What the Command Centre is

The Command Centre is the firm’s central communication and review management hub within Zato.

It ensures that all queries, discussions, and review checkpoints are:

• Structured

• Traceable

• Auditable

All communication — whether internal or client-facing — remains within the platform, eliminating fragmented email trails and ensuring complete transparency across the job lifecycle.

User Access and Permissions

The type of query or item a user can raise depends on their role:

Brief Notes

Brief Notes are used by Directors or Managers before automation runs.

They act as:
- Pre-job instructions
- Key engagement notes
- A checklist for the assigned team

These notes help guide accountants before processing begins and ensure alignment on expectations.

Where can Queries and Review Points be created?

Queries and Review Points can be raised from two locations within Zato, depending on where you are working.

Option 1: From within a workpaper

Use this when you are reviewing a specific transaction or workpaper.

Steps:
1. Open the relevant workpaper
2. Click the arrow in the top-right corner
3. Open Conversation Log / Review Points
4. Click Add Query / Review Point
5. Enter details and save

Option 2: From the Command Centre

Use this when you want to raise or manage queries centrally.

Steps:
1. Go to the Command Centre
2. Click Query / Review +
3. Fill in the required details:
- Job name
- Query type
- Description / notes
4. Attach supporting documents (if required)
5. Click Submit

💡 Tip:
Use workpapers for context-specific queries, and the Command Centre for overall job-level tracking and management.

Managing Internal Queries

Each internal query includes management options:

Ignore
- Marks the query as not requiring action
- Retains it for record purposes

Investigate
- Keeps the query active
- Indicates further follow-up is required

Delete
- Permanently removes the query
- Cannot be undone

Conversation threads

- Each query contains a full conversation thread
- Users can click the dropdown arrow to respond
- All responses are recorded for audit purposes

Batch Queries (client communication control)

Batch queries allow you to group and review queries before sending them to clients.

Moving queries to batch
- Select one or multiple internal queries
- Click the three-line menu
- Click Push to Batch

Sending to client
- Select queries in the Batch section
- Click Send to Client

This ensures:
- Queries are reviewed before being sent
- Communication is controlled and accurate

Review Points

Review Points are a structured validation tool between Accountants and Reviewers.
They:
- Require formal responses
- Must be resolved before sign-off
- Act as a mandatory checklist

Workflow
1. Manager/Director raises a Review Point
2. Accountant responds
3. Manager/Director reviews response
4. Mark as Resolved

⚠️ A job cannot be signed off until all Review Points are resolved

Client Queries

When to raise a client query

Client queries should be raised when:
- Supporting documents are missing
- Clarification is required on transactions
- GL Scrutiny flags discrepancies
- Autocoding marks items as “Query to Client”
- Reviewer requests confirmation

All client communication:
- Happens within Zato
- Is fully tracked
- Is visible in a structured thread

Audit and Traceability

Every query in the Command Centre:
- Is stored as a structured conversation
- Maintains full history of responses
- Is linked to the relevant job and workpaper

This ensures:
- Complete audit trail
- No loss of communication
- Clear accountability across the team

Common Mistakes

• Sending queries to clients without batching — always review before sending

• Closing review points before the accountant has responded