Transforming finance into a growth engine

OVERVIEW

Ko-Kwel has evolved from a single, local casino into a multi-casino destination resort with a dozen supporting entities. As the organization grew, Ko-Kwel partnered with Wipfli to strengthen finance and accounting capabilities, modernize systems and processes and establish a scalable foundation for continued growth. The work combined tribal-specific guidance, technology implementation and outsourced capacity to support stronger insights, efficiency and organization-wide momentum.

THE CHALLENGE

Ko-Kwel’s continued growth, including expansion to a second casino and an increasing number of entities, created an opportunity to modernize finance and accounting systems and processes. With increasing complexity across the organization, Ko-Kwel sought a strategic partner to bring best-practice guidance, technical experience and hands-on implementation support. The objective was to create a scalable finance function equipped to support continued growth and informed decision-making.

THE APPROACH

Starting with a cohesive solution

Wipfli provided a hands-on approach tailored toKo-Kwel’s needs and growth objectives.

• Performed an on-site assessment.
• Defined scope and investment choices, helping build board and organizational alignment.
• Provided an integrated approach including technology implementation, outsourced support, process improvement, vendor coordination, ongoing advisory support, change management and training.
• Used modern casino-focused best practices as the foundation for planning, milestones and guidance.

Sage Intacct software implementation

• Implemented Sage Intacct.
• Customized Wipfli’s proprietary golden image implementation approach to match Ko-Kwel’s unique complexity.
• Integrated existing systems and data flows.
• Augmented with Casino Insights and Casino Cash Track, Stratton Warren inventory/procurement, DataBlend integrations and payroll postings through Paylocity.
• Created a common chart of accounts across entities.
• Modernized and automated AP workflows.
• Provided initial training and ongoing coaching.

Outsourced finance and accounting

• Automated processes to reduce manual entry.
• Accelerated monthly financial reporting to support timely analysis and decision-making.
• Created organization-wide on-demand data access and reporting.
• Strengthened audit and reconciliation workflows.
• Consistent, interactive employee discussions to incorporate feedback, secure buy-in and drive adoption.
• Significantly reduced month-end close time.
• Improved cage close efficiency.

THE RESULTS

Scalable and insight-driven finance approach

• Stronger budget ownership: Enhanced financial data gives department leaders stronger budget ownership, faster analysis and more proactive decision-making.
• Companywide visibility: Strategic goal tracking and day-to-day operations give leadership a clearer view across entities and departments to support informed decisions.
• Faster monthy close: Monthly close time was significantly reduced, supported by fewer manual handoffs, a simplified chart of accounts, enhanced controls, more efficient audit work and improved vendor coordination.
• Digital cage workflows: Moving from paper-heavy processes to 90% digital documentation is saving cage leaders 1.5 hours/day while reducing storage and disposal costs.

Organization-wide momentum and transformation

• Roadmap for organization-wide initiatives: The finance transformation demonstrates clear planning, cross-functional partnership and the right mix of technology, process improvement and support to scale capabilities and results.
• Strengthened team engagement: Finance and accounting have expanded their capacity to focus on higher-value analysis, invest in skill building and provide meaningful contributions.
• Greater employee investment: Better tools, clearer processes and greater investment in employees are supporting engagement, retention, development and long-term performance.

This is just the beginning. Ko-Kwel wants to build upon its existing partnership with Wipfli and see where they can next:

• Continue strengthening audit readiness while expanding analysis and strategic thinking.
• Align efficiency and strategic planning for additional tribal needs.
• Identify and apply additional opportunities for improvement.
• Further automation to improve efficiency and support delegation.
• Ongoing audit preparation, reconciliation, policy and procedure updates, budgeting and expanded reporting efforts will continue.
• Continued team growth and development with internal and external options.
• Measure impact on efficiency, engagement and operational performance.