Cougar Mountain Software — Cougar Mountain Professional Accounting

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From the Sept. 2007 Review of Mid-Range Accounting Systems

The latest version of Cougar Mountain Professional Accounting (Version 12) is due to be released by the time this issue goes to press. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, Cougar Mountain offers a modular program that you can add to as needed. Cougar Mountain also offers industry-specific modules such as a Job Cost module for construction and contracting companies and light manufacturing, and a Point-of Sale module for retailers.

Ease of Use/Transaction Entry -- 5 Stars
Navigation is easy, with a drop-down menu bar at the top of the main screen. Directly below the menu bar is a series of icons that provides access to all available modules. Cougar Mountain Professional Accounting allows users to enter and maintain multiple companies simultaneously, easily track accounts receivable balances, and process orders from a single screen. Company setup is simplified by the use of pre-defined account number templates that can be used, or users can create their own. Setup wizards make system setup even easier.

Data-entry screens are designed logically, with the ability to enter different levels of information from one screen. Consistency is also found throughout the data-entry screens, with lookup and Help functions available in each module. Customization capability allows users to make good use of user-defined fields to track information important to their particular company.

Modules & Notable Features -- 5 Stars
The Cougar Mountain Professional Accounting core system consists of GL, AR, AP, Inventory and Order Entry modules. The Data Exchange module is also included. Multiple add-on modules are also available, including Job Cost, Payroll, Bank Reconciliation, and the GL Report Generator. Also available is the CRM Bridge to ACT!, which enables easy integration with that customer relationship management software. The PDF-eXplode e-Doc Generator creates invoices, purchase orders and financial statements electronically, which enables easy delivery of such documents via e-mail. Version 12 also works hand-in-hand with Aatrix e-File service in case companies want to file their W-2s or other state and federal taxes electronically. One highlight is the ability to “blast” dozens of e-mails at once so a user doesn’t have to sit and enter each address. By creating a register of names and addresses, it can be selected as a group, and each address will receive the same document as the others.

As mentioned earlier, Version 12 of Cougar Mountain contains multiple system enhancements, including enhanced reporting capabilities in several system modules, additional GL report groups, and the ability to monitor business status by using the new Financial Analysis Report. Another new feature is the Snapshot Reports, which provides quick reports for certain specified data. The most notable feature of Snapshots is its ability to generate the data into graph form to make the information easier for users to understand.

Users can set up flexible payment terms for vendors and post payments and adjustments from the same entry screen. The program also allows customer payment types and credit limits when needed along with the ability to print personalized messages when desired. The Inventory module stores product images, allows for up to five pricing levels and tracks product serial numbers.

Integration/Import/Export -- 5 Stars
Cougar Mountain Professional Accounting is a modular system, with all modules and add-ons working together seamlessly. The Data Exchange module, which is included in the core accounting package, allows easy data import and export. Multiple file formats make it easy to import and export data using a multitude of file formats, including FoxPro, Paradox, Excel, Lotus 123, dBase lll, Access and ASCII.

Reporting -- 5 Stars
Cougar Mountain Professional Accounting offers solid reporting capabilities that were enhanced with the release of Version 12. Along with solid reporting capabilities in each module, more specialty reports have been added in each module. Queries can now be set up for additional reports, and additional information fields have been added to various reports. Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Audit Trail reports have also been improved. The R&R Report Writer, which is included with the program, allows customization of financial reports, invoices, checks and purchase orders. Version 12 includes an upgrade to Report Writer “Infinity” — the latest version. The GL Report Generator (optional) provides data-mining capability and allows for the creation of custom report templates and scheduled reports for printing when needed. Reports can also be exported to spreadsheet programs.

Support/Training/Help System -- 5 Stars