Ko-Kwel Casino Resort modernizes finance for growth

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 solution

Starting with a cohesive solution

Wipfli provided a hands-on approach tailored to

Ko-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.

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