BlackLine creates new tiered alliance program for consulting partners

Accounting software provider BlackLine has revamped its consulting ecosystem with a new tiered partner system.

Based in Los Angeles, BlackLine delivers cloud-based finance and accounting software that automates, centralizes, and streamlines financial close operations, intercompany accounting processes, and other related processes.

BlackLine’s software complements ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite, and helps companies increase their operational efficiency, real-time visibility, control, and compliance. BlackLine finance software is used by 2,800 companies and users around the world.

With recent Gartner projections estimating 72% of organizations plan to leverage the cloud for financial applications in the next three years, BlackLine is revamping its consulting ecosystem as demand for its products increases.

BlackLine will replace its existing Affiliate and Enterprise Consulting Partner Programs with a unified Blackline Alliance Partner Program, which will be divided into five tiers (Select, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and will have a global or regional designation.

The different tiers represent increasing degrees of go-to-market enablement, incentives, funding, training, recognition, and marketing support. A specific tier is based on a consulting partner’s volume of business in supporting BlackLine implementations, as well as the degree to which partners have scaled their practices with the required level of training, marketing, and go-to-market investments.

According to a release from Blackline, the tiered alliance program will “provide an even greater level of expertise and service to enterprise and mid-market customers undergoing digital financial transformations.” Other leading software providers provide similar, annually determined partner designations, usually topping out at “gold” level.

"We believe that the Gartner forecast presents an incredibly compelling opportunity for BlackLine and our partners," Michael Otto, vice president of global strategic alliances at BlackLine, said. "By combining our market-leading financial close platform with the expertise of leading financial advisory firms, we provide customers access to a best-of-breed solution coupled with extensive thought leadership.”

In the initial 2019 designations, EY and Deloitte achieved the highest level as global Platinum Partners, based on strong growth in customer engagements and substantial investments into their BlackLine offering.

In North America, Vaco and UHY achieved Platinum level, while KPMG, RGP, and Clearsulting were named Gold Partners. RSM was named a Silver Partner in North America, while Grant Thornton was named a Select Partner.