COMPARE SPOTLIGHT REPORTING AND REACH REPORTING
Spotlight Reporting vs. Reach Reporting
Spotlight Reporting and Reach Reporting both combine financial reporting, dashboards, forecasting, and consolidation. Reach stands apart with highly customizable reporting and FP&A, prebuilt templates, connected financial and operational data, AI-powered analysis, and a dedicated client portal built into the reporting workflow.
- Automated financial reporting and analysis
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Connected 3-way forecasting
Customer feedback across trusted software marketplaces
FROM RAW DATA TO A DECISION
Customize, forecast, and deliver in one workflow
Connect your books, shape reports and dashboards your way, run connected 3-way plans, and share through a dedicated client portal.
Connect your data
Connect QuickBooks, Xero, Digits, MYOB, use a spreadsheet, or upload a CSV trial balance. Bring financial, non-financial, and operational data together.
Automate repeatable work
Start with pre-built reports and dashboards, sync current data, and reuse the work every month.
Make reports your own
Shape statements, KPIs, charts, comparisons, live text, branding, and complete financial decks.
Understand what the numbers are telling you
Use interactive metrics, variance analysis, drill-down, and clear context to understand performance and make better-informed business decisions
Plan all three statements
Budget and forecast the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow together, then test the drivers.
Scale reporting when you need to
Keep pace with changing business requirements, as Reach adapts with minimal manual intervention. Templates scale to support expanding reporting workloads and analytics needs.
SIDE-BY-SIDE
A comparison built for an actual decision
Expand any row to see how Reach and Spotlight differ on that capability.
Report building Reach Reporting supports Report building Spotlight Reporting supports Report building
More control. Start with templates, then shape layouts, calculations, visuals, and live text on one canvas.
Build flexible reports with layouts, charts, KPIs, templating, and an extensive chart gallery.
Native financial statement customization Reach Reporting supports Native financial statement customization Spotlight Reporting supports Native financial statement customization
Unlock statements for one-off layouts, or keep locked statements presentation-ready while numbers refresh with Book Month.
Customize Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet presentation through Customize Data and layout controls without changing source bookkeeping.
Account mapping Reach Reporting supports Account mapping Spotlight Reporting supports Account mapping
Override the company-wide chart of accounts for reporting without changing bookkeeping. The Account Mapping Tool feeds the Data Picker and locked statements. Mapping is unavailable for CSV and MYOB connections.
Adjust report codes and display names in Customize Data to control how accounts appear across reports. This is Spotlight’s classification workflow, not a separate Reach-style Account Mapping Tool.
3-way planning Reach Reporting supports 3-way planning Spotlight Reporting supports 3-way planning
Connect Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow in one plan. Assumption changes flow through to projected ending cash.
Create connected 3-way budgets and forecasts across Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow in Spotlight Forecasting.
Supporting data across reporting and planning Reach Reporting supports Supporting data across reporting and planning Spotlight Reporting supports Supporting data across reporting and planning
Bring non-accounting inputs into reports, dashboards, and plans with company and planning Data Sheets, plus Google Sheets and Excel imports where you use them.
Bring non-financial and supporting figures through Excel and Google Sheets imports, plus other documented non-accounting sources such as Google Analytics where you use them.
Scenario modeling Reach Reporting supports Scenario modeling Spotlight Reporting supports Scenario modeling
Duplicate budgets or forecasts for base, upside, and downside cases. Vary planning Data Sheet assumptions without rebuilding the model.
Model best-case and worst-case outcomes with what-if scenarios and forecast drivers on a baseline plan.
Client delivery and collaboration Reach Reporting supports Client delivery and collaboration Spotlight Reporting supports Client delivery and collaboration
Share reports, dashboards, budgets, and forecasts through a dedicated Client Portal with folders, alerts, and PDF download for reports.
Share finished reports by PDF download, email, or online presentation from Preview & share.
Interactive dashboards for client users Reach Reporting supports Interactive dashboards for client users Spotlight Reporting partially supports Interactive dashboards for client users
Publish interactive dashboards to the Client Portal or shareable links, with filters, exports, and AI analysis where you enable them.
Spotlight Dashboard supports advisory dashboard workflows. Client delivery centres on branded report sharing and online presentation rather than a dedicated permissioned portal dashboard.
Multi-entity and multi-currency consolidations Reach Reporting supports Multi-entity and multi-currency consolidations Spotlight Reporting supports Multi-entity and multi-currency consolidations
Combine compatible companies into one reporting view, with mapping and multi-currency conversion where supported.
Consolidate up to 75 organizations in Spotlight Reporting, with multi-currency conversion and group reporting built into the Reporting product.
Eliminations Reach Reporting supports Eliminations Spotlight Reporting supports Eliminations
Zero out designated intercompany accounts in a consolidation. Reach eliminates full account balances; Cash Flow still shows eliminated accounts today.
Eliminate intercompany balances automatically for full accounts, with adjustment accounts or an Excel-based eliminations organization when you need partial treatment.
