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Cougar Mountain recently released Version 10.3 of its FUND Suite. Aimed specifically at small to midsize nonprofits, Version 10 comes equipped with new features such as the ability to create a mirror image of your company and improved credit card security. These new features enhance Cougar Mountain's already strong accounting modules to create a comprehensive nonprofit software product.
Trisha Cornwell is a staff accountant with Iowa-based MECCA Services, a community-based, not-for-profit organization offering substance abuse and behavioral health services. Cornwell says MECCA Services selected Cougar Mountain's product because of its user friendliness and because it has the flexibility to track their expenses as specifically as desired. "It has given us the ability to track our expenses and revenues by each of our facilities, profit centers and funding sources without extra work from staff," she said. Cornwell recommends that new users sign up for training on the modules and that they invest in technical support. "Also, take advantage of the demo company to see how the system works in situations you are unsure of," she said. "This has been very beneficial to our implementation and success of using the software."
EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY
In Version 10, Cougar Mountain's FUND Suite maintains its easy-to-navigate user interface. A drop-down menu offers access to all installed modules, organization data, system security, user options, and window and Help files. Beneath the toolbar, you'll find a series of colorful icons that provide one-click access to modules and frequently used functions such as the setup wizard.
Opening a module will update your menu bar to reflect the options available within that module. A comprehensive Help file is also available to aid new users. Data-entry screens are uncluttered and easily navigated, with lookup screens available when needed. When you open a module, your screen options will change to reflect the features available in that module.
MODULES/SCALABILITY
FUND Suite comes complete with GL, Bank Reconciliation, AP, Purchase Order, Payroll, Data Exchange and Report Writer modules. An entry-level version is also available that includes only the GL and Bank Reconciliation modules. Also available is the FUND Revenue Center, which contains AR, Inventory and Order Entry modules as well as an optional Point of Sale module. Cougar Mountain also offers add-on modules to increase your organization's effectiveness, including an e-commerce function, credit card authorization and a GL Report Generator. All modules are designed to integrate with Cougar Mountain's Accounting Software. This modular system means you can design and purchase the system you need today, and add on as circumstances and finances dictate.
The SinglePoint feature offers immediate access to your data from anywhere with an Internet connection. The required User ID and Password means that you control who has access to what information at all times.
FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY
Cougar Mountain's FUND Suite allows you to define your module preferences. When entering new accounts, you can use up to 45 characters and six separate account segments to differentiate between locations, fund types and departments. Funds can be allocated by percentage or dollar amount, and donations can be distributed to multiple funds. Accounts and vendor information can be added on the fly, and a three-year calendar provides the opportunity to forecast and budget in advance. FUND Suite allows you to work in multiple modules simultaneously, and data is easily imported into GL and AP modules from a variety of third-party software programs.
Organizational expenses can be allocated to multiple GL accounts. The Payroll module lets you distribute payroll expenses to multiple locations and departments, and offers up to 12 user-defined fields to utilize according to your organization's needs.
REPORTING
Numerous reporting options are available to FUND Suite users, including standard reporting options that will produce reports such as Budget Comparison Reports, an excellent Audit Trail Report, and the Comparative Revenue and Expense Report. You'll also be able to print required reports such as the FASB 116 and 117. Cougar Mountain also offers special reports designed especially for chapters of the American Red Cross.
Existing reports can be easily customized using account filters, and reports are easily exported to spreadsheet programs. The Cougar Mountain Report Generator allows you to create custom reports and schedule printing times in advance. For more comprehensive customization, the included R & R Report Writer allows for customization on invoices, checks and reports.
SUPPORT/HELP
Cougar Mountain offers various support plans. The Software Assurance plan is available in two levels: Standard and Premier. Both levels offer access to Cougar Mountain's knowledgebase, software upgrades, a discount on support and training, and basic e-learning classes. The Premier level also includes premium e-learning and 20 hours of online/telephone support. Support agreements can also be purchased annually in specific blocks of time. Two hours of support would run $400 annually, four hours would run $600, and eight hours would cost $800.
Training options are numerous, with classes available at Cougar Mountain's training center. On-site training is also available, as are online classes. New users can also benefit from using the comprehensive Help function that is available from any screen.
RELATIVE VALUE
Cougar Mountain's FUND Suite will cost $3,807 for a single-user license; a four-user license is $4,997. For larger organizations, an unlimited license is also available for $6,306. These prices include Software Assurance for one year.
Reasonable pricing puts Cougar Mountain's FUND Suite within reach of most small to midsize nonprofit organizations. This product would be an excellent choice for those wanting a strong accounting backbone coupled with nonprofit capabilities.