Accounting
2019 Review of Cougar Mountain Denali Accounting
Jul. 12, 2019
Denali Business Accounting Software
Cougar Mountain Software
From the July 2019 reviews of small business accounting systems.
Denali Business Accounting, from Cougar Mountain Software, is a good fit for small to mid-sized businesses looking for a scalable accounting application. Denali can be installed on-premise or users can access the application on the cloud. Denali is scalable, with three versions of the software available, or users can opt to purchase only the modules they need and add the rest if necessary.
Denali has updated their user interface with more subdued colors and a cleaner interface. The Controller module is a required module, with all system setup and user access created in the Controller module. The most comprehensive of the three product options, Denali Summit includes numerous modules including Controller, GL, Bank Reconciliation, AR, AP, Inventory, Order Entry, Crystal Reports, Purchase Order, Multi-Location Inventory, iVault Online Backup, and two hours of product training, support, and enrollment in Software Assurance.
Denali uses a batch system, with users able to process multiple batches simultaneously. Running the batch report prior to posting can help to ensure that all entries are accurate, though users will need to be sure and post any outstanding batches prior to running system reports. Along with the business application, Denali also offers a nonprofit version as well as Denali Payroll. An Inventory module is also included in Denali, which offers multiple pricing levels, as well as the ability to track inventory at multiple locations, and the Purchase Order module allows users to easily manage orders from the initial order process through product receipt and invoicing. Denali also supports multiple system users and also offers a variety of product add-ons designed to increase functionality.
Core Accounting Features – 5 Stars
Denali includes a default chart of accounts, with users able to customize as needed. A separate budget for each account number as well as each department can be created in the application. The product supports recurring journal entries, and the product can track multiple locations separately or consolidate information as desired. Denali’s AP module tracks vendor due dates, allows users to generate checks or pay vendors electronically, enter recurring bills, and track 1099 information for each vendor. Using the optional Denali e-Delivery module, statements and invoices can be emailed to customers. Users can also email purchase orders directly to vendors, as well as forward employee paystubs via secure email. The AR module supports an unlimited number of customers, and allows users to assign credit limits to customers, provide early payment discounts, easily track past due invoices, and apply a single payment to up to 250 invoices, and users have the ability to create custom invoices and statements for customers as well. Denali also tracks sales tax, with multiple tax rates supported. Denali also offers a payroll module, which can be purchased separately, but is included in the Summit bundle. The payroll module supports multi-state payroll, multiple companies, and includes direct deposit capability. An excellent point of sale module is also available in Denali, which is accessible through the Sales module, and offers complete customization capability for each user. Denali also includes excellent audit trail functionality that cannot be turned off, with the system tracking all user activity.
Relationship Management – 4.75 Stars
Users can easily track all customer and vendor activity in Denali, using the Vendor Master List, where users can access all vendors entered in the system, as well as details regarding each vendor. A complete vendor history is also available. Customer details are also managed in Denali, with a complete file available for each customer including credit limit, collection status, finance charges, YTD charges and transactions. Users can also manage employee details in Denali through the Payroll module, which offers the ability to track personal and professional data and includes user defined fields to track additional information if desired.
Cloud Capability – 4.75 Stars
Denali now offers complete cloud accounting capability, in a hosted environment, eliminating the need for extensive hardware or installation. Users can also pay vendor invoices via EFT or accept online payments from customers. Denali also offers an integrated e-commerce solution, as well as merchant services, which can both be purchased as an add-on application.
Management Features – 4.75 Stars
Denali offers a financial dashboard and a sales dashboard. Each dashboard is completely customizable, with users able to view the information they desire. Denali also includes more than 100 standard reports, with reports found in each installed module, including complete financial statements such as Trial Balance, Balance Sheet, and Income Statement. Cash Flow and Budget Performance reports are available in the application as well. All reports can be customized. Users can use the Crystal Reports add-on for more in-depth customization capability. Reports can also be exported Microsoft Excel if desired.
Tech Issues – 4.75 Stars
Denali is a completely integrated system, with users able to purchase the modules they need and add additional modules later. Modules can also be bundled, with users able to choose one of the three versions available. Solid import and export functionality is available, with users able to import data from other applications, as well as export data to Microsoft Excel and Crystal Reports. Denali also offers a long list of add-on modules that all integrate with the core application, including Denali BI, which offers advanced data analytics; Integrated eCommerce, which offers complete front/back office capability when selling products online, along with Fixed Assets, Specialty Shop, Denali eDelivery, and Barcode Labels. The product also integrates with third party applications, such as Aatrix Tax Service, TSheets, iVault Online Backups, Expensify, and Crystal Reports.
Denali includes excellent help functionality throughout the application, with users able to access help from any data entry screen. Additional help options such as a product knowledgebase are also available. Users can go to the support website to download product updates, access user guides and other documentation, and access available training options. Users can also subscribe to the Software Assurance plan, which provides access to all software updates, while providing discounts for training and services. Toll-free product support is available, with users able to request support via email as well.
Summary and Pricing
Best suited for small to mid-sized businesses, Denali Business Accounting offers three product versions; Basecamp, Ascent, and Summit, with each version offering additional modules. Users can also choose to build a system that better suits their needs, purchasing only the modules they need. Pricing starts at $1,800 for a single user system, with all add-on modules priced separately.