Custom branding Reach Reporting supports Custom branding Spotlight Reporting supports Custom branding
Apply company or workspace logos and color themes to reports and dashboards inside the Reach experience.
Apply practice and organization logos, colors, covers, titles, and footers for branded report output.
White label Reach Reporting supports White label Spotlight Reporting does not include White label
Replace Reach app identity with your logo, favicon, and custom subdomain. Paid premium service with a $2,500 one-time setup.
Report white-labeling and practice branding are included. A dedicated white-label app identity (custom subdomain and replaced product chrome) is not documented.
Benchmarking Reach Reporting supports Benchmarking Spotlight Reporting supports Benchmarking
Benchmark with peer consolidations, imported industry data, KPI goals or ranges, budgets as targets, and conditional formatting.
Compare related entities in Reporting, and use Spotlight Multi when you need network ranking and peer benchmarking across a larger group.
AI enhancement Reach Reporting supports AI enhancement Spotlight Reporting supports AI enhancement
Analyze metrics, generate report and dashboard deliverables, and build dashboard widgets with Claude where enabled.
Use AI Suggestions to draft executive summaries, commentary, and action plans you can review before publishing.
QuickBooks Online Reach Reporting supports QuickBooks Online Spotlight Reporting supports QuickBooks Online
Direct cloud connection with overnight auto-sync and manual sync.
Direct QuickBooks Online connection for reporting and forecasting imports.
QuickBooks Desktop Reach Reporting supports QuickBooks Desktop Spotlight Reporting supports QuickBooks Desktop
Direct connection through the Reach Desktop Connector on the machine holding the company file.
QuickBooks Desktop connection through Spotlight’s Desktop Connector with documented supported versions.
Xero Reach Reporting supports Xero Spotlight Reporting supports Xero
Direct cloud connection with auto-sync about every 24 hours and manual sync.
Direct Xero connection for reporting and forecasting imports.
MYOB Reach Reporting supports MYOB Spotlight Reporting supports MYOB
Direct cloud connection. Several data types are not synced; Account Mapping Tool is unavailable.
Connect MYOB AccountRight (cloud) or MYOB AccountRight Desktop through Spotlight’s documented MYOB paths.
Gusto Reach Reporting supports Gusto Spotlight Reporting does not include Gusto
Direct payroll connection for employee and contractor metrics, with nightly auto-sync.
Gusto is not listed among Spotlight’s direct data sources.
Digits Reach Reporting supports Digits Spotlight Reporting does not include Digits
Direct Digits connection for financial statements used in reporting, dashboards, and 3-way forecasts.
Digits is not listed among Spotlight’s direct data sources.
CSV trial balance import Reach Reporting supports CSV trial balance import Spotlight Reporting supports CSV trial balance import
Upload a trial balance CSV to build the three main statements. NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Wave Accounting, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, ZipBooks, and other accounting systems can be formatted as a trial balance CSV and uploaded into Reach Reporting.
Import financials from Microsoft Excel with Spotlight’s template when a system sits outside the direct connector list.
Google Sheets integration Reach Reporting supports Google Sheets integration Spotlight Reporting supports Google Sheets integration
Link a native Google Sheet for metrics and live text, with manual sync plus documented nightly sync.
Import Actuals, Budget, and Cash data through a Google Sheets template linked for Spotlight imports.
Microsoft Excel imports Reach Reporting supports Microsoft Excel imports Spotlight Reporting supports Microsoft Excel imports
Upload Excel as a Data Sheet and re-upload when figures change. This is a manual path, not a live Excel connection.
Import financial and non-financial data with the Microsoft Excel template, then re-import when figures change.
Onboarding and implementation Reach Reporting supports Onboarding and implementation Spotlight Reporting supports Onboarding and implementation
Get guided onboarding, implementation help, and live training shaped around your reporting needs.
Move through Kickstart and training sessions with Customer Success, plus implementation help on Super VCFO packages.
Live one-on-one support Reach Reporting supports Live one-on-one support Spotlight Reporting supports Live one-on-one support
Reach a person by live chat, email, phone, or Zoom when you need troubleshooting or a better build path.
Work with Customer Success and Support specialists by email and scheduled sessions, with deeper account management on higher Advisor packages.
Training as you grow Reach Reporting supports Training as you grow Spotlight Reporting supports Training as you grow
Continue with webinars, tutorials, and personalized training as you add users, clients, and advanced workflows.
Continue with video tutorials, Spotlight Certification, webinars, and tailored training as your advisory practice grows.
Choose Reach if...
You want room to build
You want fast time to value without sacrificing customization.
You want financial reporting and FP&A in one connected workflow.
You want a dedicated portal for ongoing client reporting and dashboards.
You want to start simply and expand into sophisticated reporting, planning, and consolidation.
CHOOSE SPOTLIGHT IF…
You need a specific strength
Your advisory practice already has established Spotlight reporting workflows.
