Ceterus Software Expands Insights Pro with Direct Connect, Simplifying Franchise Financial Reporting

New solution streamlines franchisee financial data collection and standardization across bookkeeping methods

CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ceterus Software, the modern FranTech platform turning unit-level financial data into reliable intelligence for smarter, more sustainable franchise growth, announces the launch of Direct Connect. The new feature, available exclusively to Insights Pro customers, automates financial reporting across franchise systems, enabling franchisors to obtain clean, accurate data that enables meaningful peer-based comparisons across units.

For many franchise brands, collecting financial statements can be arduous and involve manual submissions, continued follow-ups and inconsistent reporting practices. Even when financial information is readily available, differences in bookkeeping methods and expense categorization can make performance comparison and profitability opportunities difficult to surface.

Direct Connect was created to address these challenges. Using a one-time setup that takes approximately five minutes, franchisees can securely share financial data without changing their existing bookkeeping methods. The model automatically retrieves bank and credit card transactions as well as revenue and payroll information, then processes the data to create standardized profit and loss statements. By eliminating repeated manual uploads and account mapping, Direct Connect reduces reporting hurdles for franchisees and provides more complete, comparable financial information to franchisors.

"Franchisors need consistent financial information to understand how locations are performing, but collecting and standardizing that data has historically been a challenge," said Bill Jones, CEO of Ceterus Software. "Direct Connect automates that process without requiring franchisees to change how they manage their books. By removing these barriers, we're helping franchise brands gain a more accurate view of their system and make better-informed decisions that support franchisee profitability."

For Ziebart, a global automotive appearance and protection services franchise that operates over 400 locations, having consistent data is paramount for its network of both established and newer franchisees. The company partnered with Ceterus to bring consistency and reliability to its financial reporting.

"Standardizing financial reporting across such a diverse network has been an ongoing challenge," said Jason Case, Vice President and Treasurer at Ziebart. "Ceterus has helped alleviate many of those pressures by bringing greater consistency and structure to the process."

Direct Connect facilitates Ceterus' ability to process over one million financial transactions each month, serving more than 150 franchise brands. As part of Insights Pro, the solution also supports financial benchmarking, variance reporting and AI-powered analysis, helping franchisors better understand system-wide performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Participating franchisees also receive monthly Insights Reports with financial summaries, peer comparisons and recommendations, creating further value by sharing financial information through the model.

To learn more about Direct Connect and Ceterus Insights Pro, visit www.Ceterus.com.

About Ceterus Software

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Ceterus Software is the modern FranTech platform that turns unit-level financial data into reliable intelligence for smarter, more sustainable franchise growth. Backed by deep franchise accounting expertise and purpose-built technology, the platform connects automated bookkeeping, standardized unit-level financial data, AI-powered analysis, benchmarking and franchise reporting to deliver a financial foundation franchise businesses can trust. Through Ceterus Bookkeeping, Ceterus Insights and Ceterus Insights Pro, franchisees gain greater insight into financial performance and profitability, while franchisors gain greater visibility into unit profitability to better support franchisees and make more informed decisions about where to intervene, invest and grow. Learn more at www.ceterus.com.

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SOURCE Ceterus Software