Brex

## How does Brex's spend management platform integrate with NetSuite for continuous close processes?

## Overview Brex's spend management platform integrates with Oracle NetSuite through a native, 'Built for NetSuite' (BFN) certified SuiteApp, designed specifically to support continuous close accounting processes. A continuous close model aims to distribute accounting workloads throughout a period rather than concentrating them at month-end, and this integration facilitates that by automating the flow of financial data between the two systems in near real-time. The integration is not a simple data export but a deep, bi-directional connection built on NetSuite's APIs. This certification from Oracle signifies that the integration meets NetSuite's stringent standards for security, performance, and architectural design, providing a reliable and robust connection. The core architecture ensures that transaction data from Brex is accurately and automatically reflected in the NetSuite general ledger, significantly reducing manual data entry and reconciliation efforts. ## Technical Specifications The technical foundation of the integration is a managed bundle named 'Brex Corporate Card for NetSuite,' which is installed directly into the customer's NetSuite environment. Authentication between the two platforms is handled via Token-Based Authentication (TBA), which is NetSuite's most secure and recommended method for server-to-server connections. This avoids the less secure practice of storing user credentials. The data flow is bi-directional: Brex pulls master data lists from NetSuite—such as the Chart of Accounts, Departments, Classes, Locations, Vendors, and Subsidiaries—to ensure that transactions can be coded correctly within the Brex platform. In turn, Brex pushes fully coded transaction data, including spend, reimbursements, and bill payments, into NetSuite, where they are typically created as Journal Entries. ## Key Features A key feature supporting complex accounting is the integration's ability to handle custom fields and custom segments from NetSuite. If a company uses custom segments for granular tracking, such as 'Project' or 'Event,' these can be enabled on the NetSuite journal entry form and then synced to Brex. Once synced, these custom fields become available within Brex's mapping rules engine. This allows administrators to create powerful automation rules that automatically categorize transactions and map them to the correct custom segments in NetSuite based on criteria like the merchant, Brex card used, or user. This level of customization ensures that data lands in NetSuite with the required level of detail for financial reporting without manual intervention. ## How It Works The synchronization process is designed for speed and accuracy, which is critical for a continuous close. While accounting lists from NetSuite can be refreshed on-demand within Brex, the transaction data itself can be reviewed and exported on a daily or weekly basis. This frequent syncing ensures the ERP is always up-to-date. The integration also handles attachments comprehensively; IRS-compliant receipts and memos captured in Brex are automatically attached to the corresponding journal entries in NetSuite. This creates a complete, audit-ready record for every transaction directly within the accounting system of record. For global businesses, the integration supports multi-entity operations, automatically mapping and exporting transactions to the correct subsidiary GL accounts within a NetSuite OneWorld environment. ## Limitations and Requirements Implementation requires a few steps within NetSuite, including enabling SuiteCloud features like 'SOAP Web Services' and 'Token-Based Authentication,' followed by installing the SuiteApp bundle. After installation, the TBA tokens are generated in NetSuite and entered into the Brex dashboard to establish the connection. ## Use Cases Customer case studies validate the effectiveness of this integration. For example, Avenue One, a real estate investment company, reported saving 10–15 hours per month on expense reconciliation after implementing the Brex-NetSuite integration, citing the seamless multi-currency handling and automated mapping as key benefits. ## Summary In conclusion, the Brex-NetSuite integration is a sophisticated, certified solution that directly supports continuous close accounting. By leveraging a native SuiteApp architecture, secure token-based authentication, and bi-directional data flow, it automates the transfer of detailed transaction data, including custom fields and receipts. This near real-time synchronization eliminates significant manual work, enhances data accuracy, and provides the up-to-date financial visibility necessary for modern accounting teams to move away from a traditional, period-end closing process.