actively contributed to the implementation of Salesforce and Certinia, showcasing her problem-solving skills and passion for process improvement.

 

Recognizing her abilities, she transitioned to the role of Certinia Administrator, playing a crucial role in the system’s global rollout. Later, as a Business Systems Manager, she assumed responsibility for the entire Salesforce platform. Motivated by her love for the job and a desire to help multiple organizations, Kristin pursued consulting, specializing in Certinia ERP and leading consultant teams for approximately eight years.

 

Since 2018, she has played a vital role in planning and executing the Florida Dreamin event. Recognized as a Salesforce MVP in 2023, she holds 7 Salesforce and 1 Certinia certification, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to growth.

 

Kristin understands the value of embracing technology and streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance profitability. With expertise in Salesforce and Certinia, she guides organizations to implement efficient systems, optimize operations, and achieve financial success.

Ty alibhai

Managing Consultant

Ty is a seasoned consulting leader who has focused his experience over the last 15 years on the Salesforce platform and solutions in its ecosystem. He brings 20+ years of business knowledge, consulting experience, and a knack for successful Salesforce and Certinia implementations in the quote-to-cash space. Ty has successfully implemented technology solutions such as Salesforce and Certinia to over 100+ customers over his career and has led/managed consultant teams of 5-10 people.

 

Graduating from UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School and with a strong background in Computer Science, he launched his career in technology consulting. He focused his career on the Salesforce platform after experiencing success at Salesforce in the early 2000s and growing that knowledge with consulting partners the latter half of his career. His knowledge spans multiple industries, solutions, and market segments from SMB to Enterprise level experience.

 

As part of his role at VFP, he effectively manages a team of consultants, empowering them to achieve their career objectives. He also leads project teams and ensures the seamless adoption of technology, thereby driving client success at VFP.

 

Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on customers’ lives by simplifying their experience with new systems he excels as a leader, mentoring consultants and guiding project teams to successful outcomes.

Nick Anderson

Managing Consultant

A global Salesforce and Certinia consulting and implementation leader, Nick is an expert in his field with more than 8 years of experience on the platform, specializing in Quote to Cash and Professional Services Automation best practices.

 

With a focus on mid-market and enterprise accounts, Nick brings a deep knowledge of best practices to all aspects of client projects including change management, business process documentation & improvement, system configuration, revenue recognition and managed services.

 

With an extensive background in International Business and PSA solutions, Nick is the driving force behind the VFP consultants, helping the team tap into their full potential in order to deliver excellent results.

 

Never one to back down from a challenge, Nick embraces his ever-changing environment and encourages customers to do the same as a way to drive further success down the road. He stresses the importance of clear communication and building strong working relationships in order to effectively articulate a vision for the future of a business.

 

Using his own years of consulting experience as a touchstone, Nick’s focus is on developing talent and ushering in customer success for the VFP team across the board.

Doug Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Building scalable large-capacity teams in enterprise environments for more than 20 years, Doug is creating a culture at VFP focused on growth, sustainability and loyalty.

 

With a belief that customer focused delivery and execution, matched with vision and operational excellence, is what makes a company and an engagement successful, he brings a unique approach to delivery and management.

 

Doug joined VFP with a goal to grow the team and scale the operation – which is now doubling year over year, based on a passion for people matched with a deep sense of purpose.

Stephanie Taylor

Chief Executive Officer

A sought-after enterprise management consultant with a 13-year history working with global Fortune 500 companies, Stephanie has deep and well-recognized expertise in the quote-to-cash, ERP, and financials space.

 

Focused on partnerships and long-term line of business growth at VFP, her passion for great consulting and business process is driving incredible growth for the company as well as VFP customers.

 

Ask Stephanie what she does and you’ll hear “all the things” – meaning taking care of the team, the company, and her many Salesforce and Certinia friends, partners, and colleagues.