From the September 2005 Review of Sales
& Use Tax Software
PC Software Accounting Inc. formally released its native-mode Windows version
of the Client Write Up System in May of 1997, after having provided a DOS Client
Write Up System for many years previously. Client Write Up consists of GL, after-the-fact
payroll, bank reconciliation and financial reporting. The program has the ability
to convert data from many other vendors’ write-up systems — a real
plus for a quick start to setup. Barbara Butterfield of Hargrave & Freeman,
P.C. (www.hargravefreemanpc.com),
says her firm has been with PC Software since the early 1990s when it offered
its DOS product. “The features offered within this Windows software meet
our firm’s accounting and presentation requirements, and we found there
was no need to change.” The 15-employee firm is located in the south metro
area of Atlanta, Ga.
LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE — 4.5 Stars
Setup is logical and driven by menus and sub-menus. Data entry is quick and
heads-down. Entry screens are comprehensive, allowing the user freedom in data
entry with smart lookup and auto-balancing features available to assist in lookup
or account creation on the fly.
REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — 4 Stars
Financial reports are automatically generated by the system based upon imbedded
heading accounts and answers to questions provided by the user during client
setup such as, “What type of entity is this?” (The company noted
that this makes producing financial statements extremely quick and easy while
retaining the flexibility to handle different accounting situations.) A custom
statement feature is also provided, which works in conjunction with the automatic
setup, allowing the quick preparation of such statements as side-by-side income
statements for multiple stores. A financial report writer is also included that
allows the user to do “one of a kind” reports, such as ratios and
graphs or very unusual income statements.
INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT & PRODUCTION PROCESSING — 4 Stars
The Windows Computer Checkbook, a 32-bit Windows product, is a companion to
Client Write Up, and can be supplied to clients for their use. Checkbook can
handle regular, payroll and payable transactions. Client information is accumulated
and can be exported to Client Write Up, allowing for increased practitioner
write-up efficiency. Windows Checkbook supports MICR and direct deposit of employee
payroll checkwriting.
Alternatively, Checkbook can be used as a data-entry template or to serve
clients in a “service bureau like” capacity. A highly customized
tax export feature is available to TaxWise users with whom P.C Software has
a special, cooperative relationship. Import is available from Checkbook, Quicken
and QuickBooks. As well, Client Write Up supports generic data import through
Excel. The company noted that it supports HTML and Adobe *.PDF output files
for reports, allowing users to export to programs like Excel and Microsoft Word
as well as send e-mail reports to clients.
SCALABILITY & PORTABILITY — 3.5 Stars
Windows is the future of computing, and Client Write Up was re-written to take
full advantage of the 32-bit Windows environment and functionality. That said,
the user manual instructs network users that “systems be installed on
the local drive C of the computer and the network drive. Following this recommendation
leads to faster and easier operation with fewer network problems. Only the system
needs to be loaded on each workstation.” Thus, updates need to be posted
to each workstation. Why can’t workstations simply grab the server-located
executable files and bring them across the wire to run locally? The system is
also capable of being installed only on the server for large users in conjunction
with the Citrix and Linux operating systems.
SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP SYSTEM — 4 Stars
Screen-sensitive help is available. Written documentation is also available
in user manuals for Client Write Up and Checkbook. Hands-on training is available,
as well. Butterfield noted that the company has excellent support staff and
says they “are ever improving their product to meet the needs of the end
user.”
2005 Overall Rating — 4 Stars
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