CheckMark Software — MultiLedger

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From the June/July 2007 Review of Small Business Accounting Systems

Now in its 21st year, the MultiLedger system is one of the few small business accounting systems that offers support for both PC and Mac operating systems, with traditional GL, AR, AP and inventory functions, along with reconciliation, budgeting, planning and cash flow tools, job tracking functions, strong security features, MICR printing capabilities and an optional add-on payroll system. MultiLedger can support multiple companies with one copy of the program. At $399 for a license that automatically supports up to 10 concurrent users, the program is one of the most affordable small business accounting packages on the market. Users of previous versions can upgrade for $149. The payroll program, which can run as a stand-alone, costs an additional $249 including federal and state withholding tables for the current year. Annual payroll updates sell for $125.

Ease of Use/Basic Functionality -- 4 Stars
MultiLedger sets up very quickly and requires little of the user’s computer, making this a good option for companies that may not have updated computers in a few years. The system opens to a unique, non-graphical primary screen called the Command Center, which provides three sections of buttons for virtually all of the core features of the program. By dividing primary tasks into categories for Set Up, Transactions and Reports, with 14 options within each group, users have very quick access to each of these tasks, depending upon their security access rights. Users can also access the functions through pull-down menus across the top of the screen.

Data-entry screens are also much less graphical than many programs, getting straight to the point with popup windows for invoices, receipts, payments, purchases and other tasks, which provide an additional popup window for selection of customers, vendors, accounts and other entry fields. Customer and vendor lists are available through the Setup menu with an alphabetized, unsortable list that displays general information and, for customer accounts, shows customer-specific credit limits, discounts, payment terms, sales tax rates (with up to four digits after the decimal), pricing levels and other data, including links to the customer’s website and an e-mail link for client communications that works with the user’s Outlook or other e-mail program.

Vendor account screens show tax ID, default account, terms, discounts and credit limits, along with 1099 information. Quotes and purchase orders can be easily converted to sales and payables transactions with the click of a button. And during transaction tasks, customer or vendor histories can be generated. The system also allows users to add an unlimited number of comment lines to transactions. MultiLedger includes template charts of accounts and a copying function when setting up a new company, but it provides limited direct assistance during setup tasks. Accessing most of the program’s features is generally very easy, and performing tasks is straightforward. Aside from setup tasks, the program should require little time with which to grow proficient.

Core Features/Expandability -- 3.5 Stars
The core components of MultiLedger include GL, payables, receivables, inventory and reporting functions, while the program also includes cash flow management tools and job cost tracking. MultiLedger also provides strong support for businesses with multiple profit centers and commissioned sales staff. Integrated online banking is not offered, but the reconciliation functions include the ability to manage multiple accounts quickly. New in the latest version of the program, companies can keep up to 30 months open for transaction posting.

The system’s inventory functionality supports average and weighted average costing methods and can handle multiple pricing levels, multiple tax rates, special pricing per item or customer, and commission tasks, while also allowing users to set minimum on-hand quantities.

Payroll functions are available through CheckMark Software’s payroll system, which can integrate into the accounting system to provide fairly comprehensive capabilities. These capabilities include four pay rates per employee plus overtime and double time, benefits accruals and deduction management, 401(k) with matching, and the ability to print forms W-2, W-3, 940 and 941. The form 1099 prints from MultiLedger. The payroll program also offers after-the-fact capabilities but does not include calendaring, to-do lists or advanced contact management functions.