Workiva

What is workiva

Workiva is a cloud-based platform for connected reporting, regulatory filings, internal and external disclosures, and compliance workflows. It is designed for finance, accounting, internal audit, risk, and compliance teams that need to consolidate data from multiple systems into auditable reports — including external financial statements, SEC filings, SOX documentation, tax disclosures, and ESG/CSRD reports. The platform emphasizes traceability of source data, version control, and collaboration across distributed teams.

Workiva positions itself as a single source of truth for reporting by linking cells, narratives, and schedules to source data so updates flow through dependent reports automatically. That linkage reduces manual copy/paste, provides an auditable trail of changes, and simplifies collaboration between preparers, reviewers, and auditors. Workiva's solution set spans document creation, data integration, process management, evidence collection, and regulatory submission workflows.

Typical customers include publicly traded companies preparing SEC filings, large private enterprises consolidating financial reporting, accounting firms working on audit evidence, and organizations preparing sustainability or ESG disclosures. Because the platform supports granular access controls, approval workflows, and audit logs, it is commonly used where regulatory compliance and data integrity are primary concerns.

Workiva features

What does workiva do?

Workiva centralizes disparate financial and non-financial data sources and connects them to documents, spreadsheets, and disclosures so changes propagate automatically. Users create linked workpapers, board materials, financial statements, and regulatory filings in a collaborative cloud environment. The platform captures change history, who made edits, and the lineage of data back to source systems.

Workiva supports automation of recurring tasks such as consolidation mappings, validation checks, and periodic reconciliations. It includes configurable workflow and approval capabilities so preparers, reviewers, and approvers can be assigned steps with deadlines and audit trails. The platform is built for both document-centric users (narrative, disclosures) and data-centric users (accountants, controllers) who need to reconcile figures with source systems.

Other core capabilities include granular permissions and role-based access, multi-format export (XBRL, PDF, Excel, Word), built-in controls and SOX-compliance features, and collaboration tools like commenting, redlining, and version comparison. Workiva also offers connectors to ERP and consolidation systems so data can be refreshed rather than re-entered manually.

Workiva pricing

Workiva offers these pricing plans:

• Enterprise: Custom pricing tailored to large organizations with multi-entity consolidation, SEC/IFRS filing, and advanced security and support
• Compliance & Reporting Suite: Custom pricing for teams focused on financial reporting, SOX and controls, and audit readiness
• ESG & Sustainability Module: Custom pricing for sustainability reporting and ESG disclosures

Because Workiva packages are modular and aimed at enterprise customers, the vendor typically provides custom quotes based on the number of users, modules selected, filing complexity, and integration requirements. Check Workiva's current pricing for the latest rates and enterprise options.

How much is workiva per month

Workiva typically starts at several thousand dollars per month for small-to-mid deployments when configured with a single reporting module and limited users. Monthly pricing depends on modules (financial reporting, controls, ESG), the number of named users, and integration/connectivity needs.

Implementations that include SEC XBRL, multi-entity consolidation, and advanced automation commonly use annual contracts billed on a quarterly or yearly basis rather than simple per-user monthly subscriptions. For accurate monthly estimates, engage Workiva sales or an authorized reseller and request a tailored quote.

How much is workiva per year

Workiva commonly costs in the range of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for medium and large enterprises depending on scope. Enterprise-wide deployments with multiple modules, enterprise integrations (ERP, GL, HCM), and premium support drive pricing toward the higher end of that range.

Annual pricing usually includes software licensing, onboarding professional services, and optional support tiers. Because professional services and integration work are frequently required, total first-year costs are often higher due to implementation fees and training.

How much is workiva in general

Workiva pricing ranges from a few thousand dollars per month to several hundred thousand dollars per year depending on modules and scale. Small implementations focused on a single reporting workflow will be at the low end; enterprise deployments that consolidate reporting, controls, and ESG across dozens or hundreds of legal entities will be at the high end.

Budget planning items to consider when evaluating total cost include: Licensing fees: recurring subscription costs for selected modules; Implementation services: data mapping, connectors, and onboarding; Training: user and admin training; Integration maintenance: ongoing connector and data feed support; and Support/SLAs: premium support for mission-critical reporting windows.

