Limelight vs. Reach Reporting: Finding the Perfect Financial Reporting Solution

by | Dec 9, 2024

Financial managers, business professionals, CFOs, CEOs, and accountants need financial tools that provide accuracy, efficiency, and actionable insights. Limelight and Reach Reporting are two platforms designed to address these needs. While both aim to simplify financial reporting and budgeting, they cater to different priorities. This blog provides a detailed comparison, showcasing where each platform excels and why Reach Reporting may be the better choice for your business.

 


What is Limelight?*

Limelight is a cloud-based financial planning and analysis (FP&A) software designed to increase collaboration and streamline financial workflows. With a focus on integrating with ERP systems, Limelight helps users manage budgets, forecasts, and reports.

Key Features of Limelight

  1. ERP Integration: Seamlessly connects with leading ERP systems, consolidating data for real-time insights.
  2. Excel-Like Interface: Provides a familiar environment for financial professionals, promoting user adoption.
  3. Collaborative Budgeting: Enables team collaboration, with department managers creating and managing their own budget sheets.
  4. Data Visualization: Offers visual dashboards to help users interpret financial data effectively.

Limitations of Limelight

  • High Pricing: Plans start at $1,400/month, which may not be affordable for small businesses.
  • Report Complexity: Building detailed reports can require assistance from technical support.
  • Limited Integration: Focused primarily on ERP systems, missing broader compatibility with tools like Google Sheets or Xero.

 


What is Reach Reporting?

Reach Reporting is a powerful financial reporting platform that combines flexibility, automation, and affordability. Designed for accountants, bookkeepers, and CFOs, Reach Reporting offers real-time data syncing, customizable reports, and AI-driven insights to streamline workflows.

Why Reach Reporting Stands Out

  1. Cost-Effective Pricing: Affordable plans starting at $149/month, with all features included.
  2. Customizable Reports: Build from scratch or tailor templates to fit unique business needs.
  3. Real-Time Syncing: Automatically updates data across multiple sources like QuickBooks, Google Sheets, Xero, and internal spreadsheets.
  4. Multi-Business Consolidation: Aggregate financial data for multiple entities with ease.
  5. AI-Powered Insights: Generate actionable recommendations, detect trends, and streamline decision-making.
  6. Dynamic Dashboards: Interactive visuals ideal for client presentations and internal reviews.

 

Feature Comparison: Reach Reporting vs. Limelight

Feature Limelight Reach Reporting
Pricing Starts at $1,400/month Starts at $149/month. Save more with additional connections.
User Interface Excel-like interface Excel-like backend. User-friendly with customizable templates
Integration Capabilities ERP systems QuickBooks, Xero, Google Sheets, internal data sheets, Excel
Report Building Can be complex Simplified with drag-and-drop functionality. Large library database.
Data Syncing Real-time with ERP integration Real-time across multiple data sources
AI-Powered Insights Not specified Provides actionable financial insights

 

How Reach Reporting Excels

1. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

Reach Reporting includes all features in a single pricing plan starting at $149/month, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Limelight’s pricing starts at $1,400/month, which may deter smaller firms.


2. Simplified Report Building

Reach Reporting’s robust template library and drag-and-drop interface allow users to automate reports out of the box or create custom reports without technical assistance. Limelight users have noted that building complex reports often requires support, adding friction to the workflow.


3. Extensive Integration Capabilities

Reach Reporting supports a broader range of integrations, including:

  • QuickBooks
  • Xero
  • Google Sheets
  • Internal data sheets
  • Excel
  • Gusto

Limelight focuses primarily on ERP systems, which limits its flexibility.


4. Automated Data Syncing

Reach Reporting ensures that reports are always accurate with real-time syncing across multiple sources. Limelight’s syncing is confined to ERP data, requiring manual effort for broader data management.


5. AI-Powered Insights

Reach Reporting leverages AI to:

  • Detect financial trends
  • Provide actionable recommendations
  • Streamline month-end reviews

Limelight does not currently advertise AI capabilities, making this a standout feature of Reach Reporting.


Empowering Financial Professionals

While Limelight is a strong option for ERP-focused financial reporting, Reach Reporting delivers a broader range of features at a more accessible price point. From real-time syncing and AI-powered insights to customizable templates, Reach Reporting equips accountants, CFOs, and CEOs with the tools to make smarter decisions and save valuable time.

Start your free trial with Reach Reporting today and experience a new level of efficiency in financial reporting.

 


What is the cost of Limelight FP&A software?

Limelight FP&A software starts at $1,400/month, as listed on various review platforms like Software Advice. Pricing can increase depending on the number of users, data integrations, and additional features needed, making it more suited for mid-sized to larger organizations with dedicated budgets for FP&A tools.

 


How does Reach Reporting handle multi-business consolidation?

Reach Reporting excels in multi-business consolidation by automating financial data aggregation across multiple entities. Key features include:

  • Real-Time Syncing: Consolidated data is updated automatically when source data changes and is synced, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
  • Customizable Templates: Users can produce reports and dashboards out of the box or create reusable templates that adapt to different entities, eliminating manual adjustments.
  • Interactive Dashboards: Provides a high-level view of overall business health, with filters to drill into individual entities.

This capability is included in Reach Reporting’s base pricing plan, making it accessible and cost-effective for small to large firms.

 


Which financial tool is better for accountants?

Reach Reporting is better suited for accountants due to its:

  • Familiar Interface: Designed with a spreadsheet-like backend for easy adoption.
  • Customizable Reports: Allows accountants to create unique metrics tailored to client needs.
  • Real-Time Automation: Reduces manual work with syncing across multiple data sources, including QuickBooks, Google Sheets, and Xero.
  • Affordable Pricing: All-inclusive pricing starting at $149/month is more accessible for smaller firms and freelancers.

While Limelight is a strong contender for ERP-focused users, its higher cost and limited integrations make it less flexible for accountants serving diverse client bases.

 


Does Limelight offer AI-powered financial insights?

Limelight does not currently advertise AI-powered financial insights as a feature. Its primary focus is on real-time integration with ERP systems, collaborative budgeting, and data visualization.

Reach Reporting, on the other hand, leverages AI to:

  • Detect financial trends.
  • Provide actionable insights and recommendations.
  • Simplify month-end reviews with automated narratives.

This makes Reach Reporting a more innovative choice for users seeking enhanced decision-making capabilities through AI.

 


 

How does Reach Reporting handle automation?

Reach Reporting offers real-time data syncing and customizable reports, enabling users to save time and deliver accurate financial insights.

 


Why choose Reach Reporting over Limelight?

Reach Reporting combines affordability, customization, and AI-driven insights, making it the ideal tool for accountants and CFOs.

 


 


*This blog provides an analysis of Limelight and Reach Reporting based on publicly accessible data, customer reviews, and product documentation. Information such as pricing, features, and integration capabilities for Limelight may differ depending on specific plans or updates. Visit Limelight’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date

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