2010 Review of Cougar Mountain Software — CMS Professional 2011 FUND

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Cougar Mountain Software (CMS) started its highly regarded, well-established Fund Accounting software over two decades ago and its Windows-based version, CMS Professional, over 12 years ago. The CMS Professional 2011 system provides a full accounting suite, with industry-specific versions like FUND. Offering a complete line of fund-related products, CMS Professional 2011 FUND is designed for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

I reviewed CMS Professional 2011 FUND online, so installation wasn’t an issue. Professional installation of the on-premise product is also available. CMS products have always been easy to navigate, with CMS Professional 2011 FUND being no exception. The main entry screen contains a toolbar that provides easy access to all FUND features and functions. All displayed items are refreshed immediately upon changing modules. Abundant lookup options are available throughout CMS Professional 2011 FUND, and the setup wizards assist new users in entering data into the system. The ability to open and maintain multiple modules makes navigation even easier.

Users can easily determine the level of product they need for their nonprofit organization. CMS Professional 2011 FUND includes GL and Bank Reconciliation modules. CMS Professional 2011 FUND Suite includes GL, AP, Bank Reconciliation, Purchase Order, and Payroll modules. The CMS Professional 2011 FUND Revenue Center includes AR, Inventory and Order Entry modules. For nonprofit organizations running a gift shop, CMS also offers a FUND Point of Sale module.

A long list of add-on modules includes CRM Bridge to ACT!, Fixed Asset Management for FUND, PDF Blaster, GL Report Writer, R&R ReportWorks∞ Infinity, and more. CMS Professional 2011 FUND can be easily expanded with the purchase of other related products from Cougar Mountain. 5

CORE NFP/FUND ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES

CMS Professional 2011 FUND offers a flexible account structure, with the option to use up to 45 alphanumeric characters and up to six segments when setting up new accounts. Multiple companies can be setup and maintained. CMS Professional 2011 FUND uses a three-year fiscal calendar that allows flexibility when handling transactions. Departments or companies can maintain a separate budget, but can be consolidated for reporting purposes. Budgets can be set up for each account on a monthly or annual basis. Budget to Actual expenses are easily monitored and performance displayed.

The AR module allows for tracking of donor information such as amounts collected and amount owed on pledges. All grants can be entered independently and monitored accordingly. Funds can be established as restricted, non-restricted or as an operating fund. CMS Professional 2011 FUND easily handles both inter-fund transfers as well as fund-balancing and can track and manage grants with multiple fiscal years because of its three-year fiscal calendar. CMS Professional 2011 FUND contains excellent and secure audit trail functionality, with detailed reporting on every system transaction posted. The AP module allows for paying vendors electronically and offers the ability to email invoices directly to customers. The Single Point Server application allows access to the program from any location. 4.5

MANAGEMENT FEATURES

CMS has expanded its At-A-Glance Dashboard selection to include Cougar Dtails, A Sales Dashboard to go along with its initial release of Cougar Dtails, A Financial Dashboard. These Dashboards are customizable with the ability to drill down, filter information, or print/export reports as needed. Both Dashboards are included with the CMS Professional 2011 FUND product.

Custom budgets can be set up, with the ability to track budget versus actual expenses at any time to prevent budget overage. CMS Professional 2011 FUND security is modular and provides managers and administrators with the ability to choose the modules and system access levels for each user. The optional AR module provides solid collection support, including easy customer/donor statement processing and outstanding balance reporting. 4