Onboarding a new reviewer
A practical first-90-days path into the lead reviewer role on RRS and RCY, plus timing benchmarks and a suggested approach to the first solo close.
This sequences the review documentation into a practical path rather than requiring it all to be absorbed at once. It was written for John's transition into the lead reviewer role, but applies to anyone stepping into the role.
Source: Rackson_RRS_RCY_Review_Process.docx sections 33, 50.2, and 47.6.
Before the first solo close
- The Close Period folder structure for both RRS and RCY
- The Intacct company/entities for both concepts
- All shared client workbooks — delivery service file, credit card verification file, deposit verification workbook, bank rec file
Also confirm access to RTI, Loop, and Vena, with the correct role level for both BK and DHC brands if Vena administration is in scope.
One full balance sheet review and one full P&L review with the outgoing reviewer before running either independently, if scheduling allows.
For both concepts — to see what a fully reviewed period actually looks like.
And that it reflects the account list in the review process pages.
This review documentation, the workpaper instructions, and the close checklist are meant to be used together.
Best actual starting point. The close checklist in Intacct is the recommended first thing to study — it shows what journal entries actually get booked each month, which is easier to build understanding from than memorizing the balance sheet account sections from scratch.
First solo close — suggested order of operations
Through period end, before starting the balance sheet review.
Using the step-by-step checklist on each review process page.
Not as an afterthought. See Intercompany tie-out.
Once the balance sheet is fully reviewed and the checklist reflects that: side-by-side first, then the B04 dimension check, then the trend/AI-assisted pass. See P&L review.
Using the same format as Open items, and confirm ownership (PBI or client) for each one.
Suggested approach and expectations
Follow the master checklist in Intacct / the P[n] Close Checklist.xlsx workbook as the primary sequencing tool, rather than trying to memorize the full order of operations from the documentation alone.
Build personal notes, organized account by account — a "dimension balance notes" style reference — documenting how you execute each recurring check. This was specifically recommended as a way to build muscle memory rather than re-reading the full process documentation every period.
A reasonable target for a first solo close is a same-day check-in cadence — e.g. checking progress by mid-afternoon each day — with the reviewer available for two to three hours in the evening if something needs finishing that day.
A first solo close may reasonably run a day longer than a fully steady-state close, and that is acceptable. The goal is a low-stress transition, not a rigid deadline on the very first attempt.
Use the "Notes for Mid-Period Meeting" section at the bottom of the checklist tab as a running log of process improvements and open items. It is far easier to maintain one running list tied to the checklist than to remember loose threads across closes.
Timing benchmarks
Approximate time-per-schedule figures for planning a first solo close. Rough orientation, not a service-level commitment.
| Schedule / task | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Prepaid POS Maintenance reconciliation — GL 14600, all 4 vendors | ~30 minutes |
| Rebates receivable schedule (GL 12700 & 12730) | ~20 minutes |
| Rebate expense schedule | Quicker than the receivable schedule |
| Security deposits (GL 18100) | ~10 minutes |
| Change fund (GL 10800) / Office petty cash (GL 11000) | Fastest items on the list — usually no activity |
| ERTC tracking (GL 19999) | Effectively none most periods — only touched annually |
Who to contact when
| Topic | Contact |
|---|---|
| Debt schedules, bonus schedule, financing/franchise amortization, utility approvals | Mike |
| Accrued expense detail, GL adjustments, credit card missing items, real estate tax schedules, security deposits | Caitlin |
| Inventory count-scope questions | Steve |
| Aged AP / vendor payment negotiation questions | Caleb |
| Weekly deposit verification questions | Karen |
| Internal reconciliation methodology, or anything not resolved above | Jeff, then Jonah |
See Key people for the full matrix.
Support available to you
Betsy is not fully utilized on this engagement day to day but has historical knowledge of Rackson — including having previously booked in-house maintenance herself. Treat her as a resource when you hit a knowledge gap or a time crunch.
Related
- Review process overview — the methodology and the full account sequence
- Troubleshooting — the "why doesn't this tie" quick reference
- Close checklist — your primary sequencing tool
- Workpapers overview — what the preparer is producing