How do I create an Accrual Invoice in Collaborati
Note, the process of "accrual" invoices is intended to provide early forecast billing information. An "accrual" invoice is often followed by submission of a "standard" invoice. Check your client's billing guidelines for requirements.
Accrual Invoices
Step-by-step guide to creating accruals and submitting monthly accruals within Collaborati. Begin by logging in to Collaborati.
To start creating your invoice, follow these steps:
- Hover over “Invoices” in the top menu bar
- Click “Create Invoice”
Header Information
Fill in pertinent Header information.
- Choose Accrual from the Invoice Type field in the invoice header.
Note: If the Accrual choice in Invoice Type is not shown, report the problem to the client. - “Invoice Date” must occur after “Invoice Period”. (Note the Invoice Date can be a date in the future.)
Example: If I am submitting February's Accrual on 2/19/2025,
I can enter the Invoice Date as a date next month, 3/1/2025
And the Invoice Period as 2/1/2025 – 2/28/2025
Recommendation: We recommend leaving “Invoice Total” at $0.00 as Collaborati will automatically add the amount.
- Place a brief description of the invoice in the “Description”.
- Click Next.
Line Items
You can enter a one line accrual which will include estimated fees and expenses, or you can enter a two line accrual to separate the fees and expense. Below is an example with two lines.
Fee
- Select your Matter.
- Choose Total Fee in the Item Type drop-down menu.
- Enter the line item date.
Important: Ensure the start date on the line item is within the Invoice Period.
- Enter the Amount
- Click Add Item.
Expense
- Select your Matter.
- Choose Total Expense in the Item Type drop-down menu.
- Enter the line item date.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the start date on the line item is within the Invoice Period.
- Enter the Amount
- Click Add Item.
- Review the line items and click Next.
Line items appear in the table at the bottom:
Taxes & Discounts and Attachments
- Taxes & Discounts (you can skip this section)
Click "Next".
- Attachments (you can skip this section)
Click "Next".
Review and Submit
Review the accrual invoice for accuracy. If everything looks correct, the invoice is ready to submit to the client.
Notes for Accrual with $0 invoice total
Tips for Header with $0 line item total
Tips for Line Items with $0 line item total
Fee Line Items
-
Select your Matter.
-
Choose Total Fees in the Item Type drop-down menu.
-
Enter the line item date.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the start date on the line item is within the Invoice Period.
-
Enter the Amount as "0.00".
-
Click Add Item.
A message may appear "Rate/Price missing on line item 1". This message can be ignored if the Amount is "0.00".
Expense Line Items
- Select your Matter.
- Choose Total Expenses in the Item Type drop-down menu.
- Enter the line item date.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the start date on the line item is within the Invoice Period.
- Enter the Amount as "0.00".
- Click Add Item.
A message may appear "Rate/Price missing on line item 1". This message can be ignored if the Amount is "0.00".
Click "Next".
Review the Taxes & Discounts and Attachments section as explained above.
Review and Submit with $0 line item total
Review the accrual invoice for accuracy. If everything looks correct, the invoice is ready to submit to the client.
