---
title: "Onboarding a new reviewer"
sidebarTitle: "Onboarding a reviewer"
description: "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."
icon: "graduation-cap"
---

> **For AI agents:** the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Append `.md` to any page URL for its markdown version.

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.

<Info>
  **Source:** `Rackson_RRS_RCY_Review_Process.docx` sections 33, 50.2, and 47.6.
</Info>

## Before the first solo close

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm access">
    - 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.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Sit in on at least one full review of each type">
    One full **balance sheet** review and one full **P&L** review with the outgoing reviewer before running either independently, if scheduling allows.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Review a completed prior period">
    For both concepts — **to see what a fully reviewed period actually looks like.**
  </Step>
  <Step title="Confirm the checklist template is current">
    And that it reflects the account list in the [review process](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/overview) pages.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Keep the three documents together">
    This review documentation, the [workpaper instructions](/internal/customers/rackson/workpapers/overview), and the close checklist are **meant to be used together.**
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  **Best actual starting point.** The [close checklist](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/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.
</Note>

## First solo close — suggested order of operations

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm the weekly deposit verification is current">
    Through period end, before starting the balance sheet review.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Pull the trial balance and open the balance sheet workbook side-by-side">
  </Step>
  <Step title="Work the balance sheet accounts in documented order">
    Using the step-by-step checklist on each [review process](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/overview) page.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Run the intercompany tie-out as part of finalizing the balance sheet">
    **Not as an afterthought.** See [Intercompany tie-out](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/intercompany-tie-out).
  </Step>
  <Step title="Only then move to the P&L review">
    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](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/pl-review).
  </Step>
  <Step title="Record open items with clear ownership">
    Using the same format as [Open items](/internal/customers/rackson/open-items), and **confirm ownership (PBI or client) for each one.**
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Suggested approach and expectations

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Use the checklist as your map">
    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.
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Keep your own execution notes">
    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.
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Suggested check-in rhythm">
    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.
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Expect the first close to run long">
    <Note>
      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.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Keep the mid-period notes list alive">
    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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## 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](/internal/customers/rackson/key-people) for the full matrix.

## Support available to you

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

## Related

- [Review process overview](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/overview) — the methodology and the full account sequence
- [Troubleshooting](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/troubleshooting) — the "why doesn't this tie" quick reference
- [Close checklist](/internal/customers/rackson/review-process/close-checklist) — your primary sequencing tool
- [Workpapers overview](/internal/customers/rackson/workpapers/overview) — what the preparer is producing