Sage Software — Sage MIP Fund Accounting

From the Oct. 2007 Review of NFP Accounting Systems

Built to meet the needs of both the nonprofit and the governmental sector, Sage MIP Fund Accounting continues to enhance its popular fund accounting software. Version 8 contains several new system modules that substantially increase the functionality of the software. And Version 9, due out this fall, is expected to focus on enhancing existing features and improving the user experience with a redesigned user interface and the introduction of payroll compliance forms and e-Filing.

EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY – 5 Stars
The main Sage MIP Fund Accounting user interface contains a drop-down menu bar at the top of the screen that offers access to module maintenance, system transactions, frequently used activities, reports and user preferences. The Accounting System Navigator is a vertical list of all available modules and is located to the left of the user interface screen. Clicking on a module selection displays a series of icons in flowchart style, along with additional modular functions below.

The Report Manager function is located to the right of the flowchart. Frequently run reports can be saved here for easier processing. Help links relevant to the module are found at the bottom right side of the screen, and, like the report manager screen, it updates each time a different module is accessed.

Navigation is easy, with list display options and lookup fields found throughout. Within each module, users can open and subsequently click through numerous options simultaneously. The new Process Manager provides the ability to add menu links in any process flow order desired, allowing the user interface to be customized to suit an individual’s needs.

MODULES/SCALABILITY – 5 Stars
Sage MIP Fund Accounting is built around the GL module, with other modules available to add as needed. Available modules include AP, AR Billing, AR Reporting, Bank Reconciliation, Grant Administration, Allocations Management, Budget, Electronic Requisitions, Purchase Orders, Encumbrances, Direct Deposit, Payroll, Advanced Security, Data Import/Export, GASB Reporting, Data Consolidation, Forms Designer, and the new Inventory Control, Sales Order Entry and Multicurrency modules.

All users have the choice of running Sage MIP Fund Accounting on MSDE, which is provided on the installation CD. Larger organizations may want to utilize the SQL Server option, which will need to be purchased by the user. The software can be installed in a single-user or a client/server environment, making the software extremely scalable for nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY – 5 Stars
Sage MIP Fund Accounting features multi-segment account allocation capability with the flexibility to design the account structure needed. As previously noted, Sage MIP Fund Accounting Version 8.0 offers three new modules: Inventory Control, Sales Order Entry and Multicurrency. All modules are designed to integrate with the core modules and provide GAAP compliance throughout. New receiving functionality is also included in Version 8.0, which allows better order tracking and product receiving.

The Grant Administration module tracks all types of administrative grant information, including contact information, report due dates, award status indirect cost rate while being able to track payments and credits, and expenditures and budget tracking through the core General Ledger. The Allocations Management module allows users to automatically designate allocations or calculate allocations based on variable criteria, including fixed or dynamic percentages. The Encumbrances module allows users to reserve funds for any future expenses and administrative costs. And the Data Import/Export provides for the import of account codes, vendors, beginning balances, timekeeping data, point-of-sale information and cash receipts. Also, as previously noted, Version 9.0, which is due out in the fall, promises a new user interface and payroll compliance reporting and e-File capabilities.