Check Workiva's current pricing for the most accurate, up-to-date information and enterprise options.

What is workiva used for

Workiva is used to prepare, manage, and deliver regulated financial and non-financial reports with end-to-end traceability. Common use cases include SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q), annual reports, consolidated financial statements, SOX compliance documentation, internal controls evidence, and board reporting. The platform’s linked-data model ensures that updates to source figures are reflected throughout linked statements and narratives.

Beyond financial reporting, organizations use Workiva for ESG and sustainability reporting to meet frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and the evolving CSRD requirements. The platform helps collect disparate ESG metrics, document methodologies, and produce disclosures that auditors or external reviewers can trace back to source evidence.

Workiva is also used for internal audit workflows, risk management reporting, and financial close accelerations. By combining document collaboration, workflow orchestration, and data lineage, teams can shorten cycle times for close and disclosure while improving control documentation and audit readiness.

Pros and cons of workiva

Pros:

• Workiva provides a linked-data approach that preserves traceability between source systems and documents, reducing manual reconciliation and re-entry.
• The platform includes built-in compliance features (SOX controls, audit trails, XBRL tagging) that support regulated filing requirements and auditor collaboration.
• Strong collaboration, version control, and role-based access simplify multi-stakeholder review cycles and approval workflows.

Cons:

• Because Workiva targets enterprise reporting needs, total cost of ownership can be high for smaller organizations, especially after adding implementation and professional services fees.
• Implementations can require significant change management and integration work to connect ERP/GL systems and to standardize data flows.
• Customization and advanced automation may require vendor services or specialized consultants, extending time-to-value for some projects.

Workiva free trial

Workiva generally does not publish a standard self-serve free trial for its enterprise modules. Many enterprise SaaS vendors in this space provide guided product demonstrations and limited pilot implementations instead of open trials. Organizations evaluating Workiva should request a product demo and discuss pilot or proof-of-concept (POC) arrangements with Workiva's sales team.

A POC typically focuses on a single reporting cycle, such as a small consolidation or a single-filings workflow, to validate data connectivity, XBRL tagging, and collaboration features before a full rollout. Pilots also help estimate implementation effort and identify integration requirements.

For the latest trial and pilot availability, consult Workiva's product pages or contact their sales organization directly through the contact channels listed on Workiva's website.

Is workiva free

No, Workiva is not free for enterprise reporting use. It is licensed as an enterprise SaaS product with modular pricing. Some vendors in the same category may offer limited free tiers for single users, but Workiva's core capabilities are sold as paid subscriptions with enterprise agreements.

Workiva API

Workiva offers API and integration capabilities that allow organizations to automate data flows, push/pull data between source systems and Workiva, and embed Workiva functionality into broader IT processes. Common integration targets include ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, NetSuite), consolidation tools, data warehouses, and business intelligence platforms.

APIs typically expose REST endpoints for data update, document management, and job orchestration, and Workiva provides connectors and partner-built integrations for common enterprise systems. The platform supports secure authentication (OAuth and enterprise SSO), role-based permissions, and audit logging for API activity to maintain governance and compliance.

For teams needing custom integrations, Workiva's professional services and partner ecosystem assist with mapping source data, creating automated feeds, and establishing recurring refreshes. Review Workiva's developer resources or contact their integration team to learn about API endpoints, rate limits, and recommended integration patterns for your environment.

10 Workiva alternatives

Paid alternatives to workiva

• BlackLine — Focuses on account reconciliation, financial close automation, and task orchestration. BlackLine is often paired with reporting tools to accelerate close activities and provide reconciliations as evidence for reporting.
• OneStream — Unified platform for CPM, consolidation, planning, and financial reporting with enterprise-grade consolidation logic and reporting capabilities.
• Oracle NetSuite (Reporting & EPM modules) — ERP with embedded reporting and optional EPM/Hyperion components for enterprise reporting and consolidation.
• SAP S/4HANA + SAP BPC — ERP and business planning consolidation with reporting toolsets for large, global enterprises.
• FloQast — Close management and reconciliations software that integrates with ERPs and GL systems to streamline month-end close tasks.
• Workday Adaptive Planning — Planning and financial reporting solution for budgeting and forecasting with collaborative reporting capabilities.
• Certent (by Insight Software) — Disclosure management and reporting software for SEC filings, reporting automation, and document control.

