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Option 1: Import from CSV - Use your current report structure from CSV
Option 2: Industry templates - Pre-built Industry or GAAP formats
Option 3: Manual creation - Complete control over structure
Before you begin, make sure you have:
Ensure you have a Group already set up in GATHER.nexus
Consider your preferred Group reporting format
Determine which setup method best suits your organisation's needs
Getting started
Step 1: Navigate to group reporting templates
From your GATHER.nexus dashboard, locate the Group Financial Reporting section. Click on the Group Reporting Template tile to begin.
Step 2: Review your group reporting template list
You'll land on your templates overview page. For new users, this will be empty—ready for your first standardised template.
Step 3: Add your group reporting template
Click the Add GRT button in the top right corner to create a new Group Reporting Template.
Step 4: Select your report type and choose your creation method
The template creation form presents report type options:
Report types available:
Profit & Loss - Income statement format
Balance Sheet - Financial position reporting
Both - Combined financial statements for complete reporting
After selecting your report type, you'll see three setup options. Choose the approach that best fits your needs:
Option 1: CSV Import - Perfect for organisations with existing templates who want rapid implementation
Option 2: Industry Templates - Ideal for businesses wanting examples of Industry or GAAP based Templates for Reporting
Option 3: Manual Creation - Best for complete customisation
Option 1: CSV Import
Best for: Organisations with existing reporting templates who want rapid implementation
Step-by-step CSV import process
Step 1: Select CSV import option
In the Create New Group Reporting Template form, choose Option 1: Import from CSV.
Step 2: Prepare your CSV file
Download the Sample Template to understand the required CSV format
Structure your CSV following the sample template layout
Ensure account codes match your existing chart of accounts exactly
Step 3: Upload your template
Click Browse File or drag your CSV file into the designated upload area
Verify the filename appears correctly in the system
Review that your file follows the required structure
Step 4: Create and import
Click Create & Setup to process your CSV and create the template structure.
Step 5: Confirm successful import
The system displays a confirmation showing how many accounts were successfully imported into your new reporting template.
Option 2: Industry Templates
Best for: Businesses wanting examples of Industry or GAAP based Reporting Templates
When to use industry templates
You operate in a specific industry with established reporting norms
You need GAAP based structures
You want professionally designed templates without custom development
Available industry templates
IFRS - International Financial Reporting Standards structure
SAAS - Software as a Service industry optimised format
Manufacturing - Manufacturing industry focused format
Step-by-step industry template process
Step 1: Select industry template option
In the Create New Group Reporting Template form, choose Option 2 to access pre-built industry templates.
Step 2: Preview available templates
Each template includes a Preview option to examine the structure before selection:
SAAS Template Preview includes:
Revenue sections: SAAS Recurring Revenue, Service Revenue, Hardware Revenue
Cost categories: SAAS Cost of Sales, Services Cost of Sales
Industry-specific line items: Subscriptions, Transactions/Usage, Tech Support, Customer Success
Step 3: Select your industry template
Choose the template that best matches your business model. For software companies, select SAAS for recurring revenue optimisation.
Step 4: Create with industry structure
Click Create & Setup to proceed with your selected industry-standard template structure.
Step 5: Review industry-specific categories
Your template loads with predefined industry structure showing all relevant account categories tailored to your selected industry.
Option 3: Manual Creation
Best for: Complete customisation and control
Understanding manual creation capabilities
Define your Group Chart of Accounts structure from scratch
Tailor account categories to unique organisational needs
Create custom reporting hierarchies
Build industry-specific structures not covered by standard templates
Step-by-step manual creation process
Step 1: Select manual creation option
In the Create New Group Reporting Template form, choose Option 3: I will create Group CoA manually.
Step 2: Begin with default structure
Click Create & Setup to enter the manual configuration interface with a basic framework:
Default P&L Structure includes:
Revenue Section: Operating Revenue, Intercompany Revenue, Total Revenue
Cost of Goods Sold: Intercompany COGS, Total COGS
Expenses: Operating Expense, Intercompany Expense, Total Expenses
Key Metrics: EBIT(Earning Before Interest And Tax), EBITDA (Earning Before Interest, Tax Depreciation And Amortisation), EBIT Margin %, EBITDA Margin %, GROSS PROFIT Margin %.
Step 3: Customise your account structure
Build your ideal reporting format using the management tools:
Add (+) - Insert new account lines within any category
View (👁) - Review and edit account details
Delete (🗑) - Remove unnecessary account lines
Step 4: Create custom categories
Develop account structures that reflect your specific business:
Industry-Specific Categories: Add accounts for your unique business model
Custom Hierarchies: Organise accounts in logical, business-aligned groupings
Multi-Level Reporting: Create detailed breakdowns with subtotals
Intercompany Accounts: Set up dedicated intercompany tracking
Common configuration steps (all options)
Managing account visibility
Regardless of your chosen method, use the Show Hidden toggle to control which accounts appear in different report versions:
Create internal vs external reporting versions
Hide sensitive or detailed accounts from summary reports
Maintain comprehensive data while presenting focused reports
Finalising template setup
Once you've configured your template structure using any method, click Update & Map Account to save your complete template configuration.
Template management options
Your completed template appears with ongoing management capabilities:
Setup Group Accounts - Modify overall template structure
Map accounts now - Update account mappings for specific companies
Best practices by method
CSV Import best practices:
Review Sample Templates: Always examine the provided sample before creating your CSV
Test Small Scale: Validate CSV format with a subset of accounts before full import
Maintain Documentation: Keep clear records of CSV structure for future updates
Industry Template best practices:
Preview Thoroughly: Examine all available templates before making your selection
Customise Appropriately: Modify industry templates to match specific business needs
Stay Updated: Review industry template updates for compliance changes
Manual Creation best practices:
Plan Your Structure: Map out desired hierarchy before starting manual build
Use Consistent Numbering: Implement logical account numbering schemes
Design for Growth: Create structures that accommodate business expansion
Common questions
Q: Can I switch between methods after creating a template?
A: While you can modify any template after creation, switching fundamental structures requires creating a new template. Plan your method choice carefully.
Q: Which method is fastest for implementation?
A: Industry templates offer the quickest professional setup, CSV import is fastest for existing structures, and manual creation takes longest but offers complete control.
Q: Can I combine elements from different methods?
A: Yes, you can start with industry templates or CSV import and then manually customise using the setup screen.
Q: What if my industry isn't represented in the standard templates?
A: Use manual creation or start with the closest industry template and customise extensively to match your specific requirements.
Q: How do I handle multi-currency considerations in templates?
A: All template methods support multi-currency reporting. Configure currency handling in your Group settings rather than the template structure.
What's next?
With your Profit & Loss template created using your preferred method, you can:
Apply templates across entities within your group for consistent reporting
Create additional templates for Balance Sheet and other financial statements
Generate professional reports that impress stakeholders and meet compliance requirements
Refine and optimise templates based on user feedback and evolving business needs
Your Group Reporting Template now ensures consistent, professional financial reporting across your entire organisation, regardless of which creation method you chose.
Have questions or need assistance❓
Contact our support team at support@gather.nexus