2007 Review of Not for Profit Accounting Systems
Overall Rating: 5 Stars — a perfect score

Built to meet the needs of both the nonprofit and the governmental sector, Sage MIP Fund Accounting continues to enhance its popular fund accounting software. Version 8 contains several new system modules that substantially increase the functionality of the software. And Version 9, due out this fall, is expected to focus on enhancing existing features and improving the user experience with a redesigned user interface and the introduction of payroll compliance forms and e-Filing.

EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY – 5 Stars The main Sage MIP Fund Accounting user interface contains a drop-down menu bar at the top of the screen that offers access to module maintenance, system transactions, frequently used activities, reports and user preferences. The Accounting System Navigator is a vertical list of all available modules and is located to the left of the user interface screen. Clicking on a module selection displays a series of icons in flowchart style, along with additional modular functions below.

The Report Manager function is located to the right of the flowchart. Frequently run reports can be saved here for easier processing. Help link2s relevant to the module are found at the bottom right side of the screen, and, like the report manager screen, it updates each time a different module is accessed.

Navigation is easy, with list display options and lookup fields found throughout. Within each module, users can open and subsequently click through numerous options simultaneously. The new Process Manager provides the ability to add menu link2s in any process flow order desired, allowing the user interface to be customized to suit an individual’s needs.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY – 5 Stars Sage MIP Fund Accounting features multi-segment account allocation capability with the flexibility to design the account structure needed. As previously noted, Sage MIP Fund Accounting Version 8.0 offers three new modules: Inventory Control, Sales Order Entry and Multicurrency. All modules are designed to integrate with the core modules and provide GAAP compliance throughout. New receiving functionality is also included in Version 8.0, which allows better order tracking and product receiving.

The Grant Administration module tracks all types of administrative grant information, including contact information, report due dates, award status indirect cost rate while being able to track payments and credits, and expenditures and budget tracking through the core General Ledger. The Allocations Management module allows users to automatically designate allocations or calculate allocations based on variable criteria, including fixed or dynamic percentages. The Encumbrances module allows users to reserve funds for any future expenses and administrative costs. And the Data Import/Export provides for the import of account codes, vendors, beginning balances, timekeeping data, point-of-sale information and cash receipts. Also, as previously noted, Version 9.0, which is due out in the fall, promises a new user interface and payroll compliance reporting and e-File capabilities.

REPORTING – 5 Stars Sage MIP Fund Accounting contains excellent reporting capability with more than 140 standard system reports available. The product includes FASB/GASB compliant reporting capability and easily produces FASB 117 and IRS Form 990 reports and forms. Reports can be run for multiple fiscal years, and report templates can be created and saved for future reporting. The integrated report writer makes customizing standard reports easy with no queries needed. The Accounts Receivable Reporting module tracks all donor and customer balances for easy follow-up when needed. And the Forms Designer lets users customize statements, invoices, and checks that may be sent to donors, customers or vendors.

SUPPORT/HELP – 5 Stars Sage MIP Fund Accounting offers the Gold ClientCare Maintenance and Support Plan. This includes unlimited telephone and e-mail support, along with access to the software Knowledgebase and free software updates released throughout the year. The system Help function is comprehensive and available for each of the modules. Sage MIP Fund Accounting also offers various training options, including onsite, online and classroom training.

RELATIVE VALUE – 5 Stars Sage MIP Fund Accounting provides all of the functionality that a nonprofit needs. Affordably priced for less than $3,000 for a single-user system, Sage MIP Fund Accounting is an excellent software choice for nonprofit organizations of all sizes, but it is particularly well suited for midsize nonprofits that are looking for a product that will grow along with them.