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CYMA Systems, Inc. — CYMA Client Write-Up

800-292-2962www.cyma.com

From the Nov. 2008 Review of
Client Write-Up Systems

CYMA’s Client Write-Up program is part of the company’s CPA and
Accountants Solution line, which provides a full suite of integrated accounting
modules, import capabilities, broad customizable financial reporting options
and support for any number of clients. The core CYMA Client Write-Up system
includes traditional GL and After-the-Fact Payroll, with the ability to add
AP, AR, bank reconciliation and live payroll. CYMA also offers a full range
of accounting systems for mid-sized businesses and a version designed for non-profit
organizations. The base Client Write-Up package starts at $1,795 for a single-user
license.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE – 4 Stars
The CYMA system is built upon the Pervasive SQL database, which provides greater
customization, flexibility and the ability to manage very large datasets, but
is a little more complex and requires more attention during initial setup and
configuration. After installation, the eDesk serves as the central component
of the user interface, allowing individual users to customize fields, links
and menus, while providing pull-down menus as the primary means of accessing
system modules and utilities.

Selection lists for clients, vendors, employ-ees, banks and other data groups
are well-designed and all support any number of entities, with multiple options
for sorting, filtering and searching records. Data-entry screens are impressive,
with multiple selection lists for accounts, dates, periods, descriptions, groups,
batches and other options, while spreadsheet views are available for many tasks,
such as when posting general journal entries, entering receipts and disbursements,
or creating adjusting entries. Journal entries can be made individually or by
batch.

Client Write-Up’s GL capabilities offer multi-department consolidations,
account copying during setup, unlimited historical years, and transaction and
chart of accounts drilldown. It offers user-defined account numbers with up
to 24 characters and 10 user-defined segments. User-defined journals use six-character
IDs. The program’s budgeting functions allow as many as 13 budgets/revised
budgets per account and 13 financial periods per year.

With the integration of CYMA’s optional Live Payroll module, the system
also provides extensive management and processing functions, including direct
deposit, customizable pre- and post-tax deductions, accruals, departmental and
location-based tracking, and extensive managerial reporting and compliance functions
such as wage and new hire reports, W-2s, and 1099s. Data import is offered from
most time clock systems and spreadsheet formats, while a time entry function
is also available through the Payroll module.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 5 Stars
CYMA Client Write-Up includes the F9 Report Writer, which provides a powerful
tool for developing spreadsheet-based financial reporting, automatically extracting
data from CYMA into Excel or Lotus Notes. The program also includes a full version
of Crystal Reports, giving broad customization options for all of the system’s
standard financial report offerings. CYMA also offers compliance output tools
for payroll compliance.

INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT – 4.5 Stars
As noted, CYMA’s Payroll module imports from a variety of sources, while
GL import functions are guided by the General Import utility, which enables
users to pull data in from other accounting systems or spreadsheets in CSV format.
This data can include allocations, banking information, terms codes, GL accounts
and sub-types, budgets, transactions, and recurring transactions.

SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP – 4 Stars
Within the CYMA system, the traditional Help utility offers index-based search
and program use tips, step-by-step task and setup guides, an electronic user
manual, and right-click options. The company also provides print-based manuals
with the software. Online support options include access to a Knowledgebase
and program updates, as well as fee-based support and software maintenance plans.
CYMA also offers a variety of consulting and training options.

RELATIVE VALUE – 4 Stars
Based on the core modules of the company’s full accounting suite, CYMA’s
Client Write-Up offers extensive customization and deep reporting and analysis
features. These functions, along with options for live payroll and extended
accounting features, make the program best suited to professional accountants
offering services to mid-sized and larger clients with more complex transactional
requirements.

2008 Overall Rating: