2011 Review of CCH Small Firm Services — Client Accounting Suite & Client Accounting Suite Premier

CCH Small Firm Services — Client Accounting Suite & Client Accounting Suite Premier
TaxWise:888-455-0182; www.taxwise.com
ATX: 888-455-0183; www.atxinc.com

Best Fit: Firms using the ATX or TaxWise tax and workflow products who want an easy-to-use write-up package with after-the-fact payroll reporting, financials generation and optional live payroll are a match with Client Accounting Suite. CCH ProSystem fx Tax and Practice Management users are supported with a special integrated version, Client Accounting Suite Premier.

From the Sept. 2011 Review of Client Write-Up Systems

The CCH Small Firm Services Client Accounting Suite, offered for users of either TaxWise or ATX tax preparation and accounting systems combines general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable,

trial balance, after-the-fact payroll, W-2/1099 preparation and financial statement reporting in a desktop system that can be networked and used by multiple firm staff. The system offers import capabilities for most small business accounting systems, and also has an available free add-on called Client Checkbook that acts as a basic bookkeeping system that integrates with Client Accounting Suite. Live payroll functionality, including direct deposit and deduction management, can also be added to the system.

Basic System Functions:

The Client Accounting Suite consists of four core modules: Client Write-Up, AR, AP and Payroll. Each of these modules is accessible from separate program icons, but they share data with the GL and make appropriate journal entries during use. Additional program areas, including client archives, backup, lists and the master control center are also available. Within the main program areas, the system maintains similar work areas and data-entry functions, each starting with a client selection list. A check-in, check-out function prevents concurrent users from working on the same files at the same time. New client setup tools help guide initial client setup tasks, including charts of accounts, banking data and company defaults. Data can be imported from QuickBooks and Sage Peachtree, and new companies can also be created by copying data from existing files.

The core Write-Up module offers a text-based menu with options for check writing functions, working with journal entries, performing bank reconciliation and generating financial statements. Additional options provide access to statements, the GL and the Account Inquiry transaction lookup feature. Drop-down menus at the top of the screen offer access to standing data lists, After-the-fact payroll functions, activities, reports, and utilities. QuickLook summaries of account data are also created, and include employee payroll information, client status, a current period financial summary and voided checks. The other modules offer similar easy navigation functions. Some customization options are offered for basic user preferences, although the system does not provide alerts based on client data or pending/required tasks.

Client Accounting Suite supports any number of users within the same office, and firms can create user groups for managing separate client groups within the practice. However, there are no other user-level security limitations. The system can manage any number of client businesses.

Core Write-Up Features: