CYMA Systems, Inc. — CYMA Not-For-Profit Edition

Article Tools

• Print This Article
• Email This Article to a Friend
• Save This Article
• Order a Reprint

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

CYMA Systems, Inc. has offered the nonprofit edition of its popular accounting software to midsize nonprofit organizations since 1980. With the addition of a Grant Tracking module, CYMA continues to provide value to both new and existing customers.

Carla Chumley is a financial analyst for the Stephen F. Austin University Alumni Association, an East Texas-based nonprofit educational group that maintains a database of 90,000 alumni members and friends. Three of the 10 office employees use CYMA. Chumley says they selected CYMA because they were already using CYMA’s DOS version. “We had to change everything over so we just went straight to the Windows version, and everything worked wonderfully.” Chumley uses five of CYMA’s modules, and she especially appreciates the bank reconciliation and AP modules. “CYMA is basically self-sufficient,” she says. “You’re just entering data, and that’s it.”

EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY -- 5 Stars
The main screen of CYMA contains a drop-down menu bar at the top of the screen that contains various program functions such as File, Maintain, Enter, Process and Report. The active module is displayed beneath the menu bar and can be changed by clicking on the arrow to the right, or under the File option. The current period is displayed next to the active module. Also found on the main screen is eDesk, which provides a variety of functions within CYMA, including links to web pages, a variety of financial reports, module-by-module tutorials, and a link to program updates. You can also customize your eDesk using HTML code. The Custom Data Designer allows you to create custom data fields by linking to master records such as employees, customers or vendors.

MODULES/SCALABILITY -- 4.5 Stars
Because CYMA Not-For-Profit is a modular based system, you can purchase only the modules you need. CYMA runs on Pervasive SQL Version 9.11 for up to five users, and uses the server version of Pervasive 9.11 for 10, 20, 50 or unlimited users. New in Version 8.5 is the optional Grant Tracking module. Designed around the National Association of State Auditors, Treasurers, and Controllers (NASACT) standards, the Grant Tracking module allows for the tracking of grants, funding sources and expenses. It also supports electronic submission of grant spreadsheet data. Along with the required System Manager module, CYMA offers optional AP, AR, Bank Reconciliation, GL, Inventory Control, Job Costing, Payroll, Purchase Order, and Sales Order modules. Also available is F9 Financial Reporter and Crystal Reports.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY -- 5 Stars
Version 8.5 includes many updates and enhancements, including the Quick Entry Payroll feature, an audit report that displays accounts with unmatched funds, and an updated bank reconciliation feature that allows you to download files directly from your bank. The Grant Tracking module provides CYMA users with greater flexibility, allowing users to track meetings, telephone calls or any activity related to each particular grant. The Financial Overview option provides a summary of all activity. Additional reporting options have also been added to provide better detail for each grant.

The account number format in CYMA uses up to 24 alphanumeric characters and up to 10 segments. This flexibility allows better expense and revenue tracking. CYMA also includes pre-formatted templates for nonprofit categories such as Humane Society, Religious, Educational and Library. All templates are completely customizable to better reflect the needs of your organization. Three data-entry methods can be used: Standard, Keypad or Speed Entry. A browser feature is also found throughout CYMA, which allows quick file lookup. CYMA tracks funds using three criteria: Unrestricted, Temporarily Restricted and Permanently Restricted. Automatic offsets can be set up for each fund being administrated. Checks can be processed using standard check stock or a MICR Check Package can be purchased to print checks directly on plain paper.

REPORTING -- 5 Stars
With the availability of both Crystal Reports and F9 Financial Reporting, reporting options are numerous. FASB-compliant financial statements can be produced with Crystal Reports. Grant Reports include entry listings, ledgers, miscellaneous reports, financial reports and grant profile reports. All reports can be displayed on-screen, printed, saved to a file, or exported to *.PDF, Excel, Word, HTML or several other formats.