PC Software Accounting, Inc. — Client Write-Up for Windows

From the Nov. 2007 Review of Client Write-Up Systems

The Client Write-Up system from PC Software Accounting, Inc. is geared toward providing professional accountants with the ability to produce customizable client financials, GL and journal management, integrated bank reconciliation and after-the-fact payroll functions, along with W-2 and 1099 reporting capabilities. The program offers good integration capabilities with external accounting and productivity programs, and the company offers an add-on Computer Checkbook utility for check printing either in the professional office or by clients at their location. The program also includes broad import and conversion capabilities. New for 2007, PCSAI has added AR, AP, depreciation, job costing and enhanced payroll services capabilities. Pricing for PC Software Accounting’s Client Write-Up program is $795 for a single user; a network, multi-user version is $895. Each of the new modules costs $195.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE -- 4 Stars
PCSAI’s Client Write-Up system opens to a traditional Windows interface that sports obligatory pull-down menus along with a toolbar that has large, easily understandable icons for primary system features. Icons include client and employee lists, managing reporting periods, working with charts of accounts, entering transactions into client ledgers, bank reconciliation, reporting, quick debit/credit checking, diagnosing balance problems and a useful calculator with a virtual paper tape roll. In addition to large icons, the system uses large subwindows (they are resizable), but this is likely a benefit to sore or strained eyes.

Client lists are displayed through an enhanced Windows Explorer menu that offers client password options, sorting functions and other features. Transactional data entry can be manually entered into the system or imported from a variety of accounting systems, including QuickBooks and PCSAI’s other applications, as well as an interface with TaxWise for tax preparation. All of the program’s core features utilize the same interface, keeping an intuitive and consistent menu and work environment for the user.

The system supports heads-down data entry for quick processing, and provides easy-to-use search functions for finding transactions, while accounts can be created on-the-fly as needed. Financial periods can remain open, allowing users to make adjusting entries for transactions in any period and then produce appropriate financial reports. An auto-balancing feature and a “smart lookup” tool provide further convenience. The program can maintain five years of historical financial data, allowing historical reports to be quickly accessed. The payroll system supports multiple pay frequencies and can track unemployment. It also offers preparation of year-end federal and state information returns. Overall, the program’s interface and menu structures provide simple navigation and access to key features and reporting, with a consistent environment.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 4 Stars
The Client Write-Up program’s reporting functions are easily accessible and allow grouping and batch processing of reports. The system produces traditional summary and detail financial statements, as well as comparison statements and consolidated financials. A built-in report writer offers additional customization options, including the ability to produces graphs and perform analysis functions. Client Write-Up can output reports and financials to PDF or can save them to Word and Excel. Integrated e-mail functionality is also included for sending client reports.