Mary Girsch-Bock is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago. She began her career as accountant and later made the switch to writing full time, concentrating on business and technology, with a focus on small business. A former QuickBooks beta tester, Mary has been a featured regular contributor to CPA Practice Advisor since 2002, and she has also been published in The Motley Fool, The Blueprint, and Property Manager.com. She currently writes a monthly accounting and technology-related blog for PLANERGY, and ghostwrites several blogs for various software companies.
February 13, 2012
FOUNDATION Software – FOUNDATION for Windows 800-246-0800 www.foundationsoft.com Best Fit: FOUNDATION for Windows contains a full menu of features designed specifically for construction related businesses. While small construction companies with under $1 million in revenues may not need Foundation, just about any mid-to large construction company or contracting firm will find this product useful. Product...…
February 13, 2012
Management Information Control Systems – Builder Information System (BIS) 800-838-6427 www.bissoftware.com Best Fit: Builder Information Systems is well-suited for small to mid-sized or larger construction related businesses that desire a scalable product that offers room for growth. Strengths Scalable with 4 Editions available Excellent job costing capability Excellent subcontract management Solid document management and...…
February 8, 2012
While some industries have managed to struggle back from the weakened economy we’ve experienced the last few years, the construction industry has continued to suffer.
October 12, 2011
800-443-9441 www.blackbaud.com 2011 Overall Rating 4.5 Best Fit Fundware is best suited for mid-sized to large nonprofit organizations that have qualified staff available to set up and maintain the program for optimal functionality. Strengths Available in two editions for increased scalability Excellent reporting options High level of customization Solid Project/Grant tracking Strong track record...…
October 10, 2011
As with most organizations, nonprofits vary in size and scope, and their software needs vary, as well. As an accounting professional, you know that the software needs of the local animal shelter will vary widely than the needs of the United Way. While this may be a drastic comparison, it really highlights the wide range…
October 10, 2011
800-443-9441 www.blackbaud.com 2011 Overall Rating 5 Best Fit The Financial Edge is well-suited for mid-sized to large nonprofit organizations and government entities that require both top-notch reporting capability along with excellent donor and grant management. Strengths Excellent customization capability Easy integration with dozens of add-on modules Unlimited customized dashboards Solid grant tracking Easy integration...…
October 10, 2011
877-495-9904 www.peachtree.com 2011 Overall Rating 4.5 Best Fit Sage Peachtree would work well with smaller nonprofit organizations that place affordability equal to functionality, and it is optimally designed for the one- to 10-person organization. Strengths Easy to install & easy to navigate Good nonprofit reporting capability and advanced Business Intelligence for custom reporting and...…
October 10, 2011
800-811-0961 www.sagefundaccounting.com 2011 Overall Rating 5 Best Fit Sage Fund Accounting (formerly Sage MIP Fund Accounting) is optimally designed for mid-sized nonprofit organizations and government entities that require flexibility as well as detailed budgeting and grants management capabilities. Strengths Extensive list of modules Contains fundraising & grant management add-on options Excellent budgeting capability Available...…
October 10, 2011
877-872-2228 www.accufund.com 2011 Overall Rating 4.75 Best Fit AccuFund is an ideal fit for mid-sized nonprofits and government entities that desire a modular design and consistency throughout the program. Strengths Two versions available Excellent budgeting & grant management capability Easy system navigation User-defined dashboards Solid, customizable reporting options Available as a desktop or SaaS...…
October 10, 2011
866-379-6636 www.quickbooks.com 2011 Overall Rating 4.5 Best Fit QuickBooks Premier Nonprofit 2011 is best suited for smaller nonprofits that are looking to get organized quickly and inexpensively. Strengths Easy installation & system navigation Numerous tutorials & training videos available Good reporting Affordability Solid budget tracking At-a-glance snapshot of customer activity Potential Limitations Easy to...…
October 10, 2011
877-696-0900 www.fundez.com 2011 Overall Rating 4.5 Best Fit FUND E-Z is an excellent fit for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations that need an easily navigated fund accounting product that is available in Basic and Pro editions. Strengths Scalable, with two editions available Outstanding Fundraising module Easy system navigation Solid reporting capability Excellent budget functionality...…
October 7, 2011
877-737-3642 www.serenic.com 2011 Overall Rating 5 Best Fit Serenic Navigator is a powerful system optimally designed for larger nonprofit organizations that need a fully integrated financial solution that provides solid performance and system reliability. Smaller users may wish to utilize the SaaS version, Navigator Online, which was designed for small to mid-sized users. Strengths...…
