2011 Review of Cougar Mountain Software — DENALI FUND+Accounting

Cougar Mountain Software - Denali Fund+ Accounting Suite
800-388-3038
www.cougarmtn.com 

From the November 2011 Review of Not-for-Profit Accounting Systems

Best Fit
DENALI is flexible and easily accessible, making it a perfect choice for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations that desire a scalable and user-friendly product.

Strengths

• Modular design ensures system flexibility
• Intuitive user interface make system navigation easy
• Financial & Sales Dashboards
• Excellent reporting customization options
• Integration with DonorExpress for solid donation tracking & fundraising
• Solid budgeting capability

Potential Limitations

• Lack of document management capability
• No grant tracking module

New from Cougar Mountain Software is the DENALI FUND+Accounting product, which is optimally designed for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations that desire a scalable, flexible product. The FUND module is the latest addition to this robust product, which is a step up from the vendor’s previous product line.

Basic System Functions - 4.75 Stars

I accessed Denali via the Applianz technology offered by Cougar Mountain (CMS); and my experience during installation of this product has always been problem-free. For those wishing to migrate from CMS Professional, the vendor is providing assistance from support personnel. The updated Denali user interface is color coded, providing for easier navigation. A navigational flowchart helps users find the function they need, with access to system modules from the menu bar at the top of the screen. Users can easily customize system display screens to suit their needs, and will find useful lookup options throughout. Other Denali modules available include GL, AP, AR, Budget Management, Bank Reconciliation, Donor Tracking, Fixed Assets, Inventory Control, Payroll, Point of Sale, Purchase Order, BarCode Software, Gift Cards, Merchant Services, Multi-Location Inventory, Integrated eCommerce, and PDF Blaster. All modules work together to create a fully integrated suite, where users can purchase modules on an as-needed basis.

Core NFP/Fund Accounting Capabilities - 4.5 Stars

DENALI FUND+Accounting utilizes three defined segments in its account structure, with the option to create three additional segments as needed. Up to 50 characters can be used to create accounts. A batch system is used for processing all system transactions, including general journal entries as well as recurring and reversing journal entries. Transactions can also be saved and posted on a specified date. The batch system allows users to review all transactions prior to posting to help reduce errors.

All accounts set up in DENALI can have a distinct budget, and users can set up and maintain budgets for all funds. Budget estimates can be entered and, when approved, can be finalized with the click of a button. Each budget is assigned a code, and user-defined filters can be utilized as needed. The Budget Grid offers a quick view of existing budgets, as well as the option to edit info. DENALI easily integrates with DonorExpress to keep track of donors, donation amounts and potential donors. Users can easily track grant information by setting up a separate fund for each grant and maintaining a budget for each. Users can also choose to set up the automatic due to/due from entry option that will keep accounts in balance at all times. Each fund in DENALI must be closed separately at year-end. Once all funds have been closed, users can run the organization’s year-end process. DENALI contains excellent audit trail functionality, permanently recording all system transactions once they are posted. Users can easily pay vendors online, and the SinglePoint Server allows remote access for up to four users from any location.

Management Features - 4.5 Stars