Open source alternatives to workiva

• Odoo (Community) — Open source ERP with accounting, reporting, and customization options; suitable for smaller teams and adaptable via modules.
• ERPNext — Open source ERP with accounting and reporting capabilities; includes financial statements and basic workflows for small-to-medium organizations.
• Apache OFBiz — Framework for building custom ERP and reporting solutions; requires substantial development effort to reach Workiva-like functionality.

Frequently asked questions about Workiva

What is Workiva used for?

Workiva is used for cloud-based connected reporting, regulatory filings, and compliance workflows. Finance and accounting teams use it to prepare SEC filings, consolidated financial statements, SOX documentation, and ESG disclosures. The platform links source data to documents and provides audit trails that simplify review and audit processes.

Does Workiva support SEC XBRL filing?

Yes, Workiva supports XBRL tagging and SEC filing workflows. It includes tools for tagging financial statements, managing taxonomy, and submitting filings through the appropriate submission channels. Many public companies use Workiva to manage their XBRL tagging and submission processes.

How much does Workiva cost per user?

Workiva pricing is typically quoted as a custom enterprise subscription rather than a simple per-user fee. Costs depend on modules, number of users, and implementation scope. Organizations should request a tailored quote from Workiva to understand per-user or per-module pricing for their environment.

Can Workiva integrate with SAP or Oracle?

Yes, Workiva integrates with major ERPs including SAP and Oracle. Integration options include pre-built connectors, API-based data transfers, and ETL workflows to bring GL and consolidation data into Workiva for reporting and reconciliation.

Is Workiva suitable for small businesses?

Yes, but Workiva is primarily targeted at mid-market to large enterprises. Smaller organizations can use Workiva for specific reporting needs, but the platform’s feature set and pricing model are generally optimized for larger reporting teams and enterprises with regulatory requirements.

Does Workiva provide audit trails and controls for SOX compliance?

Yes, Workiva includes audit trails, access controls, and workflow features that support SOX compliance. The platform captures user actions, change history, and approvals to provide evidence needed for control testing and audit review.

Can I export Workiva reports to Excel or PDF?

Yes, Workiva supports multi-format exports including Excel and PDF. Reports, workpapers, and disclosures can be exported for offline review or archival, and linked data remains traceable back to its source within the platform.

What training resources does Workiva provide?

Workiva offers product training, documentation, and professional services. Training includes classroom or virtual sessions, help center articles, and onboarding services. Enterprise customers typically receive enhanced onboarding and optional dedicated support.

Does Workiva offer role-based access and single sign-on?

Yes, Workiva supports role-based permissions and enterprise single sign-on (SSO). The platform integrates with identity providers for SAML/OAuth-based SSO, and administrators can configure granular access controls for documents, datasets, and workflow steps.

How long does a Workiva implementation take?

Implementation timelines vary but often take several weeks to months depending on scope. A minimal pilot or POC for a single reporting cycle can be completed more quickly, while full enterprise rollouts with multiple integrations, entity consolidations, and training typically require a longer timeline and phased deployment.

workiva careers

Workiva hires across product engineering, professional services, customer success, sales, and compliance advisory roles. Typical career paths within Workiva include solution consulting for enterprise customers, developer roles focused on integrations and API development, and specialists for SEC/XBRL and sustainability reporting.

Candidates often need domain knowledge in accounting, financial reporting, regulatory filing, or cloud SaaS engineering depending on the role. View Workiva's career listings on their official careers site for current openings and role-specific requirements.

workiva affiliate

Workiva works through direct sales and a partner ecosystem that includes systems integrators, accounting and audit firms, and technology resellers. Affiliates and partners often provide implementation services, taxonomy support for XBRL, and custom integrations to ERP systems. Interested partners should consult Workiva's partner program information to understand partnership tiers and requirements.

Where to find workiva reviews

Independent reviews of Workiva appear on enterprise software review sites, industry analyst reports, and accounting/audit community forums. Search for customer case studies and analyst evaluations to compare deployment experiences, ROI, and integration complexity. For first-hand references, request customer references during the Workiva sales process or view customer success stories on Workiva's site.