Cloud-based financial and enterprise resource planning software suite developer NetSuite Inc. has created an accountants network program with the goal of educating the CPA community about the product and enlisting them as recommenders when their clients look to switch or upgrade from current accounting systems.

The program is provided at no charge to accounting firms and their clients who are running NetSuite. The company has in the past attempted to introduce a program specifically for accountants, but is hopeful this incarnation will be more successful.

“Accountants were some of the earliest adopters of NetSuite going back to 2002,” said NetSuite vice president of channel sales Craig West. “In those days, we had a solution provider program, but then after SOX, firms had to dial back on receiving commissions on software licenses, so it was harder for us to reach them. Customers have started saying, ‘I need a new accountant and I want someone who knows NetSuite.’ I think it helps us close the loop in providing customers a full ecosystem of accounting partners. Additionally, as accountants grow in our network, we will have a more available list [of accountants] who know a particular industry and know NetSuite that we can recommend to customers.”

NetSuite users whose accounting firms join the program can provide the firm with secure single-seat access to their NetSuite account at their discretion – at no charge to the firm or the client.

Accounting firms in the program also get discounts on training classes, as well as a free NetSuite demonstration account to test the transaction and report implications in a non-production environment. 

In addition, by joining the program, firms can receive benefits for referring new business to NetSuite, with elective eligibility for a 10 percent commission on the first year's license for new referrals that translate to NetSuite customers.

For more information, visit www.netsuite.com/accountantprogram.