2012 Review of Cougar Mountain Software Denali FUND+ Accounting

Cougar Mountain Software — Denali FUND + Accounting
800-390-7073
www.cougarmtn.com

From the Nov. 2012 Review of Nonprofit Accounting Systems.

Best Fit: Denali, from Cougar Mountain is a good fit for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations that manage multiple funds and need solid, customizable software at an affordable price.

Strengths

• Color coded modules make system navigation easy
• Excellent training options
• Great budgeting and reporting options
• Scalable with modules purchased as needed
• Web-access available

Potential Limitations

• No document management capability

Denali, from Cougar Mountain Software is a completely integrated financial system that offers complete fund accounting for nonprofits managing multiple funds. In business for over 30 years, Cougar Mountain is a solid product with an impressive history.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS: 5 Stars
Denali was accessed through Cougar Mountain’s Applianz Technology with no issues. General navigation of Denali is easy, particularly with the addition of color-coded modules. Each system module is assigned a specific background color, making it easy to navigate between multiple screens. The tasks area of the software features a flow chart where users can access the various features found in the software. Users can also opt to select features from the drop down menu at the top of the screen. Transactions are entered in batches, and all transaction entry screens contain look up options for quicker data entry. There are various screen customization options available, so users can create an interface they’re comfortable with. Denali’s standard fund accounting product includes the GL module and the Bank Reconciliation module. There are also numerous modules available that all integrate with the GL, including AP, AR, Donor Tracking, Budget Management, Fixed Assets, Inventory Control, Payroll, Point of Sale, Gift Cards, Purchase Order, Merchant Services, Multi-Location Inventory, Integrated eCommerce, and PDF Blaster. Users can purchase the modules they need and add the rest at a later date.

CORE NFP/FUND ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES: 4.5 Stars
Denali provides users with an account structure that uses six segments and up to 50 characters. Mentioned earlier, Denali utilizes a batch system for processing transactions. Multiple transaction types can be easily entered and processed using the batch system including general journal entries, recurring entries, and due to/from entries. Transactions can also be saved in the system for future posting. While many products have eliminated the use of batch entry, it can save a lot of time by allowing users to review transactions prior to posting, eliminating correcting entries. The Budget Management option allows users to create a budget for each fund entered into Denali, and users can also choose to import existing budget information into Denali as well. The budget setup screen provides users with a list of account numbers where an estimated budget amount can be entered. Users can easily add additional accounts to the budget grid, and the grid provides a convenient place to review and edit budget information on all accounts and funds. Denali integrates with Donor Express, a third party donor management software product that manages all donor detail, and users can also track grant activity by entering each grant as a separate fund, and then managing all activity against that particular fund. Users can also set up a separate budget for each grant/fund entered into Denali. The Due to/From option ensures that all funds are balanced, particularly if organizations have the need to do interfund transfers. Denali maintains a five year fiscal calendar, but all funds must be closed separately at year end. Denali contains excellent audit trail functionality, with users able to track all system transactions entered. Batch processing adds an additional layer of transparency when processing data transactions. Users can pay invoices electronically, accept electronic payment from vendors and donors and the Single Point Server option provides convenient Internet access for up to four system users.