2013 Review of PC Software Accounting, Inc. - Client Write-Up for Windows

PC Software Accounting, Inc. – Client Write-Up
800-237-9234
www.pcsai.com

Best Fit:

Professionals who want an installed or web-hosted write-up utility and who prefer a fast, heads-down data entry approach. Also for firms using older systems looking for conversions into a new program.

Strengths:

• Fast data entry
• Includes full GL, AP, AR and journals management capabilities
• Streamlined reconciliation processes
• Strong reporting functions
• Comprehensive after-the-fact payroll

Potential Limitations:

• Limited online self-support tools
• Unique interface may require training

From the February 2013 review of Client Write-Up systems.

The Client Write Up System (also called Client Write Up for Windows) from PC Software Accounting, Inc is designed to maximize productivity and reporting capability for accounting firms who process the monthly, quarterly or annual bookkeeping in addition to providing after-the-fact payroll for some or all of their clients.

This system allows QuickBooks data or data from other similar systems to be converted or imported into the client write up system on a one time or periodic basis. The program also interfaces most income tax preparation systems, including ATX, UltraTax, Drake, Lacerte, Pro Series, TaxWise and Taxworks, After the Fact payroll is very full functioned and includes efiling for W2’s, 1099’s, and many state reports. 941 Efiling is available as an inexpensive option.

An optional Computer Checkbook system if available for check writing functions for the firm and as a basic client bookkeeping utility that offers data import into the professional write-up program. The latest version includes several updates to forms, enhanced e-filing capabilities and customized interfaces with professional tax systems.

Basic System Functions: 4.25 Stars

Client Write Up opens into a main home screen with navigation menu options for directly accessing all basic functional areas of the system, such as setup, file management, transaction entry, reporting, utilities, etc.. Sub menus allow access to more detailed and specialized features such as conversions from particular systems or interfaces to various tax preparation programs.

When setting up new clients, the program offers completely customizable charts of accounts and the ability to copy existing ones for new similar clients. The program can be used by any number of staff in the same firm, with tools for limiting access rights to specific clients or groups of clients. Likewise, Client Write-Up can handle any number of client business entities, including multi-location and structured enterprises with consolidated reporting requirements.

Client selection screens are based on the Windows Explorer structure, which provides intuitive use, but limited filtering and sorting options. Screens for managing client employees provide more of these functions, including search options. Within transaction, journal and reconciliation work screens, professionals can enter data in a heads-down keyboard-focused method with hot key shortcuts, or can use a mouse for navigation. Top-level screens provide access to company data, while detailed screens give deeper access. When viewed on-screen, reports also offer drill-down to transactions.

Core Write-Up Features: 4.5 Stars

Client Write-Up for Windows includes full GL, AP, AR and journals management capabilities, with a unique function that does not require the closing of periods. Keeping periods open makes it easier for accounting firm staff to make adjusting entries or run reports for prior periods. A full-time audit trail logs all user activities.

The Transactions menu holds most of the program’s core write-up functions, providing comprehensive listings of client transactions, journals, account reconciliation tools and the built-in trial balance utility. The program offers tools for creating recurring transactions and journal entries, while users can also split transactions, delete or process entries in batch mode. For analysis, Client Write-Up has several built-in financial ratios for benchmarking business performance.