You value Spotlight’s predefined reporting, chart gallery, and advisor-oriented workflow.
You need large-network ranking and benchmarking through Spotlight Multi.
You prefer Spotlight’s forecasting methodology or established Xero-centric advisory ecosystem.
The proof a comparison page should have
What Reach customers say about reporting
Real Reach customers on customization, QBO workflows, data sheets, and month-end carve-up. Includes a Spotlight Reporting switcher.
Month-end reporting flexibility
“Insightful... I can give the business (of an SME size) the insights and reporting that it needs without spending thousands of $s on a larger enterprise solution”
David L. · CFO
Intuitive product, outstanding support
“It's a very intuitive product. Customer support is outstanding and always helpful when troubleshooting or customizing how information is displayed.”
Crissy H. · CFO
Integrations, AI insights, custom reports
“I love the integrations, customer service, and AI business insights. It's great we can customize the reports as well. Clients have an easier time understanding their financials with the visual dashboards in the reports.”
Theresa K. · Owner
Reach exceeds my expectations as an accountant
“In addition to the ease of linking Google Sheets, Excel, and QBO, the customer service is phenomenal. I had several custom reports I needed and they were able to help me create exactly what I needed for my financial reviews and budgets.”
Shawna D. · Controller
Highly Recommend!
“I like the ability to present our financial and non-financial data in a visually appealing way and that it's easy for our Senior Leadership to understand.”
Patricia F. · Director of Finance
Less Time Reporting, More Time Analyzing
“A lot of time saved through automation. Especially with the recurring financial and management reports, which can be generated automatically, reducing manual spreadsheet work. Also, reports are presentation-ready, making it easier to share financial performance with stakeholders.”
Lesley-Ann P. · Bookkeeper
REPORTING FLEXIBILITY
How much control do you want over the full report?
Both create professional reporting. The useful axis is how each environment is constructed and extended, not a false split of templated vs customizable.
Reach combines templates with extensive customization, spreadsheet-style tools, and connected external data. Spotlight brings mature predefined pages, a large chart gallery, custom layouts and formulas, and white labeling.
Choose on how much control you need over report construction and how stakeholders receive the pack, including Reach’s dedicated client portal versus Spotlight’s branded and online sharing options.
FORECASTING & FP&A
Two 3-way forecasting platforms. What actually separates them?
Both platforms document connected 3-way forecasting. Do not treat 3-way itself as a Reach differentiator.
What separates them is the broader FP&A workflow: modeling flexibility, how drivers connect to reporting and operational data, and how forecasts sit beside dashboards and delivery.
Reach keeps budgets, scenarios, reports, and dashboards in one connected workspace.
Spotlight’s forecasting product likewise markets 3-way cashflow forecasting, budgets, and scenarios.
BUILT FOR THE PEOPLE MANAGING THE NUMBERS
Reporting that fits how advisors actually work
Start from the systems you already use. Build the reports clients need, then keep delivering through a portal built for ongoing review.
Connect familiar data systems
Bring in financial data from QuickBooks, Xero, Digits, spreadsheets, or trial balance imports.
Start with proven templates
Use ready-made reports and dashboards as a starting point instead of building every report from scratch.
Customize what matters
Adjust metrics, layouts, charts, comparisons, and reporting to reflect how you manage your business.
Build from reporting into planning
Start with the financial visibility you need today, then add budgeting, forecasting, benchmarking, or consolidation when you need them.
SIMPLE, PUBLIC PRICING
Start with the complete Reach platform
Every new account begins with 30 days of access to the complete Reach Reporting platform.
After your free trial, continue with the complete platform starting $149 per month. If you do not subscribe, your account automatically moves to Reach Basic.
No credit card required. No need to cancel.
Complete Reach Reporting
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Is Reach a Spotlight alternative?
Yes. Both cover financial reporting, dashboards, forecasting, and multi-entity work. Reach stands out on customization, connected FP&A, and a dedicated client portal. Spotlight is a mature advisor suite with strong charting, forecasting, and consolidation.
Does Spotlight include consolidation?
Yes. Spotlight Reporting supports company consolidation, multi-currency, and eliminations. Multi focuses on franchises, networks, ranking, and benchmarking. It is not the consolidation gate. Reach also brings multi-entity reporting, multi-currency consolidation, and eliminations into one connected workflow.
Which offers more customization?
Both offer meaningful customization. Compare specific report-construction and delivery tasks side by side. This page does not crown an absolute winner without that testing.
Does Spotlight have a client portal?
An equivalent dedicated permissioned portal was not verified in reviewed public docs. Spotlight documents branded reports, email links, online presentation, and PDF. Reach provides a login portal with folders, interactive dashboards, files, forecasts, and multi-business access. Soft wording: not an absolute claim that a Spotlight portal cannot exist.
Can I test Reach before switching?
Reach offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Spotlight offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Existing Spotlight reports do not auto-transfer; plan rebuild time if you switch.
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