Cougar Mountain Software — Cougar Mountain FUND Suite

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From the Oct. 2006 Review of Not-for-Profit Accounting Systems

Cougar Mountain recently released Version 10.3 of its FUND Suite. Aimed specifically at small to midsize nonprofits, Version 10 comes equipped with new features such as the ability to create a mirror image of your company and improved credit card security. These new features enhance Cougar Mountain’s already strong accounting modules to create a comprehensive nonprofit software product.

Trisha Cornwell is a staff accountant with Iowa-based MECCA Services, a community-based, not-for-profit organization offering substance abuse and behavioral health services. Cornwell says MECCA Services selected Cougar Mountain’s product because of its user friendliness and because it has the flexibility to track their expenses as specifically as desired. “It has given us the ability to track our expenses and revenues by each of our facilities, profit centers and funding sources without extra work from staff,” she said. Cornwell recommends that new users sign up for training on the modules and that they invest in technical support. “Also, take advantage of the demo company to see how the system works in situations you are unsure of,” she said. “This has been very beneficial to our implementation and success of using the software.”

EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY -- 5 Stars
In Version 10, Cougar Mountain’s FUND Suite maintains its easy-to-navigate user interface. A drop-down menu offers access to all installed modules, organization data, system security, user options, and window and Help files. Beneath the toolbar, you’ll find a series of colorful icons that provide one-click access to modules and frequently used functions such as the setup wizard.

Opening a module will update your menu bar to reflect the options available within that module. A comprehensive Help file is also available to aid new users. Data-entry screens are uncluttered and easily navigated, with lookup screens available when needed. When you open a module, your screen options will change to reflect the features available in that module.

MODULES/SCALABILITY -- 4.5 Stars
FUND Suite comes complete with GL, Bank Reconciliation, AP, Purchase Order, Payroll, Data Exchange and Report Writer modules. An entry-level version is also available that includes only the GL and Bank Reconciliation modules. Also available is the FUND Revenue Center, which contains AR, Inventory and Order Entry modules as well as an optional Point of Sale module. Cougar Mountain also offers add-on modules to increase your organization’s effectiveness, including an e-commerce function, credit card authorization and a GL Report Generator. All modules are designed to integrate with Cougar Mountain’s Accounting Software. This modular system means you can design and purchase the system you need today, and add on as circumstances and finances dictate. The SinglePoint feature offers immediate access to your data from anywhere with an Internet connection. The required User ID and Password means that you control who has access to what information at all times.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY -- 4.5 Stars
Cougar Mountain’s FUND Suite allows you to define your module preferences. When entering new accounts, you can use up to 45 characters and six separate account segments to differentiate between locations, fund types and departments. Funds can be allocated by percentage or dollar amount, and donations can be distributed to multiple funds. Accounts and vendor information can be added on the fly, and a three-year calendar provides the opportunity to forecast and budget in advance. FUND Suite allows you to work in multiple modules simultaneously, and data is easily imported into GL and AP modules from a variety of third-party software programs. Organizational expenses can be allocated to multiple GL accounts. The Payroll module lets you distribute payroll expenses to multiple locations and departments, and offers up to 12 user-defined fields to utilize according to your organization’s needs.

REPORTING -- 5 Stars
Numerous reporting options are available to FUND Suite users, including standard reporting options that will produce reports such as Budget Comparison Reports, an excellent Audit Trail Report, and the Comparative Revenue and Expense Report. You’ll also be able to print required reports such as the FASB 116 and 117. Cougar Mountain also offers special reports designed especially for chapters of the American Red Cross.